CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel from VT machining delivers precision Stainless Steel parts produced to your exact drawing. Fast-hole EDM drilling produces small, deep holes in hard metals, including starter holes for wire EDM, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Stainless Steel, which is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades).
CNC EDM Drilling Capability for Stainless Steel
- Ø0.2–3 mm holes
- Deep aspect ratios
- Hardened-metal drilling
- Angled hole capability
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.
How CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel Works
Material is removed from the Stainless Steel workpiece by controlled electrical discharges across a dielectric gap, with no mechanical contact. Flushing, on/off pulse timing and electrode/wire feed are set to balance speed against surface finish.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Profile dimension | ±0.010 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Internal corner radius | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Taper control over 50 mm | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish (skim passes) | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.2 µm |
| Recast layer | 10 µm | 2 µm (fine skim) |
| Start-hole diameter | 1.0 mm | 0.25 mm |
| Workpiece hardness | no 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.
Design Tips for CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened 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.
CNC EDM Drilling Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete 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.
Working with Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel offers a useful combination of properties: it is corrosion resistant, strong, hygienic (304/316 grades). Those characteristics shape how we approach EDM — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.
If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.
CNC EDM Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Stainless Steel part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
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 EDM Drilling Stainless Steel
CNC EDM Drilling of 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 Stainless Steel
Ordering 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.
Parts We Have Run in Stainless Steel
Three representative CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Carbide punch
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- Ø6 × 45 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.003 mm, sharp form retained
- Batch
- 250 pcs
Carbide is EDM or grind only; there is no milling route.
Micro slot in nozzle
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 0.15 mm wide × 6 mm deep
- Key callouts
- Width ±0.003 mm
- Batch
- 400 pcs
Cut with 0.1 mm wire; the start hole is EDM-drilled at Ø0.3 mm.
Turbine blade fir-tree root
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 40 × 25 mm section
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.008 mm
- Batch
- 120 pcs
Held on a dedicated fixture so every blade in the set indexes identically.
Finishing Options for 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 EDM Drilling 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 EDM Drilling
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 tolerances can you hold for CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel?
Achievable tolerances for 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 Stainless Steel?
CNC EDM Drilling 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.
Which industries use CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel parts?
CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Stainless Steel components are required.
What surface finish is achievable on Stainless Steel with CNC EDM Drilling?
Surface finish on Stainless Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Can VT machining make custom Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. Stainless Steel 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.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC EDM Drilling Stainless Steel?
We machine Stainless Steel across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.