Machining DataSheet for

General Information:
Material GroupM - Stainless Steel
Sub-GroupAustenitic Stainless Steel
Tensile Strength500-700 [N/mm^2]
Machinability43%

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Machining Stainless Steel 304

Stainless Steel 304 is an austenitic stainless steel alloy with 19.5% chromium and 9% nickel.

It is a simple chromium-nickel stainless with 0.1% carbon that exhibits excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion but is not suitable for harsh environments. It is relatively easy to machine (Compared with other austenitic alloys) with a machinability rating of 43%.

Summery:

  • For general Turning of Stainless Steel 304 at stable conditions use a grade with a Semi Hard substrate and CVD coating.
  • In case you are running at a cutting speed that is lower than 390 SFM (120 m/min), it is better to use a grade with a
    • Semi Hard substrate and PVD coating.
  • For general Milling use a grade with a Semi Hard substrate and PVD coating.
  • For detailed carbide grades recommendations, check the Below Chart, or use the Grades Wizrad.
  • Recommended Cutting speed range for turning at stable conditions is 520 - 710 [SFM] / 160 - 215 [m/min].
  • Recommended Cutting speed range for milling with stable clamping and short overhang is 330 - 440 [SFM] / 100 - 135 [m/min]
  • For detailed cutting speed recomendations, check the Below Table, or use our Speed and Feed Calculator.

    • Equivalent International Designations for Stainless Steel 304

    Standard Name
    sae304
    wnr1.4350
    dinX5CrNi18-9
    bs304S31, 58E
    ss2332/2333
    anforZ6CN18.09
    uniX5CrNi18 10
    unfF.3551
    js1SUS304

    Chemical Composition for Stainless Steel 304

    Element Amount
    Chromium (Cr)19.5%
    Nickel (Ni)9%
    Silicon (Si)2.00%
    Manganese (Mn)1.50%
    Carbon (C)0.08%
    Phosphorus (P)0.04%
    Sulfur (S)0.04%

    Cutting Speeds Recomendations for Stainless Steel 304

    * Click on the speeds below for higher precision in specific conditions!

    ApplicationVc (m/min)Vc (SFM)
    Turning160-215520-710
    Milling100-135330-440
    Parting65-85210-280
    Grooving95-130310-430
    Drilling45-60150-200

    Important! The speed estimation is given for an ideal situation:

    • Most suitable carbide grade
    • Stable tool clamping
    • Stable workpiece clamping
    • Good quality raw material
    • A short overhang of the cutting tool.
    • Nominal hardness of the material.
    • etc.
    Click on the speeds in the above table to get better precision for specific parameters
    Or use our Speed and Feed Calculator


    Recommended Carbide Grades for Stainless Steel 304

    * If you do nott understand the below table? Read This Explanation to make the most out of it!

    Grade for Turning

    Grade for Parting Off

    Grade for Grooving

    Grade for Milling (Indexable)

    Recommended Insert Cutting Edge Geometry for Stainless Steel 304

    Honing Size:0.03-0.05 mm / 0.001-0.002"
    Rake Angle:9° -11°
    Land Angle:Positive
    Land Width:0.20-0.30 mm / 0.008-0.012"

    Learn more about carbide inserts Cutting-Edge Geometry Parameters.