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Skip to content Custom stainless steel components for industrial equipment, instrumentation, automation, and laboratory devices. TENGHUI provides in-house CNC milling and turning, supported by sheet metal fabrication, metal 3D printing, and coordinated surface finishing.
From prototypes to repeat production, we review material selection, critical dimensions, and finishing requirements before manufacturing.
Select a stainless steel grade based on corrosion exposure, strength, machinability, welding, and surface requirements. Material grade, product form, and heat treatment condition should be specified together where applicable.
| Material Grade | Common Manufacturing Processes | Key Characteristics & Selection Notes | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L General-Purpose Stainless Steel | CNC machining, cutting, bending, and welding | A common choice for general corrosion resistance and fabrication. The low-carbon 304L grade is often considered for welded components. Grade selection depends on the service environment and drawing requirements. | Equipment housings, brackets, panels, fixtures, and general mechanical components |
| 316 / 316L Molybdenum-Alloyed Stainless Steel | CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication | Generally offers better resistance to chloride-induced pitting than 304. Suitability still depends on temperature, chemical exposure, and component design. The low-carbon 316L grade is often used for welded parts. | Laboratory equipment components, fluid-handling parts, instrumentation housings, and selected marine hardware |
| 303 Free-Machining Stainless Steel | CNC turning and milling | Improved machinability for detailed features and threaded components. Its sulfur addition involves trade-offs in corrosion resistance, weldability, and formability compared with 304. | Spacers, bushings, threaded inserts, fasteners, and precision turned parts |
| 17-4 PH Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel | CNC machining with specified heat treatment | Offers a useful combination of strength and corrosion resistance. Properties depend on the supplied condition and aging treatment, such as H900 or H1150. | Shafts, valve components, tooling, and load-bearing mechanical parts |
| 420 Hardenable Stainless Steel | CNC machining with specified hardening and tempering | Can be heat treated for increased hardness and wear resistance. Corrosion performance and machining requirements depend on the final condition. | Wear components, mechanical parts, and selected valve components |
| 316L Stainless Steel for Metal 3D Printing | Laser powder bed fusion (SLM / DMLS) | Supports complex geometries and internal passages. Printing orientation, supports, heat treatment, and post-machining require review. Printed properties should be assessed using process-specific data. | Complex equipment components, fluid manifolds, prototypes, and lightweight brackets |
*Material availability and processing routes are confirmed during quotation. If material certification or a particular standard is required, include it with your inquiry.
The comparison below provides general selection guidance. Mechanical properties vary with product form, dimensions, cold work, and heat treatment.
| Selection Factor | 304 / 304L | 316 / 316L | 303 | 17-4 PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Advantage | Balanced corrosion resistance and fabrication performance | Improved resistance to pitting in many chloride-containing environments | Efficient machining of detailed components | Higher strength through specified aging treatments |
| CNC Machining | Requires control of work hardening, chips, and tool wear | Requires control of work hardening, chips, and tool wear | Generally easier to machine than 304 and 316 | Machining strategy depends on material condition |
| Bending & Forming | Common choice for fabricated sheet components | Suitable for many fabricated sheet components | Generally not preferred for extensive forming | Requires condition-specific review |
| Welding | Commonly welded; grade and procedure matter | Commonly welded; grade and procedure matter | Generally not preferred | Requires a suitable procedure and heat treatment plan |
| Hardening Method | Strength can increase through cold work; not conventionally quench hardened | Strength can increase through cold work; not conventionally quench hardened | Strength can increase through cold work; not conventionally quench hardened | Precipitation hardening |
| Key Selection Consideration | Operating environment and fabrication requirements | Actual chloride exposure, temperature, and cleaning conditions | Machinability versus corrosion and welding requirements | Required balance of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance |
Choose a finish based on corrosion exposure, cleanliness, appearance, surface roughness, and dimensional requirements. TENGHUI coordinates finishing with machining and inspection to address critical surfaces and finished dimensions.
Parts retain visible machining marks without an additional decorative finish. This is a practical option for functional components where the machined surface meets the application requirements.
Passivation removes free iron contamination from a suitably cleaned stainless steel surface and supports its natural corrosion resistance.
Electropolishing removes a controlled amount of surface metal to improve smoothness, brightness, and cleanability. It may be considered for components with specific surface-finish requirements.
Bead blasting creates a matte texture and reduces the visibility of some machining marks. Clean media and appropriate handling help limit cross-contamination.
Brushing produces a directional texture, while mechanical polishing can create brighter surfaces where geometry permits.
Welding can leave heat tint, oxide scale, and surface contamination that require treatment. Mechanical cleaning, pickling, or other suitable methods may be considered.
Stainless steel offers a range of corrosion, strength, and surface-finish options. The correct grade and manufacturing route depend on the component’s function and operating conditions.
304 is a common choice for general-purpose equipment components and fabricated parts. The molybdenum in 316 generally improves resistance to pitting in chloride-containing environments.
316 is not suitable for every saltwater or chemical application. Share the operating temperature, exposure conditions, cleaning agents, and relevant specifications when requesting material guidance.
For welded parts, low-carbon grades such as 304L and 316L may be considered according to the project requirements.
303 is often selected for efficiently machining detailed turned or milled parts where its corrosion and fabrication limitations are acceptable.
17-4 PH may suit components requiring higher strength with a specified aging condition. 420 may be considered where hardened wear resistance is a priority.
The required material condition, hardness, and heat treatment should be stated on the drawing rather than selecting a grade by name alone.
Passivation may be specified to remove free iron contamination and support corrosion performance after manufacturing.
Whether it is required depends on the material, process history, service environment, and customer specification. Weld heat tint and heavy scale require suitable cleaning before passivation.
Include the required treatment standard and acceptance tests in your inquiry.
We plan tooling, machining sequence, workholding, and cutting parameters around the grade and part geometry.
The objective is to maintain stable cutting, manage chips, and reduce rubbing or repeated engagement with work-hardened surfaces. Critical features and thin sections receive additional review during process planning.
Selected CNC-machined features can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.01 mm, subject to engineering review.
Achievable tolerances depend on dimensions, geometry, material condition, heat treatment, and surface finishing. General tolerances follow the drawing or the standard agreed for the order.
ISO 2768-1 specifies different limits for different dimension ranges; it does not mean a fixed ±0.05 mm tolerance. Threads should be defined by the required thread standard and tolerance class.
Dimensional reports and CMM inspection can be discussed during quotation.
Straightforward CNC prototypes can often be completed in approximately 3–7 working days. Medium and larger production orders commonly require around 15–20 working days.
Material availability, complexity, heat treatment, finishing, and inspection requirements can affect the schedule. Sheet metal, welded assemblies, and printed parts are reviewed separately.
We confirm the delivery plan after reviewing your files and order requirements.
Please provide:
For welded assemblies, include weld details and any requirements for distortion, cleaning, and final inspection.
Upload your 2D drawings (PDF/DWG/DXF) and 3D CAD files (STEP/IGES). We evaluate part geometry, materials, and tolerances within 24 hours.
Once we receive your design files, our senior manufacturing engineers will manually perform a comprehensive DFM review and deliver an accurate, optimized quote within 24 hours.
