Precision CNC Machining for Stainless Steel

Q: What file formats do you accept for designs?

3D+2D drawings, preferred formats below:STEP (.stp)IGES (.igs)PDF drawings (with GD&T callouts)

Expert CNC machining of 303, 304, 316, 17-4PH and specialty stainless steel grades. Tight tolerances, material certifications, and complete finishing services from prototype to production.

Stainless Steel Materials

We machine all major stainless steel grades, from standard 304 to high-performance 17-4PH and specialty alloys.

303

Austenitic - Free Machining

Added sulfur improves machinability. Ideal for complex parts requiring extensive machining.

304 / 304L

Austenitic - Food Grade

The most widely used stainless steel. 304L has lower carbon for improved weldability.

316 / 316L

Austenitic - Marine Grade

Added molybdenum provides superior corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments.

416

Martensitic - Free Machining

Free-machining martensitic grade that can be hardened by heat treatment.

420

Martensitic - Free Machining

Can achieve high hardness through heat treatment. Good corrosion resistance when hardened.

440C

Martensitic - High Carbon

Highest hardness of all stainless grades. Excellent wear resistance for bearing applications.

17-4 PH

Precipitation Hardening

Combines high strength with good corrosion resistance. Heat treatable to various hardness levels.

2205

Duplex - High Performance

Combines austenitic and ferritic structures for superior strength and corrosion resistance.

Material guides: see the dedicated pages for brass and copper, carbon and alloy steel, and engineering plastics.

Material Comparison Guide

Compare key properties to select the right stainless steel for your application.

Grade	Corrosion Resistance	Machinability	Strength	Heat Treatable	Relative Cost
303	Good	Excellent	Moderate	NO	$
304	Excellent	Good	Moderate	NO	$
316	Superior	Good	Moderate	NO	$$
416	Moderate	Excellent	Good	YES	$
440C	Good	Moderate	Excellent	YES	$$
17-4 PH	Good	Good	Excellent	YES	$$$
2205	Superior	Good	Excellent	NO	$$$

CNC Machining Capabilities

Processes set up for stainless: work hardening kept under control, finishes as specified, inspection against your drawing.

Tight Tolerances

±0.01 mm

Standard tolerance for precision features. Even tighter tolerances available upon request.

Part Size

Up to 1000mm

Maximum machining envelope. Larger parts available with special setup.

Multi-Axis CNC

3, 4 & 5 Axis

Complex geometries and reduced setup times with multi-axis machining centers.

Production Volume

1 to 10,000+

From single prototypes to high-volume production runs with consistent quality.

Lead Time

2–4 Weeks

Standard lead time for stainless steel parts. Expedited service available.

Documentation

MTR & CoC

Material test reports (MTR), certificates of conformance, full traceability.

Related processes: features a cutter cannot reach are cut on our wire EDM machines; tight shaft and bore fits, and finishes finer than milling can hold, come from CNC grinding. If you want the geometry proven before a production run, start with rapid prototyping and low-volume production.

Stainless Steel Surface Finishing

Complete finishing services to enhance appearance, corrosion resistance, and performance.

Protective Finishes

Enhance corrosion resistance and ensure biocompatibility for critical applications.

Protective Finishes

Enhance corrosion resistance and ensure biocompatibility for critical applications.

Protective Finishes

Enhance corrosion resistance and ensure biocompatibility for critical applications.

Industries & Applications

Stainless steel CNC machined parts for demanding industries worldwide.

Medical Devices

Surgical instruments, implants, and medical equipment requiring biocompatibility and sterilization resistance.

Common: 316L, 17-4PH, 440C

Aerospace

High-strength components for aircraft and spacecraft requiring lightweight and corrosion resistance.

Common: 17-4PH, 15-5PH, 316

Industrial Automation

Machine frames, shafts and wear parts that need heat and corrosion resistance in continuous-duty equipment.

Common: 303, 304, 416, 440C

Food & Beverage

Processing equipment, storage tanks, and handling systems requiring food-grade hygiene.

Common: 304, 304L, 316, 316L

Marine & Offshore

Components exposed to saltwater and harsh marine environments requiring superior corrosion resistance.

Common: 316, 316L, 2205, Super Duplex

Chemical Processing

Valves, pumps, and process equipment handling corrosive chemicals and high temperatures.

Common: 316, 316L, 2205, Alloy 20

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

316 contains 2-3% molybdenum, which provides significantly better corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments (seawater, de-icing salts). 304 is more economical and suitable for most general applications. Choose 316 for marine, chemical, or medical applications.

Which stainless steel is easiest to machine?

303 is the most machinable austenitic stainless steel due to added sulfur. 416 is the most machinable martensitic grade. Both are ideal for complex parts requiring extensive machining operations.

What file formats do you accept for designs?

3D+2D drawings, preferred formats below:

STEP (.stp)
IGES (.igs)
PDF drawings (with GD&T callouts)

What are your standard lead times?

Standard lead time is 2–4 weeks. Rush orders are confirmed case by case — tell us your deadline up front and we will say straight away whether we can hit it.

Do you offer design assistance?

We review every drawing before quoting. If we find a feature that cannot be machined as drawn, or one that adds cost without adding function, we point it out and suggest an alternative for you to confirm. If the drawing is machinable as it stands, we quote it as-is — we do not redesign parts that already work.

What is your minimum order quantity?

We don’t have a minimum order quantity. We can produce a single prototype or thousands of parts depending on your needs.

What is your return policy?

At MetaliCNC, every product goes through strict verification—from trial production and inspection testing to customer confirmation—before shipment. Our quality assurance process ensures that all parts meet the agreed specifications before delivery, minimizing the risk of nonconformities. We take pride in our precision and reliability, and every shipment is the result of a joint confirmation between our engineers and customers.

In the rare event that a delivered part does not meet the agreed specifications, we follows a transparent and responsible after-sales process. Customers can submit a claim with inspection data, photos, or videos clearly indicating the nonconforming features. Our quality team will review the case within 48 hours to identify root causes—whether related to design, machining, material, or logistics.

Based on the assessment, we provide appropriate solutions such as rework, remake, partial refund, or credit, in line with the order terms. All cases are fully documented and backed by inspection records to ensure traceability. To help us resolve issues faster, customers should retain original samples and all supporting evidence. Each case also feeds into our continuous improvement system to further enhance product quality and customer satisfaction

Ready to Start Your Project?

Get an instant quote for CNC machining your stainless steel parts. Upload your CAD files and receive pricing within 48 hours in the normal case.

Stainless change parts for packaging lines — sealing jaws, format parts, lane guides — are covered on the packaging machinery page.