Stainless steel 316L (1.4404) for CNC machining
Marine, chemical, medical and food parts that see chlorides or acids.
- Family
- Stainless steel
- Density
- 8 g/cm³
- Machinability
- difficult (2/5)
- Relative cutting speed
- about 14% of aluminium 6082
- Indicative price
- €8 per kg
What to know
Best corrosion resistance of the common grades but slow to machine. Only specify it where the environment needs it.
Design tips
Stainless work-hardens when the tool rubs instead of cutting. Avoid very thin walls and tiny features, and passivate after machining for best corrosion resistance.
Cheaper alternative
Stainless steel 303 (1.4305): If the part does not see chlorides, acids or a marine environment, 303 machines far faster than 316L.
Draw your own part
Drop a STEP file into DrawMyPart. It finds every body, asks you to confirm threads, fits and tolerances, and draws a sheet your manufacturer can build from.
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