A CNC lathe can be used to turn a variety of stainless steel types, each with special qualities and uses. Here's a summary of the common types of stainless steel used in CNC turning:

l Austenitic Stainless Steel: Austenitic stainless steel, which comes in grades 304 and 316, is the most widely used kind in CNC turning because of its superior formability, machinability, and corrosion resistance. Medical implants, food processing equipment, and architectural parts are just a few of their numerous uses.

l Martensitic Stainless Steel: Compared to austenitic grades, martensitic stainless steels, like grades 410 and 431, are stronger and more resilient. Despite being more difficult to machine, they are used in applications that require high wear resistance and strength, such as cutting tools, pump parts, and bearings.

l Ferritic Stainless Steel: The least expensive kind of stainless steel is ferritic, which comes in grades 409 and 430. Although it has better corrosion resistance than austenitic grades, it is stronger. They are appropriate for use in parts of appliances, automobiles, and household utensils where cost and corrosion resistance are crucial factors.

l Duplex Stainless Steel: Duplex stainless steels, like S31803 and S32304, combine the austenitic grades' resistance to corrosion with the high strength and hardness of martensitic grades. They are employed in hard applications like chemical processing machinery, offshore oil drilling equipment, and seawater pumps where high strength and corrosion resistance are essential.

l Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel: Precipitately hardening stainless steels, like 17-4PH and 630, have extremely high strengths and hardness levels that can be further increased through heat treatment. They find application in medical devices, aerospace parts, and high-performance springs, among other areas requiring remarkable strength and resistance to wear.

Stainless steel is chosen for CNC turning based on the particular application requirements, taking into account aspects like strength, corrosion resistance, cost, and machinability. With the help of knowledgeable material engineers and CNC machinists, you can choose the best grade of stainless steel for your particular requirements.