Can you cut stainless steel on a CNC router?

Cutting stainless steel on a CNC router is generally not recommended due to the hardness of the material, the forces generated during the cutting process, and the limitations of most CNC routers. CNC routers are designed primarily for cutting softer materials like wood, plastics, foam, and non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum and brass.

Stainless steel, being a hard and tough material, requires higher cutting forces, slower spindle speeds, and more rigidity than a typical CNC router can provide. Attempting to cut stainless steel on a CNC router can result in poor cut quality, excessive tool wear, machine damage, or even tool breakage due to the inadequate rigidity and power of the router.

For cutting stainless steel, a CNC milling machine or a CNC plasma cutter is more suitable. CNC milling machines are specifically designed for working with harder metals, featuring rigid construction, powerful spindles, and a wider range of cutting tools. CNC plasma cutters use an electric arc and high-velocity ionized gas to cut through metals, including stainless steel, making them a better choice for this type of material.

In summary, while it might be technically possible to cut stainless steel on a CNC router under very specific conditions and with the right setup, it is not recommended. Using a CNC milling machine or a CNC plasma cutter is a safer and more efficient choice for working with stainless steel.