CNC Milling 304L Stainless Steel

VT machining offers CNC Milling for 304L Stainless Steel (UNS S30403 / 1.4307), typically supplied annealed. Low-carbon 304 that avoids sensitisation after welding; slightly lower strength.

CNC Milling Notes for 304L Stainless Steel

304L Stainless Steel mills well with conventional strategies; finishing passes are planned to meet flatness and finish callouts.

For estimating, a 100 × 100 × 10 mm block of 304L Stainless Steel weighs about 0.79 kg.

Starting Parameters for CNC Milling 304L Stainless Steel

Cutting speed (carbide)100-185 m/min
Feed per tooth0.028-0.088 mm
Spindle speed, Ø10 mm end mill3180-5890 rpm
Insert / tool classISO M — positive-rake PVD/CVD carbide
CoolantFlood emulsion (8-10%) or high-pressure coolant
Thermal growth, 100 mm part, +10 °C16.5 µm (CTE 16.5 µm/m·K)

Starting values for 304L Stainless Steel, Annealed; optimised on the first article.

304L Stainless Steel Data Relevant to CNC Milling

Equivalent designationsUNS S30403 / 1.4307
Key compositionCr 18-20%, Ni 8-12%, C ≤0.03%
Typical supply conditionAnnealed
Hardness (typical)≤92 HRB
Machinability rating45% (AISI B1112 = 100%)

Typical values; we work to your drawing and mill certificate.

How 304L Stainless Steel Differs

Low-carbon 304 that avoids sensitisation after welding; slightly lower strength.

Typical applications: Welded assemblies, tanks, piping.

304L Stainless Steel vs Similar Grades

304L Stainless Steel304 Stainless Steel309 Stainless Steel303 Stainless Steel
Key compositionCr 18-20%, Ni 8-12%, C ≤0.03%Cr 18-20%, Ni 8-10.5%Cr 22-24%, Ni 12-15%Cr 17-19%, Ni 8-10%, S ≥0.15%
Hardness≤92 HRB≤92 HRB≤95 HRB≤95 HRB
Tensile (MPa)≥485≥515≥515≥515
Machinability %45454078
Typical useWelded assemblies, tanks, pipingFood equipment, enclosures, brackets, fittingsFurnace parts, heat shields, burner componentsScrew-machine parts, shafts, fittings, bushings

More on CNC Milling Stainless Steel

Finishing options, quality documentation and general cnc milling guidance for all stainless steel grades are on our CNC Milling Stainless Steel page.

Quoting CNC Milling 304L Stainless Steel

Send a STEP/IGES model or PDF drawing, confirm 304L Stainless Steel and its condition (we usually see it supplied annealed), the quantity, critical tolerances and any finish or certificate requirements.

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 Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What surface finish is achievable on 304L Stainless Steel with CNC Milling?

Surface finish on 304L Stainless Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC Milling 304L Stainless Steel?

Achievable tolerances for 304L Stainless Steel machining depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Milling holds positional and dimensional tolerances to around ±0.01 mm, tighter with precision setups. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Milling 304L Stainless Steel?

CNC Milling prototypes for 304L 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.

Can VT machining make custom 304L Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?

Yes. 304L Stainless Steel 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.