Stainless Steel 440C

Stainless Steel 440C in CNC Machining

Stainless Steel 440C is a high-carbon chromium steel. It has excellent hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Since 440C is a hardened steel, we use coated carbide tools in our cutting operations. We use lower cutting speeds and higher feed rates to prevent excessive tool wear. We use coolant to dissipate heat generated during machining and to extend tool life. We do a pre-heat treatment before the final heat treatment to lessen hardness. We have a rigid machine setup to minimize vibrations and maintain dimensional accuracy.

We use multiple shallow passes instead of a single deep pass when using step-downs. We do trochoidal milling techniques to help sustain a consistent chip load and minimize heat generation. We also do post-machining processes like grinding or polishing for a smoother finish. Post-machining heat treatment might be necessary depending on the final application and the impact of machining on material properties.

What is Stainless Steel 440C?

Stainless Steel 440C is martensitic stainless steel with the highest carbon content among the 400 stainless steel series. 440C is the strongest, hardest, and most wear-resistant among the common 440-series stainless alloys.

With a carbon content higher than other steels in the 440 series, it can be heat-treated to achieve remarkable hardness. Although not as corrosion-resistant as some stainless steel, it still offers satisfactory corrosion resistance.