Stainless steel suitable for building CNC machine?

[xudeen]

Heya fellows, new birdie in the nest. I've been researching about building a cnc like everyone here. I've seen many built their cnc out of steel. But I've been wondering if stainless steel tubing and plates are suitable for the gantry & framework?

If so what grade/category of SS should I go for?

Also what issues should I look out for if I chose to have it welded, or is a bolted unit easier to deal with?

Thanks for taking time to response

[Geof]

There is no advantage to using stainless steel and you will be giving yourself no end of bother drilling holes and tapping threads because all stainless steels are much more difficult to work with than mild steel.

[xudeen]

Originally Posted by Geof There is no advantage to using stainless steel and you will be giving yourself no end of bother drilling holes and tapping threads because all stainless steels are much more difficult to work with than mild steel.

Thanks for the advice Geof. Regarding mild steel, what type is recommended for the construction?

I was considering having the steel frame welded but was concerned about warping. The other issue is rust, as humility is metal-unfriendly high where I stay.

cheers

[Geof]

You will always getting warping with welding on any steel so you have to try and design around it. Just use ordinary mild steel and don't worry about rust on your frame, it can be painted.

[xudeen]

Well I guess I'll have to discuss the warping issue with a metal fabricator, perhaps its easier to go with alum extrusion, maybe less rigidity/strenght but with more allowance for fine tuning...

cheers