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The VMT blog is dedicated to sharing our hard-earned knowledge in prototype manufacturing. We hope these articles will help you optimize your product designs and gain deeper insight into the world of rapid prototyping. Enjoy the read!
Get an Instant Quote304 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and versatility, making it ideal for general industrial, food-grade, and architectural uses. 420 stainless steel provides higher hardness and wear resistance, ideal for cutting tools and blades. Choosing between them depends on your project’s needs for durability, corrosion protection, and machinability.
316 stainless steel is generally better than 18-10 stainless steel for CNC machined parts requiring superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine or chemical environments. However, 18-10 stainless steel is ideal for food-grade, decorative, or general-purpose applications. The choice depends on your project's environment, performance requirements, and cost considerations.
18-10 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are essentially the same alloy, both classified as austenitic stainless steel with similar chromium and nickel content. However, 18-10 emphasizes nickel content for enhanced corrosion resistance and luster. For CNC machining projects, 304 stainless steel offers a more standardized, cost-effective solution, while 18-10 is preferred in high-end consumer or decorative applications.
The key difference between MC66 steel and SG2 steel lies in their chemical composition and mechanical performance. MC66 steel offers enhanced wear resistance and edge retention, making it ideal for high-end knives, while SG2 steel excels in toughness and corrosion resistance. Choosing between them depends on your application’s priority: durability, machinability, or cutting performance.
The best knife steels offer a balance of hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and cost-efficiency. Popular choices include M390, CPM-S35VN, VG-10, and D2 steel. Selecting the right steel depends on intended use, maintenance preferences, and compatibility with CNC machining services for consistent, precision manufacturing.
17-4 PH stainless steel is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy widely used in aerospace, medical, and energy applications. Known for its excellent mechanical properties and suitability for CNC machining, it offers a reliable solution for precision parts that require durability, heat resistance, and tight tolerances.
4116 stainless steel is a martensitic stainless steel known for its high corrosion resistance, moderate hardness, and excellent machinability after heat treatment. Ideal for knives, surgical tools, and CNC machined parts, it balances edge retention and ease of processing, making it a cost-effective choice in CNC machining services.
17/4 PH stainless steel is a precipitation-hardened alloy offering superior strength and moderate corrosion resistance, while 304 stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and weldability but lower strength. The choice depends on application demands—use 17/4 PH for high-load, precision parts; choose 304 for cost-effective, corrosion-resistant components.
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