Different types of steel have different qualities, such as strength, toughness, hardness, resistance to corrosion, and resistance to wear. It is important to choose a steel that is suitable for the desired usage. High-carbon steel, for instance, would be utilized for a component that requires extraordinary strength. The preferred material for parts that need to be resistant to corrosion is stainless steel. Steel may be CNC-machined into a huge range of sizes and forms, each with unique properties. Below is a thorough rundown of some of the steel kinds that are most frequently utilized for CNC turning:

Low carbon steel

Mild steel that is easily machined and weldable is called low-carbon steel. Its affordable pricing makes it an excellent choice for all-purpose applications. Low-carbon steel is widely used in CNC turning shafts, gears, and bushings.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is made of steel that has chromium added to it to improve its resistance to corrosion. Because they are tough and long-lasting, stainless steels are an excellent choice for CNC-turned objects that require these characteristics. Stainless steels are widely used in CNC-turned parts, such as medical implants, food processing equipment, and naval hardware.

Alloy steel

Steel that has had its properties enhanced by alloying it with other elements, such as nickel, molybdenum, and chromium, is known as alloy steel. Alloy steels can be developed to have a wide range of properties, including high strength, toughness, resistance to corrosion, and resistance to wear. Alloy steels are widely used for CNC-turned parts, such as those for cars, aircraft, and oil & gas.

Medium carbon steel

Medium-carbon steel is stronger and harder than low-carbon steel. It can be tempered and hardened to even higher degrees of strength and hardness, even though it is more difficult to machine. Medium carbon steel is commonly used in CNC-turned axles, crankshafts, and camshafts.

The ways in which various steel machine types function vary. Some steels are easier to process than others. Knowing how machinable the steel is can help you increase CNC turning efficiency and produce high-quality parts at a competitive price. Using the wrong sort of steel for a given application might lead to problems like early part failure, difficult machining, or even safety hazards. By choosing the right steel for the job and being aware of the types of steel that can be CNC turning, you can avoid these problems.