Stainless steel machining refers to the process of cutting steel sheets or bars into predetermined shapes for use as components in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, shipping, and others. Stainless steel machining can be done either manually or with the help of automatic machining systems combined with computer aided design (CAD) software.
Manual machining is used for cutting stainless steel pipe in simple shapes such as circular, square, and rectangular. This process is however being replaced by automatic machining systems and processes that can cut any type of shape out of metal sheets needed for different purposes.
The most commonly used technology used for stainless steel piping is known as Computer Numerical Control or CNC machining. The technology is mainly used to cut intricate shapes and designs into hard metals such as stainless steel, which otherwise are difficult to form, mold, or manipulate. In this process, the machining operator uses computers to control machine tools for manufacturing complex and intricate parts in metal and other materials. Moreover, the cutting process is enabled using a software program written in a notation confirming to the EIA-274-D standard, which is often referred to as G-code.
Another common process is Wire Electrical-Discharge Machining (EDM), in which the metal is separated from a conductive work piece by means of electrical erosion. During this process, the wire never touches the conductive work piece and leaves a path on the work piece, which is slightly larger than the wire.
