Cutting Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy material composed of iron, chromium, and other chemical elements, which make it highly resistant to corrosion and chemical damage. Due to its high malleability, ease of shaping, and ability to withstand high temperatures, stainless steel is very popular in a wide range of industries for a variety of purposes.
Cutting stainless steel requires specialized tools and techniques due to its environment resistance and the hardness of the metal. During cutting and machining operations, the heat generated by the metal and the tramp metal particles can cause unwanted chatter and tool wear. It is important to determine the type of material before selecting a suitable tool and cutting parameter to reduce machining time and cost while ensuring good surface finish.
CNC machining is one of the most commonly used methods for cutting stainless steel. CNC machining allows users to draw and shape the material with a very high level of accuracy and efficiency. The key to successful CNC machining of stainless steel is the selection of right cutting parameter and tool. Common tools used in the machining of stainless steel include milling cutters, chamfer tools, and slotting cutters. Depending on the application, other tools such as drills, countersinks, and taps may also be needed.
The cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut are the main cutting parameters when machining stainless steel. A general rule of thumb is to keep the feed rate as low as possible and the cutting speed as fast as possible without causing any chattering or tool wear. Depth of cut should also be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the material is cut without causing any damage.
For CNC machining of stainless steel, the cutting tool should have a good cutting edge and a point that is sharp enough to penetrate the material without causing chattering. The material should be clamped securely before cutting to prevent any slippage that could affect the accuracy of the cutting operation. Additionally, the cutting tools should be checked prior to operation and replaced when necessary.
When cutting stainless steel, it is important to use coolants and lubricants to reduce heat generation and friction. A mixture of cutting oil and water should be used as a coolant to reduce tool wear and improve surface finish. Additionally, lubricants should be used to reduce friction between the cutting tool and the material, thus preventing chattering and enabling smoother machining.
Reference cutting parameter values for machining stainless steel include a cutting speed of 50-100 m/min, a feed rate of 0.1-2 mm/rev, and a depth of cut of 0.1-2 mm. The cutting parameters may need to be adjusted accordingly depending on the application, material, and tool being used. It is also important to keep track of tool wear and replace the cutting tool when necessary.
In conclusion, cutting stainless steel requires specialized tools and techniques due to its environment resistance and the hardness of the metal. CNC machining is one of the most commonly used methods for cutting stainless steel, which requires the selection of right cutting parameter and tool. It is important to use coolants and lubricants to reduce heat generation and friction, and to track tool wear and replace the cutting tool when necessary. Reference cutting parameter values for machining stainless steel include a cutting speed of 50-100 m/min, a feed rate of 0.1-2 mm/rev, and a depth of cut of 0.1-2 mm.
