Steel Machining Grand Rapids, MI
Steel machining Grand Rapids, MI. Steel is among the most commonly used metals for machining in Grand Rapids, MI, across the country, and around the world. Things are no different at Roberson Machine Company, as we manufacture components, products, and tools for every sector out there. CNC steel machined parts are among the most popular for custom made components and prototypes among our large network of industry-leading customers.
Steel is not simple to work with, because of its exceptionally high levels of hardness and tensile strength. Machining steel requires a comprehensive understanding of the processes that work well on this material, and the different types of steel that work better on a diverse set of CNC machined parts and components. Your Grand Rapids, MI company deserves the skilled professionals at Roberson Machine Company.
Call us right now at 573-646-3996 or contact us online and get a free quote for your next Grand Rapids, MI CNC steel machining project.
What Types of Steel are Used in the Roberson Machine Company Grand Rapids, MI CNC Machining Process?
Steel is distinctive in the sense that it is extremely versatile, meaning it can be morphed into a variety of dimensions and forms for parts in Grand Rapids, MI. As an alloy made up of several elements, steel has a vast selection of applications that differ depending on the kind of steel being utilized. One of the key factors to consider when machining steel is that it is inherently strong, even at the highest temperatures. The 4 main kinds of steel found at Roberson Machine Company are:
- Carbon Steel
- Automotive body panels
- Bolts
- Fixtures
- Seamless tubes
- Steel plates
- Stainless Steel
- Nickel
- Carbon
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Nitrogen
- Sulfur
- Copper
- Silicon
- Alloy Steel
- Pipes
- Tubes
- Plates
- Sheets
- Coils
- Bars
- Rods
- Wires
- Forged fittings
- Buttweld fittings
- Flanges
- Fasteners
- Tool Steel
Carbon steels account for the lion’s share of steel applications near Grand Rapids, MI and throughout the country. These steels are made up of a series of alloys of carbon and iron containing a range of 0.12 to 2 percent carbon, with elements added in specific quantities for detoxification and residual quantities of other elements. The higher the carbon content, the harder the steel is – retaining shape and resisting abrasion. Yet, low carbon steels are more common, likely because of greater ductility, lower production costs, and ease of use in our manufacturing procedures. Carbon steels are frequently utilized in:
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and attractive appearance, stainless steel sees a wide range of uses across consumer and industrial sectors. Stainless steel is used in a wide array of parts and products, from automotive and aerospace parts to bridges and sculptures to kitchen applications and cutlery. While stainless must have at least 10.5% chromium, the exact ratios and components will vary depending on the use near Grand Rapids, MI. Some common additives include:
An alloy steel is a type of steel combined with more than one element. By alloying elements you can boost strength, hardness, and wear resistance, producing a more robust and substantive steel. The alloying elements added to the base iron and carbon normally total no more than 5% of the alloy steel’s material composition. Steel alloys can be fabricated into various shapes for a wide range of components for projects in Grand Rapids, MI, such as:
Tool steels are produced under precisely controlled conditions with carbon content between 0.7% and 1.5% and low manganese content to reduce the chance of cracking during water quenching. Correct heat treating of these steels is crucial for achieving ideal performance. W-type is our most commonly used tool steel because of its low costs. Tool steels are used in the shearing, forming, cutting, and stamping of metals and plastics; the extrusion of plastic parts, like pipes and vinyl window frames; and the production of dies for pressing metal powder into custom forms.
Give our knowledgeable machinists a call today at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online.
Along with steel machining for companies in Grand Rapids, MI and throughout the country, Roberson Machine Company can also provide Grand Rapids, MI customers with:
- CNC Milling Aluminum
- Plastic Parts Manufacturer
- Precision Manufacturing
- Aerospace Machining
- Machined Plastic Parts
- CNC Companies
- Aluminum Fabrication
- Machined Parts
- Machine Shop
Surface Finishes and Post-Processing Options for Grand Rapids, MI CNC Steel Machined Parts at Roberson Machine Company
For more than 20 years, Roberson Machine Company has been providing customers in Grand Rapids, MI with value added services – including surface finishes and post-processing options. These services aim to enhance the functionality and the look of your parts or products. For steel components, the following are some of our most popular value added services:
- Powder Coating – Fundamentally, our powder coat finishes involves depositing dry powder on the steel’s surface. The finish is fairly thin, typically between 0.15 and 0.3 millimeters, although it does improve the part’s resistance to corrosion.
- Bead Blasting – A bead blast finish cleans corroded metal, removes cosmetic defects like textures and contaminants, and prepares a steel component for paint and/or other coating.
- Passivation – This is the process of protecting or coating a metal in order to reduce the chemical reactivity of its surface. In stainless steel, passivation entails removing the free iron from the surface of the metal via an acid solution to avoid rust. The procedure also:
- Eliminates surface contamination
- Reduces the risk of product corruption
- Lets you extend system maintenance intervals
- Black oxide – Also called blackening, a black oxide finish involves dipping machined steel parts into an alkaline solution. The solution then transforms the iron on the metal’s surface into a compound known as magnetite.
- Zinc coating – This value added surface is one of the least expensive and most readily available. A zinc coating safeguards steel from corrosion because of its anodic properties where it will sacrificially corrode before the underlying steel. The coatings offer good protection for steel in hostile waters, as well as amidst severe temperatures.
Is There Anything to Be Concerned With For My Grand Rapids, MI Company in Steel Machining?
With Roberson Machine Company on your side throughout your Grand Rapids, MI company’s CNC steel machining project, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Call us right now at 573-646-3996 or contact us online. We follow our rigorous guidelines when it comes to machining steel, including:
- Choosing Appropriate Tooling: While this may appear apparent, picking the correct tool for the job isn’t always a surefire thing. It depends on the material itself, but also on the machine, the environment, and the operation at hand. With numerous variables affecting tool choice for your Grand Rapids, MI company’s project, our experienced machinists will assist you with the choices and help you pick the most efficient and appropriate process.
- Managing Temperatures: Machining results in elevated temperatures at the cutting point because of steel being such a solid material. So, we minimize that in our shop with cooling fluids to lower friction and aid in chip evacuation while diminishing tool wear. The cutting data can also be fine-tuned via our CAD and CAM software to reduce heat generation.
- Diminishing Vibrations: The strength of steel also means that CNC machining procedures require high speeds, potentially creating increased vibration. This can significantly impact finish and accuracy, as well as harming the tool. We continuously keep an eye on:
- Tool choice
- RPM
- Workholding
- Toolholding
- Insert geometry
- Balance
Reach Out To a Leader in Steel Machining For Grand Rapids, MI Companies | Roberson Machine Company
Roberson Machine Company is the place to turn for all of your steel machining needs in Grand Rapids, MI. We have clients and partners in every industry, both in Grand Rapids, MI and across the country, who value our dedication to meeting or exceeding deadlines, our central location, and our moderate costs.
Give us a call now at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online so that we can get started on your company’s CNC steel machining.