Stainless is chosen because it resists rust and cleans easily. It is also tougher and stickier to cut than mild steel. This page is about cutting it. How to weld it without losing corrosion resistance is covered on the stainless welding page.
At a glance
- We machine stainless steel at our Reno shop
- Work hardening means sharp tools and no rubbing
- 300 series for corrosion resistance, 400 series for hardness
- Steam tubes, handles, knives and screws for food plants
- Stainless welding is on its own page
Love working with these guys, and gal. Great customer service and knowledgeable skill base. They have helped with many big projects and have always pulled though when our machines went down.
Work hardening and what to do about it
Many stainless grades get harder and stronger as they are deformed. A tool that rubs instead of cutting, or that stops cutting mid-pass, leaves a hardened skin that is harder to cut on the next pass. That is the main reason stainless is rated below plain steel for machinability.
The cure is a sharp tool, a firm setup, a steady feed that keeps the edge cutting and coolant to carry the heat. Stainless also conducts heat poorly, so the heat stays in the tool.
300 and 400 series, as general education
The grades below are named from published sources as general knowledge, not as the shop's stock. If your drawing gives a grade, we work to it.
| Grade | Family | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | 300 series | General corrosion resistance, food equipment |
| 316 | 300 series | Better against chlorides and chemicals |
| 303 | 300 series | Free-machining version of 304 |
| 410 and 416 | 400 series | Hardenable, 416 machines more freely |
| 17-4 PH | Precipitation hardening | High strength with good corrosion resistance |
Food-plant parts and what to send
Our services list names steam tubes, titanium screws, handles and stainless steel knives made for a food processing plant. In those parts the surface matters, since a rough or pitted face can hold residue. Tell us if the part contacts food or needs a specific finish.
Send the drawing or sample, the grade if it is stamped or on the print, the quantity and the use. If the job includes assembly welding, add that and see stainless steel welding. For plant context see food and dry product plants. Use the quote request or call (775) 359-5570.
Sources
- Stainless steel (overview) (2026-10-18)
