CNC Sinker EDM 1144 Steel from VT machining delivers precision 1144 Steel parts made to your exact drawing. Sinker (die-sink) EDM burns a shaped electrode into metal to form precise cavities and blind features, with parameters tuned to 1144 Steel, which is strong, economical and widely available.
CNC Sinker EDM Capability for 1144 Steel
- Carbon/low-alloy grades
- Economical & weldable
- Tolerance to ±0.02 mm
- Hardenable by heat treat
1144 Steel Material Data
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 585 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 450 MPa |
| Hardness | 170 HB |
| Melting point | 1420–1460 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 11.5 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 9% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 57% |
| Grades we run | 1018, 1045, 1215, A36, S45C, St37, 4140 (see alloy steel) |
Published typical values for 1045. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Rust. Bare steel flash-rusts within hours in a humid container, so parts are oiled or passivated before packing unless you specify otherwise.
Machining 1144 Steel with CNC Sinker EDM
When EDM machining 1144 Steel, machinability is good to excellent depending on carbon content; free-machining grades cut cleanly. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.
Documented parameters for 1144 Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Sinker EDM 1144 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.
CNC Sinker EDM 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.
CNC Sinker EDM Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the 1144 Steel part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
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.
Why 1144 Steel?
Customers select 1144 Steel for CNC Sinker EDM because it is strong, economical and widely available. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most 1144 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.
Design Tips for CNC Sinker EDM 1144 Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened 1144 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.
Applications of CNC Sinker EDM 1144 Steel
1144 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 Sinker EDM 1144 Steel
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the 1144 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 1144 Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Black oxide | 1–2 µm | Mild corrosion resistance, no dimensional change |
| Zinc plate + clear/yellow | 5–12 µm | ASTM B633, general corrosion protection |
| Nickel plate (electroless) | 10–25 µm | Uniform in bores, 500 HV after bake |
| Phosphate | 5–10 µm | Paint key, mild lubricity |
| Powder coat | 60–120 µm | RAL colours |
| 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 Sinker EDM 1144 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 1144 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.
1144 Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the 1144 Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Why is 1144 Steel a good choice for CNC Sinker EDM?
1144 Steel is strong, economical and widely available, which makes it well suited to CNC Sinker EDM. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished 1144 Steel EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Can VT machining make custom 1144 Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. 1144 Steel 1144 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 is CNC Sinker EDM 1144 Steel and how is it done?
CNC Sinker EDM 1144 Steel refers to sinker (die-sink) EDM burns a shaped electrode into metal to form precise cavities and blind features. Applied to 1144 Steel — strong, economical and widely available — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Can you EDM-machine hardened 1144 Steel?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult 1144 Steel can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.