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Stainless Steel 304/304L CNC Machining Material
Stainless Steel 304 (and its low-carbon variant 304L) is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel in the world. Known as "18-8" stainless due to its composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it offers an outstanding balance of corrosion resistance, weldability, and formability. At JUCHENG, machining stainless steel is a core competency. We understand that 304 tends to work-harden if not processed correctly. Our facility utilizes rigid CNC setups, high-torque spindles, and specialized tooling strategies to deliver precision 304/304L components without thermal distortion or surface defects.
Stainless Steel 304/304L

JUCHENG's 304/304L Machining Capabilities

Processing austenitic stainless steel requires overcoming its tendency to be "gummy" and work-harden. We offer:
  • Work-Hardening Control: Our programmers utilize constant-load tool paths and sharp cutting strategies to ensure the tool always cuts beneath the work-hardened zone, ensuring dimensional stability.
  • Passivation Services: Machining can embed free iron on the surface. We provide in-house Citric or Nitric Acid Passivation to remove contaminants and maximize corrosion resistance.
  • Polishing & Finishing: From standard Ra 1.6 machined finishes to Ra 0.4 electropolished surfaces for sanitary applications, we meet strict aesthetic requirements.
  • Dual Certification: We stock material that is often dual-certified as 304/304L, giving you the strength of 304 with the welding benefits of 304L.
Stainless Steel 304L fluid valve body

Advantages of CNC Machining 304/304L

Advantage Detailed Description Key Benefit
Excellent Corrosion Resistance Resists oxidation in most architectural, industrial, and chemical environments. Ideal for parts exposed to moisture, acids, or outdoor elements.
Hygienic Properties Non-porous surface is easy to clean and does not support bacterial growth. The standard choice for food processing, dairy, and brewing equipment.
Superior Weldability Can be welded by all standard fusion methods. 304L prevents carbide precipitation. Perfect for machined fittings that will be welded into tanks or piping systems.
Good Toughness Retains toughness even at cryogenic temperatures. Suitable for low-temperature industrial applications.
Non-Magnetic Generally non-magnetic in the annealed condition (may become slightly magnetic after cold working). Suitable for electronic housings and medical sensors.

Technical Parameters & Material Standards

We distinguish between the standard and low-carbon grades:
Grade Category Ideal Applications Characteristics
Stainless Steel 304 Machined fasteners, kitchen equipment, architectural hardware, springs, brackets not requiring heavy welding. Standard Grade. Higher carbon content (~0.08%). Slightly higher strength than 304L. Excellent corrosion resistance but susceptible to "weld decay" (intergranular corrosion) in heavy welded sections.
Stainless Steel 304L Welded tanks, pipe fittings, chemical containers, nuclear components, heavy-gauge industrial parts. Low Carbon Grade. Lower carbon content (~0.03%). Eliminates carbide precipitation during welding. Slightly lower yield strength but superior corrosion resistance after welding.

CNC Machining Guidelines for 304

  • Speeds and Feeds: 304 requires slower speeds and higher feeds than aluminum to prevent work hardening. Dwelling (tool staying in one spot) must be avoided.
  • Coolant: High-pressure flood coolant is mandatory to reduce heat generation, which is a primary cause of tool failure and part distortion.
  • Tooling: We use TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride) coated carbide tools which provide heat resistance and lubricity.
  • Surface Contamination: We designate specific machines or coolant tanks for stainless steel to avoid cross-contamination with carbon steel particles, which can cause rust spots.

Application Scenarios

  • Food & Beverage: Valves, dispensing nozzles, mixing shafts, conveyor components (FDA compliant).
  • Medical: Surgical instrument handles, hospital trays, equipment housings.
  • Industrial: Pressure vessels, flanges, fasteners, heat exchangers.
  • Architecture: Glass spiders/fittings, handrail brackets, decorative panels.
  • Automotive: Exhaust system flanges, trim components.

Physical Properties Table

Comparison of 304 vs 304L:
Property SS 304 SS 304L Unit
Density 8.00 8.00 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 515 485 MPa
Yield Strength 205 170 MPa
Elongation 40 40 %
Hardness (Brinell) 201 201 HB
Carbon Content Max 0.08% Max 0.03% -
Machinability 45% 45% (Ref: B1112=100%)
 
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    Factory Address :
    Shenzhen: Fourth Industrial Zone, Xisha Road, Shajing Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen.
    Dongguan: Building 5 and 4, No. 198, Chang'an Section, Guanchang Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan.
     
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