Looking for reliable CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel? VT machining manufactures Stainless Steel parts to tight tolerances and consistent quality. Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades), so the process is set up specifically for the material.
Process Data for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel
| Wheel (supply condition) | Aluminium oxide (white/ceramic), soft grade |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.01-0.03 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.2-0.4 µm |
| Typical size tolerance | Ø ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.001-0.002 mm |
| Diameter growth, Ø50 mm, +3 °C | 2.5 µm |
| Work speed | 15-30 m/min (between centres) |
Shown for 304 Stainless Steel, the most common Stainless Steel grade we see for CNC Cylindrical Grinding. Typical values for 304 Stainless Steel, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Capability for Stainless Steel
- Roundness within 0.002 mm
- OD tolerance ±0.002 mm
- Ra to 0.2 µm
- Between-centers work
Stainless Steel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Surface Grinding Stainless Steel page.
How CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Stainless Steel part. Wheel specification, dressing interval, infeed and coolant are matched to the alloy's hardness so the surface is not burned or left with residual stress.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Cylindrical Grinding 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 Cylindrical Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground 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.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Design Tips for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Stainless Steel efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Stainless Steel Parts for CNC Cylindrical Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Cylindrical Grinding 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.
Lapping plate
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 300 × 300 × 30 mm
- Key callouts
- Flatness 0.005 mm over the full face
- Batch
- 20 pcs
Ground, stress-relieved, ground again — one pass will not hold flatness on this area.
Punch tool
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- Ø10 × 60 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.1 µm
- Batch
- 300 pcs
Cylindrical ground after hardening to 60 HRC — machining soft would not hold the size.
Gauge block set
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 50 × 30 × 10 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.002 mm, flatness 0.002 mm, parallelism 0.002 mm
- Batch
- 200 pcs
Ground wet in one chucking, then left to normalise before final inspection at 20 °C.
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 Cylindrical Grinding 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 Cylindrical Grinding
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 Cylindrical Grinding?
Grinding can take Stainless Steel to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.
Can VT machining make custom Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. 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.
Which industries use CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel parts?
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Stainless Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Stainless Steel components are required.
Why is Stainless Steel a good choice for CNC Cylindrical Grinding?
Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades), which makes it well suited to CNC Cylindrical Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Stainless Steel grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.