Materials
Steel CNC Machining
Structural steel and stainless steel grades for every load, environment, and hygiene requirement. From simple brackets to food-contact components.
Grade Comparison
Structural steel vs. stainless — machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
| Grade | Standard | Tensile Str. | Machinability | Corrosion Res. | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235 | EN 10025 | 360 MPa | Good | Low | General structural, brackets, frames, non-critical parts |
| S355 | EN 10025 | 490 MPa | Good | Low | Load-bearing structures, heavy machinery, high-stress parts |
| SS304 | EN 1.4301 | 515 MPa | Fair | High | Food machinery, medical, indoor architectural parts |
| SS316 | EN 1.4401 | 515 MPa | Fair | High | Marine, chemical processing, outdoor, chloride-rich environments |
Grade Details
Structural steel and stainless steel require different tooling and speeds. The right choice depends on load, environment, and hygiene requirements.
S235
General purposeThe most widely available structural steel. Low cost, easy to weld and machine. No corrosion resistance — coat or paint for outdoor use. Suitable for non-critical brackets and frames.
S355
High strength35% higher yield strength than S235. Used where S235 would require heavier sections. Common in machinery bases, load-bearing frames, and structural supports.
SS304
Food-gradeThe standard stainless grade for food and hygiene applications. Excellent corrosion resistance in most environments. Harder to machine than structural steel — expect slightly higher cost.
SS316
Marine / chemicalContains molybdenum, giving superior resistance to chlorides and acids. Required for marine, offshore, and chemical processing parts where SS304 is insufficient.
Structural vs. Stainless Steel
Quick decision guide for the most common trade-off.
| Structural (S235 / S355) | Stainless (SS304 / SS316) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Machinability | Good | Fair (work-hardens) |
| Corrosion resistance | Low (coat required) | High |
| Food contact | No | Yes (SS304 / SS316) |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good |
| Typical lead time | Shorter | Slightly longer |
Surface Finishes for Steel
Specify your required finish in the RFQ notes.
As Machined
All grades
Default. Clean surface direct from the machine. Ra 1.6 – 3.2.
Passivation
SS304 · SS316
Chemical treatment to restore and enhance the natural oxide layer on stainless steel.
Powder Coat
S235 · S355
Durable paint coating. Provides corrosion protection for structural steel. Specify RAL colour.
Not sure which grade? Describe your application, environment, and any hygiene or certification requirements in the RFQ — we'll advise the right material.
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