VT machining specialises in CNC Gear Cutting 304L Stainless Steel. Because 304L Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic, and its machinability is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing, we plan each job around the grade to protect accuracy and surface quality.
CNC Gear Cutting Capability for 304L Stainless Steel
- Austenitic/martensitic grades
- Corrosion resistant
- Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
- Typical hardness 70–200 HB (annealed)
304L 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 304L Stainless Steel with CNC Gear Cutting
When gear cutting 304L Stainless Steel, machinability is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.
Documented parameters for 304L Stainless Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Gear Cutting 304L Stainless Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy class | DIN 8 / AGMA 10 | DIN 6 / AGMA 12 |
| Profile deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Lead deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Pitch deviation (cumulative) | 0.040 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Runout | 0.030 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Tooth surface finish | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm (ground) |
| Module range | m0.5–m8 | m1–m6 |
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.
Why 304L Stainless Steel?
Customers select 304L Stainless Steel for CNC Gear Cutting because it is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
Design Tips for CNC Gear Cutting 304L Stainless Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Providing complete gear data (module, pressure angle, profile shift, quality class) lets us produce 304L Stainless Steel gears right the first time. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Gear Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Gear features are produced to a specified DIN/AGMA accuracy class, with profile and lead controlled for quiet, durable running under load.
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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most 304L Stainless Steel parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.
CNC Gear Cutting Quality & Inspection
Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.
Applications of CNC Gear Cutting 304L Stainless Steel
304L Stainless Steel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
How to Order CNC Gear Cutting 304L Stainless Steel
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the 304L Stainless Steel grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.
Finishing Options for 304L 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 Gear Cutting 304L 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 304L 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.
304L Stainless Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the 304L Stainless Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does CNC Gear Cutting 304L Stainless Steel require dedicated tooling?
Most 304L Stainless Steel gear cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
What surface finish is achievable on 304L Stainless Steel with CNC Gear Cutting?
Surface finish on 304L Stainless Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Gear Cutting on 304L Stainless Steel?
Machined 304L Stainless Steel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What gear accuracy class can you achieve on 304L Stainless Steel?
Gear accuracy is specified to DIN/AGMA classes appropriate to the application. Profile and lead are controlled so 304L Stainless Steel gears run accurately and quietly under load.