CNC Turning A36 Steel

VT machining offers CNC Turning for A36 Steel (ASTM A36 / ~S275JR / Q235B), typically supplied hot-rolled. General structural plate; cheap and weldable, mill scale must be removed.

CNC Turning Notes for A36 Steel

A36 Steel turns with good chip control at standard cutting data.

For estimating, a 100 × 100 × 10 mm block of A36 Steel weighs about 0.79 kg.

Starting Parameters for CNC Turning A36 Steel

Cutting speed (carbide)205-360 m/min
Feed0.1-0.35 mm/rev
Spindle speed, Ø25 mm bar2610-4580 rpm
Insert / tool classISO P — CVD-coated carbide
CoolantEmulsion (5-8%); dry is possible for interrupted cuts

Starting values for A36 Steel, Hot-rolled; optimised on the first article.

A36 Steel Data Relevant to CNC Turning

Equivalent designationsASTM A36 / ~S275JR / Q235B
Key compositionC ≤0.26%, Mn ~0.8-1.2%
Typical supply conditionHot-rolled
Hardness (typical)~67-83 HRB
Machinability rating72% (AISI B1112 = 100%)

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

How A36 Steel Differs

General structural plate; cheap and weldable, mill scale must be removed.

Typical applications: Base plates, brackets, frames, weldments.

A36 Steel vs Similar Grades

A36 Steel1008 Steel1010 Steel1018 Steel
Key compositionC ≤0.26%, Mn ~0.8-1.2%C ≤0.10%C 0.08-0.13%C 0.15-0.20%, Mn 0.6-0.9%
Hardness~67-83 HRB~50-60 HRB~55-65 HRB~71 HRB
Tensile (MPa)400-550~300-340~330-365~440
Machinability %72555578
Typical useBase plates, brackets, frames, weldmentsStampings, deep-drawn parts, panelsFormed parts, rivets, cold-headed partsShafts, pins, spacers, fixtures

More on CNC Turning Steel

Finishing options, quality documentation and general cnc turning guidance for all steel grades are on our CNC Turning Steel page.

Quoting CNC Turning A36 Steel

Send a STEP/IGES model or PDF drawing, confirm A36 Steel and its condition (we usually see it supplied hot-rolled), the quantity, critical tolerances and any finish or certificate requirements.

A36 Steel in Other Processes

Related

Send the drawing, the A36 Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which industries use CNC Turning A36 Steel parts?

CNC Turning A36 Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise A36 Steel components are required.

What surface finish is achievable on A36 Steel with CNC Turning?

Surface finish on A36 Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.

Does CNC Turning A36 Steel require dedicated tooling?

Most A36 Steel turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.

What material thickness or size range suits CNC Turning A36 Steel?

Turned A36 Steel parts are produced from bar or chuck stock across a wide diameter range.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC Turning A36 Steel?

Achievable tolerances for A36 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.