CNC Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel from VT machining delivers precision 1008 Steel parts made to your exact drawing. Abrasive waterjet cutting erodes metal with a high-pressure abrasive stream, with no heat-affected zone, with parameters tuned to 1008 Steel, which is strong, economical and widely available.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Capability for 1008 Steel
- Carbon/low-alloy grades
- Economical & weldable
- Tolerance to ±0.02 mm
- Hardenable by heat treat
1008 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 1008 Steel with CNC Waterjet Cutting
When cutting 1008 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 1008 Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Contour dimension | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Kerf width | 0.20 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Squareness of cut edge | 0.5° | 0.2° |
| Heat-affected zone | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm (N₂ assist) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.2 × thickness | 1.0 × thickness |
| Edge condition | light dross | burr-free, N₂ cut |
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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most 1008 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.
CNC Waterjet Cutting 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 Waterjet Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut 1008 Steel holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
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 1008 Steel?
Customers select 1008 Steel for CNC Waterjet Cutting because it is strong, economical and widely available. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
Design Tips for CNC Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on 1008 Steel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel
1008 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 Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the 1008 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 1008 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 Waterjet Cutting 1008 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 1008 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.
1008 Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the 1008 Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel?
Laser-cut 1008 Steel thickness depends on the alloy and its reflectivity; we tune the fiber source and assist gas accordingly.
What surface finish is achievable on 1008 Steel with CNC Waterjet Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on 1008 Steel with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
Can VT machining make custom 1008 Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. 1008 Steel 1008 Steel cutting 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 Waterjet Cutting 1008 Steel require dedicated tooling?
Most 1008 Steel cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.