Steel Machining Services
At Fecision, we specialize in precision steel CNC machining services that deliver exceptional quality, accuracy, and reliability. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities enable us to transform your designs into high-performance steel components with tight tolerances and superior surface finishes.
Various Options
Functionality
Cost-effectiveness
| Specification | Capability |
| Machining Tolerance | Standard: ±0.005″ (±0.127mm) |
| Precision: ±0.001″ (±0.025mm) | |
| Maximum Part Dimensions | 24″ x 18″ x 12″ (610mm x 457mm x 305mm) |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.020″ (0.5mm) |
| CNC Machines | 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC mills and lathes |
| Thread Types | UNC, UNF, NPT, Metric, Custom |
| Production Volume | Prototypes to 100,000+ units |
| Quality Control | ISO 9001:2015 certified, CMM inspection |
Steel for CNC Machining
Steel remains one of the most versatile and widely used materials in CNC machining due to its exceptional combination of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Properties
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Steel offers excellent structural integrity while maintaining reasonable weight.
- Hardness and Wear Resistance: Depending on the alloy and heat treatment, steel can provide exceptional hardness and resistance to wear.
- Thermal Stability: Steel maintains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range.
- Machinability: Varies by grade, with low-carbon steels being easier to machine than high-carbon or alloy steels.
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel grades offer excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Steel provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability compared to exotic metals.
- Heat Treatment Options: Steel can be hardened, tempered, or annealed to achieve specific mechanical properties.
- Surface Finish Potential: Steel can be machined to achieve excellent surface finishes and can accept various coatings.
3-Axis Milling
Ideal for flat surfaces, holes, slots, and pockets in steel parts with standard geometries.
4-Axis Machining
Enables rotation around one axis for complex features and improved access to multiple sides.
5-Axis Machining
Ultimate flexibility for creating complex geometries and undercuts in a single setup.
CNC Turning
Precision machining of cylindrical steel components with tight tolerances.
Multi-Axis Turning
Live tooling capabilities for milled features on turned parts.
Swiss-Type Machining
Ultra-precise turning for small, complex steel components.
Speak With Our Engineering Team
Our engineering team can work with your specific requirements.
Pros and Cons of Steel CNC Machining
When considering materials for your CNC machining project, it's important to understand both the advantages and limitations of steel.
This balanced perspective will help you make informed decisions about material selection for your specific application.
Advantages of Steel CNC Machining
- Superior Strength: Steel offers exceptional mechanical strength, making it ideal for structural and load-bearing components.
- Excellent Durability: Steel parts withstand wear, impact, and fatigue better than many alternative materials.
- Versatility: With numerous alloys available, steel can be tailored to specific application requirements.
- Heat Resistance: Steel maintains its properties at elevated temperatures where other materials might fail.
- Cost-Effective: Steel provides excellent value, especially for medium to high-volume production runs.
- Weldability: Most steel grades can be easily welded for assembly or repair.
- Magnetic Properties: Steel’s ferromagnetic nature is advantageous for certain applications.
Limitations of Steel CNC Machining
- Tool Wear: Harder steel grades can accelerate cutting tool wear, increasing tooling costs.
- Machining Time: Steel typically requires slower cutting speeds than aluminum or plastics.
- Weight: Steel’s higher density results in heavier components compared to aluminum or composites.
- Corrosion Susceptibility: Carbon steels require additional finishing to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Energy Consumption: Machining steel requires more power and generates more heat than softer materials.
- Post-Processing Requirements: Some steel parts require heat treatment or stress relief after machining.
- Complex Geometries: Extremely intricate features can be more challenging to machine in harder steel grades.
Subtypes of Steel for CNC Machining
Fecision works with a comprehensive range of steel grades to meet diverse application requirements.
Each steel type offers unique properties that make it suitable for specific uses in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical and general manufacturing.
Carbon Steels
Grade
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Hardness (Brinell)
Elongation at Break (%)
Density (g/cm³)
Maximum Temp (°C)
Q235
375–500
≥235
~170
130–160
≥26
7.85
400
T10
600–700
≥300
~250
210-250
≥10
7.85
350
1010
320 - 420
170 - 210
160 - 180
60 - 80
30 - 40
7.85
425
1020
420 - 550
240 - 290
190 - 220
70 - 95
25 - 35
7.85
425
1040
550 - 700
310 - 380
260-290
110 - 140
15 - 25
7.85
400
1045
600–700
≥355
280
190–220
≥16
7.85
450
1018
440 - 590
290 - 370
190 - 220
111-137
28-35
7.85
425
12L14
400 - 500
220 - 270
180 - 200
65 - 90
20 - 30
7.85
400
Alloy Steels
Grade
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Hardness (Brinell)
Elongation at Break (%)
Density (g/cm³)
Maximum Temp (°C)
Q345
470–630
≥345
~230
140–180
≥21
7.85
450
Q355
470–630
≥355
~230 - 260
130–170
≥22
7.85
450
40Cr
≥1000 ( heat treatment)
≥800 ( heat treatment)
~450
240–280
≥9
7.85
500
Tool Steels
Grade
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Hardness (Brinell)
Elongation at Break (%)
Density (g/cm³)
Maximum Temp (°C)
A2
1800-2200
1600 - 1900
550-650
57-62
5-8
7.85
315
D2
2000-2500
1800-2100
600-700
58-63
3-5
7.75
260
Structural Steels
Grade
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Hardness (Brinell)
Elongation at Break (%)
Density (g/cm³)
Maximum Temp (°C)
Q460
550-720
≥460
~280
160-200
≥17
7.85
420
20CrMnTi
≥850 (heat treatment)
≥1100 (heat treatment)
~60 (T6)
250-300
≥10
7.85
480
Steel CNC Machining Surface Finishing Options
The right surface finish not only enhances the appearance of your steel CNC machined parts but can also improve their performance, corrosion resistance, and longevity.
Fecision offers a comprehensive range of surface finishing options to meet your specific requirements.
Mechanical Finishes
As-Machined
The natural finish after CNC machining with visible tool marks. Cost-effective for non-cosmetic or internal components.
Bead Blasting
Creates a uniform matte finish by propelling fine glass beads at the surface. Excellent for removing tool marks and creating a consistent appearance.
Polishing
Produces a smooth, reflective surface through progressive abrasive processes. Ideal for parts requiring low friction or aesthetic appeal.
Chemical Finishes
Black Oxide
Creates a black surface conversion coating that provides mild corrosion resistance while maintaining dimensional accuracy.
Passivation
Chemical process that enhances the corrosion resistance of stainless steel by removing free iron from the surface.
Bluing
Traditional finish that creates a blue-black appearance on steel while providing minimal corrosion protection.
Plating and Coating
Zinc Plating
Electroplating process that deposits a layer of zinc for excellent corrosion protection. Available in clear, yellow, or black finishes.
Nickel Plating
Provides a bright, decorative finish with good corrosion resistance and hardness. Ideal for both functional and aesthetic applications.
Powder Coating
Applies a durable, colored polymer coating that offers excellent corrosion protection and aesthetic appeal in various colors.
Applications of CNC Machined Steel Parts
Steel CNC machined components are integral to countless industries due to their exceptional strength, durability, and versatility.
At Fecision, we produce precision steel parts for diverse applications across multiple sectors.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry demands the highest levels of precision and reliability, making custom steel CNC machining essential for critical components.
- Structural Components: Brackets, fittings, and mounting hardware
- Landing Gear Parts: Bushings, pins, and structural elements
- Engine Mounts: Precision brackets and support structures
- Control System Components: Linkages, levers, and actuator parts
Automotive
The automotive sector relies heavily on precision steel CNC machining for critical components that must withstand extreme conditions and maintain tight tolerances.
- Engine Components: Camshafts, crankshafts, connecting rods, and valve bodies
- Transmission Parts: Gears, shafts, and housings
- Suspension Components: Control arms, brackets, and mounting hardware
- Brake Systems: Calipers, master cylinders, and ABS components
Medical
Medical devices and equipment require exceptional precision and biocompatibility, making stainless steel CNC machining a preferred manufacturing method.
- Surgical Instruments: Forceps, scalpel handles, and retractors
- Implant Components: Bone plates, screws, and joint replacement parts
- Diagnostic Equipment: Housings, frames, and mechanical components
- Laboratory Equipment: Fixtures, stands, and precision mechanisms
Industrial
Heavy machinery and industrial equipment rely on robust steel components that can withstand harsh operating conditions and continuous use.
- Hydraulic Components: Valve bodies, pistons, and cylinders
- Power Transmission: Gears, shafts, sprockets, and couplings
- Tooling and Fixtures: Jigs, molds, dies, and production tooling
- Robotic Components: Structural elements, end effectors, and mounting brackets
Steel CNC Machining FAQs
Quality assurance at Fecision involves multiple layers of verification:
- ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system
- In-process inspections during machining
- Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) verification for critical dimensions
- Material certifications and traceability
- First article inspection reports for production runs
- Final visual and dimensional inspection before shipping
We can also provide custom inspection protocols and documentation based on your specific requirements.
We accept all major 3D CAD file formats, including:
- STEP (.stp, .step)
- IGES (.igs, .iges)
- SolidWorks (.sldprt, .sldasm)
- AutoCAD (.dwg, .dxf)
- Parasolid (.x_t, .x_b)
- CATIA (.CATPart, .CATProduct)
- Pro/ENGINEER and Creo (.prt, .asm)
For optimal results, we recommend STEP or IGES formats as they are universally compatible. We also accept 2D drawings in PDF format to supplement 3D models with specific tolerances and annotations.
Need to discuss steel machinig project?
Our engineering team specializes in industry-specific solutions tailored to your exact requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to discuss your steel CNC machining project or request a quote.
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