VT machining provides CNC Centerless Grinding 304 Stainless Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable 304 Stainless Steel components. The machinability of 304 Stainless Steel is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing, so we set the operation up specifically for this grade.
CNC Centerless Grinding Capability for 304 Stainless Steel
- Austenitic/martensitic grades
- Corrosion resistant
- Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
- Typical hardness 70–200 HB (annealed)
304 Stainless Steel Material Data
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 515 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 205 MPa |
| Hardness | 170 HB |
| Melting point | 1400–1450 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.3 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 2.4% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 45% |
| Grades we run | 303, 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 410, 416, 420, 17-4PH, 2205 duplex |
Published typical values for 304. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
It work-hardens the moment a tool dwells. Constant feed and positive-rake tooling; a rubbing pass leaves a glazed skin the next tool cannot get through.
Machining 304 Stainless Steel with CNC Centerless Grinding
304 Stainless Steel behaves predictably under CNC Centerless Grinding once parameters are dialled in: machinability is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing, and we tune the operation accordingly.
We hold reference parameters for this grade, so repeat orders of 304 Stainless Steel run consistently from one batch to the next.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Centerless Grinding 304 Stainless Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Size (OD, ID, thickness) | ±0.005 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Parallelism | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Roundness | 0.005 mm | 0.002 mm |
| Squareness | 0.010 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 µm | Ra 0.1 µm |
| Workpiece hardness | up to 62 HRC | up to 65 HRC |
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.
CNC Centerless Grinding Quality & Inspection
We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every 304 Stainless Steel part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished 304 Stainless Steel parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.
Why 304 Stainless Steel?
304 Stainless Steel is chosen when a part needs what this grade offers — it is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic. We confirm the grade and any temper or heat-treat condition with you before machining.
Design Tips for CNC Centerless Grinding 304 Stainless Steel
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on 304 Stainless Steel efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Centerless Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground 304 Stainless Steel reaches single-micron tolerances on size, flatness and parallelism, with surface finishes down to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm — and a near-mirror finish on suitable alloys.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
Applications of CNC Centerless Grinding 304 Stainless Steel
Customers order CNC Centerless Grinding 304 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.
How to Order CNC Centerless Grinding 304 Stainless Steel
Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.
Finishing Options for 304 Stainless Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Citric passivation | — | ASTM A967 / AMS 2700, removes free iron |
| Electropolish | 5–25 µm removed | Ra improves by roughly half, hygienic surface |
| Brushed / grained | Ra 0.4–1.6 µm | No. 4 finish, directional |
| PVD coating | 2–5 µm | TiN, TiCN for wear surfaces |
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
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 Centerless Grinding 304 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 304 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.
304 Stainless Steel in Other Processes
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Send the drawing, the 304 Stainless Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Centerless Grinding on 304 Stainless Steel?
Machined 304 Stainless Steel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Why is 304 Stainless Steel a good choice for CNC Centerless Grinding?
304 Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic, which makes it well suited to CNC Centerless Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished 304 Stainless Steel grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Can VT machining make custom 304 Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. 304 Stainless Steel 304 Stainless Steel grinding 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 surface finish is achievable on 304 Stainless Steel with CNC Centerless Grinding?
Grinding can take 304 Stainless Steel to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Centerless Grinding 304 Stainless Steel?
CNC Centerless Grinding prototypes for 304 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.