I'm out of touch with machining, but I got this:
Quote:
Machinability
316 stainless steel has good machinability.
Machining can be enhanced using the
following rules:
Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull
edges cause excess work hardening.
Cuts should be light but deep enough to
prevent work hardening by riding on the
surface of the material.
Chip breakers should be employed to
assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of
the work
Low thermal conductivity of austenitic
alloys results in heat concentrating at
the cutting edges. This means coolants
and lubricants are necessary and must
be used in large quantities.
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from here:
http://www.aalco.co.uk/technical/datasheets/Aalco_Datasheet_St_St_316.pdf
Al.