Blogs
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 QuoteWhen differentiating between 304 and 410 stainless steel, understanding their core metallurgical classifications is key. 304 is an austenitic stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and ductility, while 410 is a martensitic stainless steel, distinguished by its high strength, hardness, and heat treatability. The optimal selection hinges entirely on the specific performance requirements of your application, balancing factors like environmental exposure, mechanical stress, and manufacturing processes.
When choosing stainless steel for precision parts, 410 and 316 represent distinct classes with specific strengths. 410 is a martensitic alloy known for its hardness and strength, particularly after heat treatment, making it suitable for high-wear applications. 316, an austenitic alloy, offers superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides, and excellent weldability, ideal for demanding chemical environments. Understanding these core differences is essential for long-term project success.
904L stainless steel is a high-alloy super austenitic stainless steel known for its exceptional resistance to various forms of corrosion. Its unique composition, including high levels of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper, provides superior performance in highly aggressive environments, making it a preferred material for critical applications across industries where standard stainless steels fall short.
Kovar is a critical iron-nickel-cobalt alloy known for its controlled thermal expansion properties, making it ideal for hermetic sealing with glass and ceramic. Achieving successful Kovar CNC machining requires deep technical expertise to manage its unique hardness, toughness, and thermal characteristics, ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface integrity for high-reliability applications.
1020 and 1018 steels are both low-carbon steels, but 1018 contains slightly higher manganese, enhancing its machinability and mechanical properties like tensile and yield strength. 1020, with lower carbon and manganese, offers better ductility and weldability. Understanding these chemical and mechanical variances is crucial for optimal CNC machining and part performance.
409 stainless steel is a ferritic stainless steel grade primarily recognized for its excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and good weldability, particularly in applications where aesthetic finish is secondary to functionality and cost-effectiveness. It is commonly employed in environments exposed to fluctuating temperatures and mild corrosive conditions, offering a durable solution without the higher cost associated with more alloyed stainless steels. Its ferritic structure contributes to its magnetic properties and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
When selecting CNC materials, the selection frequently comes down to 2 popular options: aluminum and carbon steel. Both are broadly utilised in industries along with automotive, aerospace, scientific devices, and consumer goods. But here’s the real query: Which one is higher on your undertaking?
Monel, a Ni-Cu alloy, delivers exceptional performance under extreme conditions. CNC machining can provide the exceptional precision required across industries. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting Monel CNC machining.
Ready To Start Your Next Project?
Get Instant QuoteRequest a Free Quote
Send us a message if you have any questions or request a quote. We will get back to you ASAP!