Stainless Steel Card/CAM System
Stainless steel, sometimes referred to as corrosion-resistant steel, is a type of alloy steel that has a minimum of 11% chromium content. This special alloying of elements, in combination with its unique properties such as strength and ductility, makes stainless steel tougher and more resistant to corrosion, oxidation and pitting compared to standard carbon steel. The card/CAM system for fabricated stainless steel components is a common industrial process due to its fast turnaround times, excellent in-feed capabilities, precision and long tolerance ranges, and because it is highly cost-effective.
Stainless steel components that are made with the card/C AM system are usually cut with a laser or a water jet. This ensures very precise cuts and no distortion. This process is then followed by grinding and polishing to provide the perfect finish to components.
In order to get the most out of the card/CAM system, it is suggested that stainless steel components be designed with the process in mind. For instance, the thickness and width of the component should be in the range of 0.06” up to 0.500” for optimal operation. Additionally, the design needs to be suitable for a stack turner lathe, the machine used most often in the card/CAM process, to be able to turn without the need for extra support.
There are a few drawbacks of using the card/CAM system for stainless steel component fabrication. The most notable is the limitation of materials. The system is only suitable for thin and light materials, which eliminates some stainless steel alloys from being used. Also, the cost per component can be higher than with traditional methods due to the high capital cost of the machines. Additionally, the system produces large amounts of heat during operation, which can cause issues with thin components and with the cutting media.
Despite these issues, the card/CAM system is still the best choice for most stainless steel component fabrication projects. The system greatly reduces the need for manual labor by incorporating the grinding and polishing processes into one machine, which drastically reduces the overall cost of the project. The components produced with this system also have the highest level of accuracy and precision, resulting in consistent results. Additionally, the turnaround time of the card/CAM system is much faster than traditional methods, making it the most efficient option for many projects.
The card/CAM system is an excellent tool for stainless steel component fabrication. By using this system, companies have access to metals that are otherwise unavailable for traditional fabrication processes, including thin and light material as well as metal alloys. Additionally, this system reduces the cost and time required to fabricate components when compared to conventional methods. As long as the proper precautions are taken to ensure an optimal outcome, the card/CAM system can be an effective option for fabricating stainless steel components.
