CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel

VT machining provides CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable 303 Stainless Steel components. The machinability of 303 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 EDM Drilling Capability for 303 Stainless Steel

  • Austenitic/martensitic grades
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
  • Typical hardness 70–200 HB (annealed)

303 Stainless Steel Material Data

303 Stainless Steel — typical properties, quoted for 304
Density8.00 g/cm³
Tensile strength515 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)205 MPa
Hardness170 HB
Melting point1400–1450 °C
Thermal conductivity16.2 W/m·K
Thermal expansion17.3 ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity2.4%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)45%
Grades we run303, 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.

Machining 303 Stainless Steel — what actually causes trouble

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 303 Stainless Steel with CNC EDM Drilling

The machinability of 303 Stainless Steel is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing. For CNC EDM Drilling we select tooling, feeds, speeds and coolant to match, keeping the 303 Stainless Steel workpiece stable and the result accurate.

Because we machine 303 Stainless Steel regularly, proven settings shorten setup and keep quality repeatable across reorders.

Achievable Tolerances for CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel

CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Profile dimension±0.010 mm±0.002 mm
Internal corner radius0.15 mm0.05 mm
Taper control over 50 mm0.02 mm0.005 mm
Surface finish (skim passes)Ra 0.8 µmRa 0.2 µm
Recast layer10 µm2 µm (fine skim)
Start-hole diameter1.0 mm0.25 mm
Workpiece hardnessno limit (conductive)no limit (conductive)

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 EDM Drilling Quality & Inspection

Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on 303 Stainless Steel parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.

CNC EDM Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish

EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the 303 Stainless Steel part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.

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 EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel

A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened 303 Stainless Steel that cannot be milled; allowing a small corner radius where possible speeds the cut. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

We complete 303 Stainless Steel components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.

Why 303 Stainless Steel?

Specifying 303 Stainless Steel for CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel is usually about its properties: corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic. Tell us the condition you need and we machine to it.

Applications of CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel

CNC EDM Drilling of 303 Stainless Steel supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.

How to Order CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel

Ordering 303 Stainless Steel parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.

Finishing Options for 303 Stainless Steel

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Citric passivationASTM A967 / AMS 2700, removes free iron
Electropolish5–25 µm removedRa improves by roughly half, hygienic surface
Brushed / grainedRa 0.4–1.6 µmNo. 4 finish, directional
PVD coating2–5 µmTiN, TiCN for wear surfaces
Deburr / edge break0.05–0.3 mmAll parts unless the drawing says otherwise
Bead blastRa 1.6–3.2 µmUniform matt finish, hides tool marks
Laser markingPart number, lot code, data matrix
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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.

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What We Need to Quote CNC EDM Drilling 303 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 303 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.

303 Stainless Steel in Other Processes

Related

Send the drawing, the 303 Stainless Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you EDM-machine hardened 303 Stainless Steel?

Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult 303 Stainless Steel can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.

Can VT machining make custom 303 Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?

Yes. 303 Stainless Steel 303 Stainless Steel EDM 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.

Which industries use CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel parts?

CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise 303 Stainless Steel components are required.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel?

Achievable tolerances for 303 Stainless Steel EDM machining depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. EDM holds tolerances to around ±0.002 mm with no cutting force on the part. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel?

CNC EDM Drilling prototypes for 303 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.

Does CNC EDM Drilling 303 Stainless Steel require dedicated tooling?

Wire EDM needs no shaped tooling; sinker EDM uses a shaped electrode we produce in-house for your cavity.