VT machining offers CNC Turning for 316L Stainless Steel (UNS S31603 / 1.4404), typically supplied annealed. Low-carbon 316 for welded and implant-grade parts.
CNC Turning Notes for 316L Stainless Steel
On the lathe 316L Stainless Steel needs chip-breaker inserts and constant chip load to avoid long, stringy swarf.
For estimating, a 100 × 100 × 10 mm block of 316L Stainless Steel weighs about 0.80 kg.
Starting Parameters for CNC Turning 316L Stainless Steel
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 95-175 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.08-0.25 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø25 mm bar | 1210-2230 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO M — positive-rake PVD/CVD carbide |
| Coolant | Flood emulsion (8-10%) or high-pressure coolant |
Starting values for 316L Stainless Steel, Annealed; optimised on the first article.
316L Stainless Steel Data Relevant to CNC Turning
| Equivalent designations | UNS S31603 / 1.4404 |
|---|---|
| Key composition | Cr 16-18%, Ni 10-14%, Mo 2-3%, C ≤0.03% |
| Typical supply condition | Annealed |
| Hardness (typical) | ≤95 HRB |
| Machinability rating | 36% (AISI B1112 = 100%) |
Typical values; we work to your drawing and mill certificate.
How 316L Stainless Steel Differs
Low-carbon 316 for welded and implant-grade parts.
Typical applications: Medical devices, pharma fittings, marine welds.
316L Stainless Steel vs Similar Grades
| 316L Stainless Steel | 316 Stainless Steel | 317L Stainless Steel | 310S Stainless Steel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key composition | Cr 16-18%, Ni 10-14%, Mo 2-3%, C ≤0.03% | Cr 16-18%, Ni 10-14%, Mo 2-3% | Cr 18-20%, Ni 11-15%, Mo 3-4% | Cr 24-26%, Ni 19-22%, C ≤0.08% |
| Hardness | ≤95 HRB | ≤95 HRB | ≤95 HRB | ≤95 HRB |
| Tensile (MPa) | ≥485 | ≥515 | ≥515 | ≥515 |
| Machinability % | 36 | 36 | 32 | 36 |
| Typical use | Medical devices, pharma fittings, marine welds | Marine hardware, pump and valve parts, medical | Chemical process equipment, flue-gas parts | Heat exchangers, furnace fixtures |
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 316L Stainless Steel
Send a STEP/IGES model or PDF drawing, confirm 316L Stainless Steel and its condition (we usually see it supplied annealed), the quantity, critical tolerances and any finish or certificate requirements.
316L Stainless Steel in Other Processes
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Send the drawing, the 316L Stainless Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Which industries use CNC Turning 316L Stainless Steel parts?
CNC Turning 316L Stainless Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise 316L Stainless Steel components are required.
Why is 316L Stainless Steel a good choice for CNC Turning?
316L Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic, which makes it well suited to CNC Turning. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished 316L Stainless Steel turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Can VT machining make custom 316L Stainless Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. 316L 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.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Turning 316L Stainless Steel?
Achievable tolerances for 316L Stainless Steel turning depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Turning holds diameter tolerances to around ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Does CNC Turning 316L Stainless Steel require dedicated tooling?
Most 316L Stainless Steel turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.