Stainless Steel Machining Calculator

Calculate optimal CNC machining parameters for stainless steel grades (304, 316, 321, 430, duplex) with work hardening prevention, tool selection, and coolant recommendations for South African manufacturing.

Critical: Maintaining proper chip load prevents work hardening in austenitic stainless steel

Company Information

Stainless Steel Grade & Properties

Family:Austenitic
Hardness:180 HB
Machinability:45%
Work Hardening:Very High
Applications:Food processing, pharmaceutical, general fabrication

Tool Selection & Operation

High-temperature resistance, best for stainless

Maximum material removal (avoid work hardening)

Recommended: ≤ 1× diameter for stainless

Width of cut

Required for stainless - high volume flood coolant

Machine Specifications

Stainless requires rigid machines

Lower RPM typical for stainless

📊 Stainless Steel Grades Quick Reference

GradeFamilyHardnessMachinabilitySpeed (m/min)Work Hardening
304 Austenitic (18/8)Austenitic180 HB45%60Very High
316 Austenitic (Marine)Austenitic190 HB40%55Very High
321 Austenitic (Stabilized)Austenitic185 HB42%58Very High
410 MartensiticMartensitic200 HB55%70Moderate
420 Martensitic (High Carbon)Martensitic220 HB50%65Moderate
430 FerriticFerritic170 HB65%90Low
2205 Duplex (Super Duplex)Duplex290 HB35%50High
17-4 PH (Precipitation Hardening)Precipitation Hardening350 HB30%40High