Stainless steel
High tensile strength, corrosion and temperature resistant.
- Common grades
- 303 · 304 · 316L · 17-4 PH
- Machinability
- Stainless steels work-harden: if a cutting edge rubs instead of cutting, the surface hardens ahead of the tool and finishes deteriorate.
- Tolerances
- ±0.025 mm standard on linear dimensions; ±0.010 mm on critical features
- Processes
- CNC milling, CNC turning and 5-axis machining
- Finishes
- Passivation · Electropolishing · Bead blasting · Brushed finishing
- Used in
- Medical, Oil & Gas, Semiconductor
- Certification
- Mill test certificate (chemistry and mechanical properties) with every lot; EN 10204 3.1 certificates on request
Machining Stainless steel
Stainless steels work-harden: if a cutting edge rubs instead of cutting, the surface hardens ahead of the tool and finishes deteriorate. The answer is rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, and constant chip load (standard discipline on our machine floor), which is why our stainless parts come off the machine with consistent finishes.
Grade choice drives machinability more than most buyers expect. 303 machines roughly twice as fast as 304 thanks to added sulphur, which matters for high-volume turned parts. 316L cuts slower but is the requirement wherever chloride corrosion or medical compatibility is in play.
We hold ±0.025 mm on critical stainless features, and passivate or electropolish after machining so the corrosion resistance the grade promises actually arrives on the finished part.
Common Grades We Machine
- 303 - The free-machining grade for high-volume turned parts (fittings, shafts, fasteners) where maximum corrosion resistance is not critical.
- 304 - The general-purpose stainless: good corrosion resistance and strength for brackets, housings and food-contact parts.
- 316L - Molybdenum-alloyed for chloride and chemical resistance; the standard for medical, marine and process-industry parts.
- 17-4 PH - Precipitation-hardening grade combining stainless corrosion resistance with near tool-steel strength after aging.
Applications by Industry
- Medical - 316L instrument components and housings with full lot traceability.
- Oil & Gas - corrosion-resistant valve and fitting components for harsh environments.
- Semiconductor - electropolished chamber and gas-delivery components where surface cleanliness matters.
Surface Finishing Options
- Passivation - removes free iron after machining and restores the chromium-oxide layer; standard on our stainless parts.
- Electropolishing - a microscopically smooth, ultra-clean surface for medical and semiconductor parts.
- Bead blasting - a uniform matte cosmetic finish.
- Brushed finishing - directional satin surfaces for visible product parts.
See our surface finishing services for the full range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stainless grade should I specify?
303 for volume turned parts without severe corrosion exposure, 304 for general use, 316L for chloride, chemical or medical environments, and 17-4 PH when you need stainless with high strength.
What tolerances can you hold on stainless steel?
±0.025 mm on critical features across milling and turning, with grinding available for tighter limits.
Do you passivate parts after machining?
Yes. Machining can leave free iron on the surface, so we passivate (and electropolish where specified) so finished parts deliver the corrosion resistance the grade is chosen for.
Is 316L mandatory for medical parts?
It is the default for corrosion resistance and biocompatibility in most medical applications, but requirements depend on the device: we machine to your specification and provide full material certificates.
Precision Stainless steel Manufacturing in Singapore
Need complex Stainless steel parts manufactured to tight tolerances? Explore our 5-axis simultaneous CNC machining, CNC milling, CNC turning and certified ISO Class 6–8 cleanroom assembly capabilities.
Speak with Our Sales & Engineering Team
Explore how Shine's Singapore precision CNC machining and cleanroom assembly integrate into your global supply chain. We welcome technical consultations, mutual NDAs, and facility audits.
- Mutual NDA executed within 24 hours
- ISO 9001:2015 certified & Cyber Essentials mark
- 24–48h engineering DFM feedback & formal RFQ pricing