CNC machining of steel: uses, properties, advantages and challenges
Steel is one of the most used metals in the world today. In the industrial field, manufacturers use different metal processing services to meet product design specifications and requirements. CNC machining of steel is one of them, and this highly automated process is one of the most versatile methods for manufacturing steel parts. This article will provide you with information about CNC machining of steel and various considerations for obtaining good machining results.
1.What is CNC steel machining?
CNC machining of steel is a computer-controlled process that uses a series of cutting tools to cut, shape and form steel into various components. This is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses what we call computer numerical control (CNC) technology to ensure high precision of the process.
Computer code and programs control the operation of this manufacturing technology, including basic activities such as tool movement, cutting depth and speed. Therefore, there is little room for error, and steel parts are produced quickly and efficiently.
2.Advantages of steel parts
(1) Machinability
It has good plasticity and toughness, and can be easily processed into parts of any shape to meet the needs of various industries
(2) High strength
The strength of steel ranges from hundreds of megapascals to several thousand megapascals. It can be used as various parts in industrial machinery for precise and rapid assembly
(3) Quality first
The material is relatively uniform, with high safety and reliability. Steel parts can replace riveting and partial welding as high-strength bolts
(4) Good sealing
Welded steel parts can be completely airtight, so they are suitable for the construction of gas irrigation, oil bottles, pipelines and high-pressure containers that require good airtightness and watertightness
3.Characteristics, uses and properties of machined steel
(1) 1018 steel properties
AISI 1018 steel is a low-carbon steel with ductility. Basically, they are more feasible than medium and high carbon content steels in terms of machinability and weldability.
1018 Steel Mechanical Properties
Yield Tensile Strength (MPa): 310
Shear Modulus (GPa) 78
Elongation at Break (%): 15
Hardness (Brinell): 131
Density (g/cm³) 7.87
(2) 1045 Steel Properties
1045 steel is a medium carbon structural steel with good hot and cold working properties and weldability. Due to its low price and wide range of uses, it is widely used in industrial machinery manufacturing.
1045 Steel Mechanical Properties
Yield Tensile Strength (MPa): 450
Shear Modulus (GPa) 60
Elongation at Break (%): 12
Hardness (Brinell): 170 170
Density (g/cm³) 7.87
(3) 4140 Steel Properties
It is one of the most widely used medium carbon alloy steels. Relatively cheap, fully hardened 4140 steel varies with the exact carbon content. The ductility is very good, but the machinability is only moderate. The weldability is poor and it is sensitive to weld cracks.
Mechanical properties of 4140 steel
Yield tensile strength (MPa): 655
Shear modulus (GPa) 80
Elongation at break (%): 19
Hardness (Brinell): 197
Density (g/cm³) 7.87
(4) 4130 steel properties
4130 steel has a higher alloying element content, and this type of steel has high toughness, machinability and thermal compatibility. Because it can withstand high stresses, it is often used in various buildings and in the aerospace field.
Mechanical properties of 4130 steel
Tensile strength at yield (MPa): 460
Shear modulus (GPa) 80
Elongation at break (%): 20
Hardness (Brinell): 217
Density (g/cm³) 7.87
(5) Properties of 1215 steel
1215 steel forms smaller chips during processing, so the processing rate is higher. However, it is not very weldable and its strength is not as good as other steels. In industry, it is suitable for automation projects that require heavy processing. Its applications include studs, pins, screws, and joints.
Mechanical properties of 1215 steel
Tensile strength at yield (MPa): 415
Shear modulus (GPa) 80
Elongation at break (%): 10 10
Hardness (Brinell): 167
Density (g/cm³) 7.87
4.Can steel be cut with CNC? What are the commonly used steels?
Of course. Generally, it is recommended to use CNC machine tools to cut steel plates above 6mm because such steel plates have little thermal deformation.
Common types of steel used for CNC machining include mild steel, tool steel, and stainless steel (such as 304 and 316). Each type has its own advantages and applications, depending on factors such as strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
5.CNC machining operations for steel
Machining involves a series of cutting operations tailored to specific needs. Two standard CNC machining operations for steel include milling and turning.
CNC milling steel
CNC milling steel involves removing material from a steel workpiece using a rotating tool. The process is widely used and can produce machined steel parts with high precision and accuracy. It is the preferred CNC cooperation method for creating complex structures and shapes with contours in steel parts. Typical steel milling cutters include high-speed steel, carbide, and cobalt high-speed end mills.
CNC turning steel
As mentioned earlier, CNC turning is another standard CNC operation for steel parts. The operation involves rotating the workpiece on a stationary lathe, gradually removing material fragments to form a cylindrical CNC machined steel part. Like all CNC operations, CNC turning steel is highly efficient and maintains dimensional accuracy of parts with tight tolerance requirements. The process is primarily beneficial for the manufacture of pins, shafts, and other rotating components.
6.What are the advantages and challenges of CNC machining of steel?
Advantages: Most steel alloys and CNC steel parts have good machinability and formability. Generally speaking, steel CNC machining offers complex shapes, dimensional accuracy, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, fast delivery times, and more advantages. Therefore, steel parts are generally considered durable and long-lasting. In addition, they are generally compatible with a wide range of surface treatments to further improve general performance.
Challenges: Although steel is one of the most commonly used metal alloys in industry, working with this alloy requires expertise as not all grades are easy to machine. Therefore, when machinists fail to follow proper precautions, they may face some difficulties in steel machining, especially for complex geometries.
7.Conclusion
Steel is used as a material for metal fabrication services in multiple industries, and today CNC steel parts are one of the most commonly used custom machined parts and prototypes. Proper machining of steel parts requires extensive experience and skills to achieve reliable results every time. While machining certain steel materials is possible, the benefits of using steel machined parts often outweigh the challenges.