At Focused on Machining, we’re always up for the next challenge that comes our way. From cracking the code on titanium machining to pursuing AS9100 certification, we’re masters of complexity and difficulty in all aspects of our precision CNC machining services.
When confronted with a new material, our philosophy is always this: just because we’ve never cut it before doesn’t mean we won’t. So when quotes for Nitronic 60 parts started hitting our inbox, we jumped at the opportunity to work with this innovative material that’s generating a lot of buzz in the space industry.
Now, we’re well-versed in the intricacies of Nitronic 60 machining. Through our experience and our investment in optimal tooling, we’re able to maximize speed and precision, always delivering excellent results.
What Is Nitronic 60? Nitronic 60 is an all-purpose stainless steel alloy fortified with silicon and manganese to provide these key benefits:
High corrosion resistance. Nitronic 60 has corrosion resistance properties comparable to 304 and 316 stainless steels while offering nearly twice the yield strength.
Minimal wearing, galling, and fretting. The addition of silicon and manganese gives this material superior wear-inhibiting properties compared to other types of stainless steel. While threaded 304 stainless steel parts tend to gall and grip onto each other, Nitronic 60 parts go together much more smoothly, making it popular for helical thread inserts in high-performance applications such as aerospace.
Temperature performance. Nitronic 60 maintains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, including extremely elevated temperatures.
These benefits are especially important in space applications, where parts are continually subjected to extreme environments and temperature changes. Our extensive aerospace machining experience ensures we can manufacture Nitronic 60 components to the exacting requirements of space applications.
The choice between Nitronic 60 and other high-performance materials depends on the specific demands of the application. For instance, in cases where galling resistance is critical, Nitronic 60 often outperforms alternatives like Alloy 333. However, applications prioritizing corrosion resistance might call for 316 stainless steel (also known as "316 surgical steel" for its medical applications), while those requiring exceptional high-temperature performance might be better served by Inconel 718.
Whatever your material requirements, our team at Focused on Machining brings extensive experience to every project, including specialized expertise in Inconel machining.
At Focused on Machining, we’re always up for the next challenge that comes our way. From cracking the code on titanium machining to pursuing AS9100 certification, we’re masters of complexity and difficulty in all aspects of our precision CNC machining services.
When confronted with a new material, our philosophy is always this: just because we’ve never cut it before doesn’t mean we won’t. So when quotes for Nitronic 60 parts started hitting our inbox, we jumped at the opportunity to work with this innovative material that’s generating a lot of buzz in the space industry.
Now, we’re well-versed in the intricacies of Nitronic 60 machining. Through our experience and our investment in optimal tooling, we’re able to maximize speed and precision, always delivering excellent results.
What Is Nitronic 60?
Nitronic 60 is an all-purpose stainless steel alloy fortified with silicon and manganese to provide these key benefits:
High corrosion resistance. Nitronic 60 has corrosion resistance properties comparable to 304 and 316 stainless steels while offering nearly twice the yield strength.
Minimal wearing, galling, and fretting. The addition of silicon and manganese gives this material superior wear-inhibiting properties compared to other types of stainless steel. While threaded 304 stainless steel parts tend to gall and grip onto each other, Nitronic 60 parts go together much more smoothly, making it popular for helical thread inserts in high-performance applications such as aerospace.
Temperature performance. Nitronic 60 maintains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, including extremely elevated temperatures.
These benefits are especially important in space applications, where parts are continually subjected to extreme environments and temperature changes. Our extensive aerospace machining experience ensures we can manufacture Nitronic 60 components to the exacting requirements of space applications.
The choice between Nitronic 60 and other high-performance materials depends on the specific demands of the application. For instance, in cases where galling resistance is critical, Nitronic 60 often outperforms alternatives like Alloy 333. However, applications prioritizing corrosion resistance might call for 316 stainless steel (also known as "316 surgical steel" for its medical applications), while those requiring exceptional high-temperature performance might be better served by Inconel 718.
Whatever your material requirements, our team at Focused on Machining brings extensive experience to every project, including specialized expertise in Inconel machining.
The Growing Demand for Nitronic 60 Minisatellites
Nitronic 60 is commonly found in minisatellites, which are popular right now in the space industry. With private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic enmeshed in a modern-day space race, there’s a unique opportunity for these toaster-sized minisatellites to hitch a ride into space for much cheaper than ever before. Manufacturers of minisatellites are essentially piggybacking on a trip to space that has already been paid for. Pretty smart!
So far, our AS9100 machine shop has made both internal and external components for these minisatellites using Nitronic 60. We also just finished precision machining for a part that will attach to a Mars rover.
If you have any Nitronic 60 projects coming down the pipeline, we hope you’ll consider getting a quote from Focused on Machining. Our appetite for complexity makes us the perfect partner for new and difficult materials that many other machine shops no-quote. We’re also committed to meeting stringent deadlines no matter what it takes.
Request a quote today from our Colorado machine shop for your next Nitronic 60 project!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nitronic 60 material equivalent to?
Nitronic 60 offers oxidation resistance comparable to Type 309 stainless steel and significantly better than Type 304 stainless steel. This alloy is renowned for its exceptional resistance to wear and galling.
What is the difference between Nitronic 60 and Inconel?
Nitronic 60 is a high-strength stainless steel known for wear, galling, and corrosion resistance in moderate temperatures. In contrast, Inconel, a nickel-chromium alloy family, excels in extreme heat and oxidation resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature applications like jet engines and turbines.
Can Nitronic 60 be welded?
Nitronic 60 can be welded with standard methods, but proper techniques are crucial. Use Nitronic 60, 309, or 310 fillers for high strength, and low heat input with convex bead profiles to prevent cracking. Avoid excessive weaving to reduce surface cracks.
Is Nitronic 60 magnetic?
Nitronic 60 is a non-magnetic stainless steel with low magnetic permeability, even when cooled to sub-zero temperatures or cold worked.