VT machining offers CNC Turning for 304L Stainless Steel (UNS S30403 / 1.4307), typically supplied annealed. Low-carbon 304 that avoids sensitisation after welding; slightly lower strength.
CNC Turning Notes for 304L Stainless Steel
On the lathe 304L Stainless Steel needs chip-breaker inserts and constant chip load to avoid long, stringy swarf.
For estimating, a 100 × 100 × 10 mm block of 304L Stainless Steel weighs about 0.79 kg.
Starting Parameters for CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 120-220 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.08-0.25 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø25 mm bar | 1530-2800 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO M — positive-rake PVD/CVD carbide |
| Coolant | Flood emulsion (8-10%) or high-pressure coolant |
Starting values for 304L Stainless Steel, Annealed; optimised on the first article.
304L Stainless Steel Data Relevant to CNC Turning
| Equivalent designations | UNS S30403 / 1.4307 |
|---|---|
| Key composition | Cr 18-20%, Ni 8-12%, C ≤0.03% |
| Typical supply condition | Annealed |
| Hardness (typical) | ≤92 HRB |
| Machinability rating | 45% (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 Steel | 304 Stainless Steel | 309 Stainless Steel | 303 Stainless Steel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key composition | Cr 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 % | 45 | 45 | 40 | 78 |
| Typical use | Welded assemblies, tanks, piping | Food equipment, enclosures, brackets, fittings | Furnace parts, heat shields, burner components | Screw-machine parts, shafts, fittings, bushings |
More on CNC Turning Stainless Steel
Finishing options, quality documentation and general cnc turning guidance for all stainless steel grades are on our CNC Turning Stainless Steel page.
No drawing yet? Sketch the part in our free 3D + 2D builder and send it with your RFQ.
Quoting CNC Turning 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 QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on 304L Stainless Steel with CNC Turning?
Surface finish on 304L Stainless Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel and how is it done?
CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel refers to cNC turning rotates the workpiece against a single-point tool to produce cylindrical features, threads and grooves. Applied to 304L Stainless Steel — corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel?
Turned 304L Stainless Steel parts are produced from bar or chuck stock across a wide diameter range.
Which industries use CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel parts?
CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise 304L Stainless Steel components are required.
Can VT machining make custom 304L Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. 304L Stainless Steel turning 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.
Does CNC Turning 304L Stainless Steel require dedicated tooling?
Most 304L Stainless Steel turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.