Steel Machining Norfolk, VA
Steel machining Norfolk, VA. Steel is among the most commonly used metals for machining in Norfolk, VA, across the country, and around the world. Things are no different at Roberson Machine Company, as we manufacture components, products, and equipment for every sector out there. CNC steel machined parts are one of the most popular for custom made components and prototypes among our large network of industry-leading clients.
With its high levels of hardness and tensile strength, steel is not easy to work with. Machining steel requires a thorough understanding of the processes that work well on this material, and the various types of steel that work more effectively on a diverse set of CNC machined parts and components. Your business in Norfolk, VA deserves the professionals at Roberson Machine Company.
Call us right away at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online and get a free quote for your next Norfolk, VA CNC steel machining project.
What Types of Steel are Used in the Roberson Machine Company Norfolk, VA CNC Machining Process?
Steel is distinctive in the sense that it is extremely versatile, meaning it can be morphed into a wide range of dimensions and forms for parts in Norfolk, VA. As an alloy formed from several elements, steel has a vast selection of uses that vary depending on the type of steel being utilized. One of the main aspects to consider when machining steel is that it is naturally strong, even at the highest temperatures. The 4 main types of steel used 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 Norfolk, VA and throughout the country. These steels are 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 – resisting abrasion and retaining shape. Yet, low carbon steels are more common, likely due to greater ductility, lower production costs, and ease of use throughout our manufacturing processes. Carbon steels are frequently used in:
Stainless steel sees a variety of applications across industrial and consumer sectors, probably because of its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and attractive appearance. Stainless steel is used in a wide array of parts and products, from aerospace and automotive components to sculptures and bridges to kitchen sinks and cutlery. While stainless must have at least 10.5% chromium, the exact makeup and ratios will vary depending on the use in Norfolk, VA. Some common additives include:
An alloy steel is a type of steel that has more than one element. Alloying elements increase wear resistance, hardness, and overall strength, establishing a more robust and substantive steel. The additional elements on top of the base iron and carbon typically total no more than 5% of the alloy steel’s material composition. Steel alloys can be forged into a variety of shapes for a wide range of parts for Norfolk, VA projects, such as:
Tool steels are manufactured under carefully controlled conditions with carbon content between 0.7% and 1.5% and low manganese content to minimize the chance of cracking during water quenching. Correct heat treating of these steels is important for reaching optimal performance. Our most commonly used steel is W-type, because of its affordability. Tool steels are utilized in the shearing, forming, cutting, and stamping of metals and plastics; the extrusion of plastic components, such as pipes and vinyl window frames; and the manufacturing of dies for pressing metal powder into custom forms.
Call our experienced machinists right away at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online.
In addition to steel machining for companies in Norfolk, VA and throughout the country, Roberson Machine Company can also provide Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk, VA CNC Steel Machined Parts at Roberson Machine Company
Roberson Machine Company has been providing customers in Norfolk, VA with value added services – including surface finishes and post-processing options – for more than 20 years. They aim to boost the functionality and aesthetics of your parts or products. For steel components, the following are some of our common finishes:
- Powder Coating – Our powder coat finish basically involves depositing dry powder on the surface of steel. The finish is fairly thin, normally between 0.15 and 0.3 millimeters, although it does improve the part’s resistance to corrosion.
- Bead Blasting – A bead blast finish removes cosmetic defects like unnecessary textures and contaminants, cleans corroded metal, as well as prepares a steel part for paint and/or other coating.
- Passivation – This is the process of protecting or coating a metal in order to decrease the chemical reactivity of its surface. In stainless steel, passivation means removing the free iron from the surface of the metal via an acid solution to prevent rust. The process additionally:
- Eliminates surface contamination
- Reduces the risk of product corruption
- Lets you prolong the time between system maintenance
- Black oxide – Also called blackening, a black oxide finish involves dipping machined steel components into an alkaline solution. The solution then converts the iron on the metal’s surface into a compound known as magnetite.
- Zinc coating – A zinc coating safeguards steel from corrosion due to its anodic properties where it will sacrificially corrode prior to the underlying steel. The coatings offer good protection for steel in harsh waters, along with in intense temperatures. This finishing is one of the most affordable and most readily available.
Is There Anything to Be Concerned With For My Norfolk, VA Company in Steel Machining?
With Roberson Machine Company as your partner throughout your Norfolk, VA company’s CNC steel machining project, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Give us a call now at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online. We follow our rigorous standards when it comes to machining steel, such as:
- Choosing Appropriate Tooling: While this may seem obvious, picking the best 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 impacting tool options for your Norfolk, VA company’s project, our well-informed machinists will advise you on the options and help you pick the most effective and suitable procedure.
- Managing Temperatures: Machining results in increased temperatures at the cutting point because of steel being such a robust material. So, we minimize that in our shop with coolants to reduce friction and aid in chip evacuation while reducing tool wear. The cutting data can also be adjusted via our CAD and CAM software to reduce the heat.
- Eliminating Vibrations: The strength of steel also means that CNC machining procedures require high speeds, potentially creating increased vibration. This can greatly impact accuracy and finish, along with damaging the tool. We continuously monitor:
- Tool choice
- Speed
- Workholding
- Toolholding
- Insert geometry
- Balance
Reach Out To a Leader in Steel Machining For Norfolk, VA Companies | Roberson Machine Company
Roberson Machine Company is the place to turn for all of your steel machining needs in Norfolk, VA. We have clients and partners in every industry, both near Norfolk, VA and across the country, who recognize our commitment to meeting or beating deadlines, our central location, and our low costs.
Give us a call now at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online so we can get started on your CNC steel machining.