VT machining specialises in CNC Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless Steel. Because 316L Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic, and its machinability is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing, we plan each job around the grade to protect accuracy and surface quality.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Capability for 316L Stainless Steel
- Austenitic/martensitic grades
- Corrosion resistant
- Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
- Typical hardness 70–200 HB (annealed)
316L Stainless Steel Material Data
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 515 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 205 MPa |
| Hardness | 170 HB |
| Melting point | 1400–1450 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.3 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 2.4% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 45% |
| Grades we run | 303, 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 410, 416, 420, 17-4PH, 2205 duplex |
Published typical values for 304. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
It work-hardens the moment a tool dwells. Constant feed and positive-rake tooling; a rubbing pass leaves a glazed skin the next tool cannot get through.
Machining 316L Stainless Steel with CNC Waterjet Cutting
When cutting 316L Stainless Steel, machinability is moderate; work-hardens, so positive-rake tooling and steady feeds are used to avoid glazing. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.
Documented parameters for 316L Stainless Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless 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.
Why 316L Stainless Steel?
Customers select 316L Stainless Steel for CNC Waterjet Cutting because it is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
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 316L Stainless 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most 316L Stainless 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 Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless 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 316L Stainless Steel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless Steel
316L Stainless 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 316L Stainless Steel
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the 316L Stainless 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 316L Stainless Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Citric passivation | — | ASTM A967 / AMS 2700, removes free iron |
| Electropolish | 5–25 µm removed | Ra improves by roughly half, hygienic surface |
| Brushed / grained | Ra 0.4–1.6 µm | No. 4 finish, directional |
| PVD coating | 2–5 µm | TiN, TiCN for wear surfaces |
| 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 316L Stainless 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 316L Stainless 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.
316L Stainless Steel in Other Processes
Related
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 Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless Steel parts?
CNC Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise 316L Stainless Steel components are required.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless Steel?
Laser-cut 316L Stainless Steel thickness depends on the alloy and its reflectivity; we tune the fiber source and assist gas accordingly.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Waterjet Cutting 316L Stainless Steel?
Achievable tolerances for 316L Stainless Steel cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Laser cutting holds contour tolerances to around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Why is 316L Stainless Steel a good choice for CNC Waterjet Cutting?
316L Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant, strong and hygienic, which makes it well suited to CNC Waterjet Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished 316L Stainless Steel cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.