CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled machining with material-aware setup for Stainless Steel — an alloy that is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades) — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Starting Parameters for CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 90-165 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed per tooth | 0.028-0.088 mm |
| Spindle speed, Ø8 mm end mill | 3580-6570 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO M — positive-rake PVD/CVD carbide |
| Coolant | Flood emulsion (8-10%) or high-pressure coolant |
| Thermal growth, 300 mm part, +3 °C | 14.9 µm (CTE 16.5 µm/m·K) |
Shown for 304 Stainless Steel, the most common Stainless Steel grade we see for CNC 5-Axis Machining. Starting values for 304 Stainless Steel, Annealed; optimised on the first article.
CNC 5-Axis Machining Capability for Stainless Steel
- Simultaneous 5-axis
- Single-setup complex geometry
- True-position to ±0.01 mm
- Impellers, manifolds, blades
Stainless Steel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Milling Stainless Steel page.
How CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel Works
Rotating multi-flute cutters remove material as the Stainless Steel workpiece is driven through programmed tool paths on 3-, 4- or 5-axis machining centres. Climb milling, step-over and depth-of-cut are set so chip load stays in the ideal band for the alloy.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimension (< 100 mm) | ±0.05 mm | ±0.010 mm |
| Linear dimension (100–300 mm) | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Hole diameter (reamed) | H9 | H7 |
| True position of hole pattern | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.05 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Perpendicularity | 0.10 mm | 0.020 mm |
| Surface finish, as machined | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Generous internal radii, sensible pocket depth-to-width ratios and avoiding very thin unsupported walls all reduce cost and improve accuracy in Stainless Steel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC 5-Axis Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish
For CNC 5-Axis Machining, dimensional and positional tolerances around ±0.01 mm are routine, tightening toward ±0.005 mm on precision setups. Surface finish on machined faces typically falls in the Ra 0.4–1.6 µm range depending on tooling and pass strategy.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Applications of CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel
Customers order CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Stainless Steel Parts for CNC 5-Axis Machining
Illustrative examples of CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Optical mount plate
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 160 × 160 × 12 mm
- Key callouts
- Hole pattern true position ±0.02 mm, flatness 0.01 mm
- Batch
- 40 pcs
Roughed, stress-relieved overnight, then finished — the plate is too thin to hold flatness in one hit.
Vacuum chamber flange
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- Ø180 × 20 mm
- Key callouts
- Knife-edge seal Ra 0.4 µm, bolt circle ±0.05 mm
- Batch
- 60 pcs
Sealing face finished last, then handled in gloves and bagged straight off the machine.
Robot end-effector bracket
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 180 × 90 × 30 mm
- Key callouts
- Bore pair concentric within 0.02 mm, weight reduction pockets
- Batch
- 120 pcs
Pockets ganged so wall thickness never drops below 2 mm at the load path.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Stainless Steel grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC 5-Axis Machining
Other Processes for Stainless Steel
Send the drawing, the Stainless Steel grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on Stainless Steel with CNC 5-Axis Machining?
Surface finish on Stainless Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Why is Stainless Steel a good choice for CNC 5-Axis Machining?
Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades), which makes it well suited to CNC 5-Axis Machining. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Stainless Steel machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC 5-Axis Machining on Stainless Steel?
Machined Stainless Steel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Can VT machining make custom Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. Stainless Steel machining is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC 5-Axis Machining Stainless Steel?
CNC 5-Axis Machining prototypes for Stainless Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.