Steel CNC Machining Service

Your Partner for High-Strength Steel Components. We deliver superior durability, hardness, and wear resistance by precision machining an extensive range of steel grades. Our optimized processes guarantee reliable dimensional control and the surface finishes necessary for critical components used in heavy machinery, automotive transmission, and industrial infrastructure.
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Electroless nickel plated turbine blade, showcasing uniform coating and high corrosion resistance.
High-precision CNC turned steel stepped drive shaft with threading and smooth surface finish.

Steel CNC Machining

Steel CNC machining delivers exceptional strength, hardness, and wear resistance for high-load applications. By utilizing advanced cutting tools on various steel grades, we ensure precise dimensional control and superior surface finishes. This process is ideal for manufacturing rugged components used in heavy machinery, automotive transmission, and industrial infrastructure.
Price: Inquire
Lead Time: Within 7-15 Days
Wall Thickness: 0.8 mm
Tolerance: ±0.01 mm (±0.0004 in)
Max Part Size: 200 × 80 × 100 mm
MinHe Available Steel Grades: 1018, 1045, 12L14, 4140, 4130, 8620, A36, Stainless 303, 304, 316, 17-4PH

AISI 1018 Steel (Mild Steel)

As the most widely used cold-finished low-carbon steel, 1018 is renowned for its excellent weldability and formability. It offers a smooth surface finish and superior machinability compared to other low-carbon grades. We machine 1018 into cost-effective components like mounting plates, fixtures, pins, and rods suitable for applications where high core strength is not required but surface hardness can be achieved through carburizing.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
370 220 15 126 7.87

AISI 1045 (Medium Carbon Steel)

A higher carbon content makes 1045 significantly stronger and harder than low-carbon grades. It responds exceptionally well to heat treatment, offering an excellent balance of high strength and wear resistance. We utilize this grade to manufacture high-stress mechanical parts such as gears, shafts, axles, bolts, and studs for automotive and industrial applications requiring superior durability.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
310 - 530 280 - 320 12 - 20 163 - 217 7.87

AISI 12L14 (Free-Machining Steel)

Known for having the fastest machining speeds of any commercial steel, 12L14 contains lead and sulfur to break chips easily. It delivers a superior smooth surface finish and tight dimensional accuracy. We highly recommend this grade for high-volume production of complex parts like bushings, inserts, couplings, and hydraulic fittings where structural strength is secondary to production efficiency.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
415 230 10 121 7.87

AISI 4140 (Chrome-Moly Alloy Steel)

As a versatile low-alloy steel containing chromium and molybdenum, 4140 is prized for its exceptional toughness, high fatigue strength, and abrasion resistance. It can be heat-treated to achieve a wide range of hardness levels. We recommend 4140 for heavy-duty components that must withstand high stress and impact, such as crankshafts, couplings, high-pressure valves, and aerospace parts.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
415 - 965 400 - 500 12 - 25 197 - 310 7.85

AISI 304 (Stainless Steel)

As the most versatile and widely used austenitic stainless steel, 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance against various chemical and atmospheric exposures. It combines good machinability with high durability. This grade is the standard choice for components in sanitary environments, such as food processing equipment, medical devices, kitchen hardware, and chemical containers.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
215 240 50 170 8.00

AISI 316 (Stainless Steel)

Enhanced with molybdenum, 316 provides superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and industrial solvents. It is the preferred choice for harsh environments where 304 might fail. We strictly control surface finish to maximize its hygiene and durability properties. Ideal for marine hardware, pharmaceutical equipment, chemical valves, and medical implants.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
205 260 40 149 8.00

17-4 PH (Stainless Steel)

17-4 PH is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel that bridges the gap between stainless and engineering alloy steels. It offers high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance comparable to 304. We can machine it in the annealed state and then heat-treat it to achieve exceptional mechanical properties. It is widely used for aerospace fittings, turbine blades, pump shafts, and petrochemical components.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Fatigue Strength (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Brinell) Density (g/cm³)
700 - 1170 450 - 550 10 - 15 277 - 388 7.75

Steel CNC Components

5-axis CNC machined stainless steel turbine blade with complex airfoil geometry

Stainless Steel Turbine Blade

Custom CNC turned steel transmission hub with chamfered flange holes

Steel Transmission Hub

Precision machined steel hydraulic pump flange block with O-ring groove

Hydraulic Pump Flange

CNC turned stainless steel fluid fitting with diamond knurling and threads

Stainless Steel Fluid Fitting

Precision ground hardened steel drive shaft with helical splines and keyway

Hardened Drive Shaft

Heavy-duty CNC milled carbon steel L-bracket with reinforcement ribs and black oxide finish

Heavy-Duty Mounting Bracket

Surface Finishes for Steel Components

Selecting the right surface finish is critical to preventing rust and maximizing the durability of steel parts. Unlike aluminum, steel requires active protection against corrosion and wear. We provide a full spectrum of finishing services—including Zinc Plating, Black Oxide, Nickel Plating, and Heat Treatment—to ensure your components withstand harsh environments while meeting strict aesthetic and functional requirements.

Two steel fluid fittings with clear and yellow zinc plating, emphasizing threading and knurling details.

Zinc Plating (Clear & Yellow)

This is the standard sacrificial coating for steel, providing excellent, cost-effective corrosion resistance. It enhances durability without significantly impacting component thickness. Available in clear (blue), yellow (iridescent), and black chromate finishes, ideal for fasteners and general industrial parts.

Black oxide finished steel hydraulic flange, zero dimensional change

Black Oxide (Conventional & Cold)

A chemical conversion process that imparts a sleek, matte black finish. It offers mild rust protection and dramatically reduces light reflection. Crucially, it adds virtually zero thickness, making it ideal for precision-fitting parts and internal assemblies.

Electroless nickel plated turbine blade, uniform high corrosion resistance

Electroless Nickel Plating (EN)

Provides a superior hard and uniform finish without external electricity. EN ensures the highest corrosion resistance, exceptional wear resistance, and precise coating thickness, even on complex internal geometries, making it critical for demanding environments.

Case hardened high-strength steel transmission hub, displaying dark metallic sheen and high surface hardness.

Case Hardening (Carburizing & Nitriding)

These essential thermal processes are used to significantly increase the surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength of steel components like gears, shafts, and pins. They work by diffusing carbon or nitrogen into the material surface, while ensuring the underlying core remains tough and durable.

Pros and Cons of Steel Machining

Steel stands as the essential material for high-strength structural and mechanical components, prized for its exceptional durability, hardness, and thermal stability. Understanding its core characteristics—both the inherent advantages it offers for heavy-duty applications and the challenges presented by its lower machinability and susceptibility to rust—is crucial for successful product development and cost-effective manufacturing.

Pros

  • High Strength & Durability: Steel provides the highest mechanical strength, tensile strength, and toughness among common CNC materials, making it essential for load-bearing and critical components.
  • Exceptional Hardness: Naturally harder than most materials, steel can be significantly enhanced through case hardening (carburizing or nitriding) to achieve superior wear resistance.
  • Versatility and Grade Availability: An extensive range of alloy and stainless steel grades are available, offering specific properties like corrosion resistance (Stainless 304/316) or weldability.
  • Cost-Effective Performance: Offers an excellent performance-to-cost ratio for structural and non-critical applications, balancing high performance with budget-friendly options (e.g., 1018).
  • Thermal Stability: Steel components maintain dimensional stability over a wide range of operating temperatures, unlike some softer metals prone to creep or expansion.

Cons

  • Poor Machinability: Due to high hardness, machining requires slower speeds, lower feed rates, and causes rapid tool wear compared to softer materials like aluminum.
  • High Susceptibility to Rust: Carbon and alloy steels are highly susceptible to rust and oxidation, requiring immediate protective surface treatments (like plating or painting) after machining.
  • High Density/Weight: Steel is significantly heavier (higher density) than aluminum or titanium, making it unsuitable for applications where weight reduction is a primary concern (e.g., specialized aerospace parts).
  • Lower Thermal Conductivity: Steel transmits heat less efficiently than materials like copper or aluminum, which can be a drawback for components used in heat dissipation or electronic assemblies.
  • Stress and Distortion: Steel is prone to generating significant heat and internal stress during the machining process, requiring careful cooling and tooling to avoid warping and maintain tight tolerances.

Applications of Steel Components

Steel components are indispensable across demanding industrial sectors due to their inherent strength, superior durability, and resistance to impact. They are the material of choice for critical applications requiring maximum stability, load-bearing capacity, and long-term reliability in harsh operating environments.

  • Heavy Industry & Infrastructure: Used extensively in construction equipment, mining machinery, and rail systems for high load-bearing capacity, axles, pins, and structural supports where failure is not an option.
  • Automotive Drivetrain & Transmission: Essential for gears, shafts, axles, and highly stressed suspension parts where durability, fatigue strength, and impact resistance are paramount for vehicle performance.
  • High-Pressure Fluid Systems: Required for manifolds, high-pressure valves, fittings, and robust flanges in oil & gas, chemical processing, and hydraulic systems due to steel's superior strength and ability to maintain sealing integrity.
  • Tooling & Manufacturing Equipment: Indispensable for molds, dies, fixtures, and jigs in the manufacturing floor, relying on steel's high hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability.
  • Marine & Medical (Stainless Grades): Selected for surgical instruments, marine hardware, and chemical processing equipment due to the corrosion resistance and hygienic properties of stainless steel grades (304/316).
Group of CNC machined steel components: gear, flange, structural bracket, and drive shafts.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which steel grade is most commonly requested by US/EU clients for machining?

A: The most frequently requested grades are AISI 1018 (for cost-effective, easily weldable components), AISI 4140 (for high-strength, heat-treatable parts), and Stainless Steel 304 (for general corrosion resistance).

Q: What are the typical tightest tolerances you can hold on steel parts?

A: While tolerances vary by size and geometry, we routinely hold tolerances of ±0.01mm (±0.0004 in) or better on critical dimensions by implementing high-rigidity machines and specialized tooling to counteract material hardness.

Q: We need a steel part that is protected against rust and offers increased wear resistance. What finish do you recommend?

A: We recommend Electroless Nickel Plating (EN) for superior chemical corrosion and wear resistance. For an aesthetic, zero-thickness option that reduces reflection, we recommend Black Oxide.

Q: How do you ensure optimal wear resistance for high-stress steel components like shafts and gears?

A: For components requiring a hard surface and a tough core, we utilize specialized Case Hardening processes (Carburizing or Nitriding) followed by precision grinding to maximize surface hardness and fatigue life.