Stainless steel cutting — inox, nerzhaveika, stainless

Short answer

Inox, nerzhaveika and stainless steel are common names for the same material family, but grade and surface finish vary. Send the grade, thickness, drawing and intended environment. Before ordering through Craftarea, confirm the part can be produced, the cutting method, achievable tolerance, quantity and edge finishing.

A stainless part requires more than a material name: AISI 201, 304 and 316 are considered for different environments and corrosion requirements. This guide explains grade selection, cut-edge changes and drawing preparation. Send a drawing or dimensioned sketch, any material documentation and the required quantity; the production method and scope must be established in the quote.

Get a quote Metal cutting

Key facts

Material: Inox / stainless steel
Grade: Specify AISI grade and intended environment
Thickness: Mark on the drawing; feasibility requires confirmation
Tolerance: Specify the requirement; agree achievable tolerance
Quantity: Confirm prototype and batch availability in advance
Finishing: Deburring, polishing or passivation: assess separately
Files: DXF, DWG, AI, vector PDF
Timing: Agreed after material and scope review

What is the difference between inox, nerzhaveika and stainless steel?

Inox comes from inoxydable, nerzhaveika is borrowed from Russian, and stainless steel is the technical English term. These names describe a material family, not a single grade. Chromium forms a protective oxide layer; performance also depends on grade, surface condition and environment. Identify the grade on an order rather than specifying only “inox”.

Inox = nerzhaveika = stainless steel — one material, three names
Technical criterion: minimum 10.5% chromium content
AISI 201 and 304 are chromium-nickel (austenitic) grades
Mild (carbon) steel is a different material and does rust

What thickness of stainless steel can be laser cut?

Achievable thickness depends on laser type and power, alloy grade, assist gas and geometry. Thicker material changes cutting speed, edge shape and thermal effects. Specify thickness, holes and tolerance, then confirm the particular method, workable thickness and any finishing before placing the order.

Which stainless steel grades are used most often?

AISI 201, 304 and 316 are different grades; appearance alone is not enough to select one. Interior decor, exterior components and specialist parts have different requirements. Food-contact, medical or aggressive-environment applications need separate checks of material documentation and suitability. Confirm availability and sourcing of the chosen grade before ordering.

Identify the AISI grade in the drawing or brief
Describe moisture, chemicals and surface requirements
Check stock and material documentation in advance

Does stainless steel need extra processing after cutting?

Cut parts may need deburring, edge rounding or surface restoration. Passivation, polishing and brushing are different operations and are not automatically included in a cutting order. Mark visible or handled edges, desired finish and corrosion requirements. Confirm each finishing operation and its provider separately in the quote.

How much does stainless steel cutting cost?

A quote depends on contour length, holes, sheet grade and thickness, nesting, quantity and subsequent finishing. File preparation may be a separate cost. Compare quotes for the same specification and check whether material, finishing and delivery are included. Agree batch terms in the particular quotation.

Where are laser-cut stainless steel parts used?

Cut stainless parts are used for lettering, logos, nameplates, decorative panels and mounts. The application determines grade, thickness, edges and fixing details. Bending, welding, milling and engraving are separate operations: include them in the brief where needed and confirm the complete scope can be supplied.

Stainless part requirements to confirm before ordering

Stainless part requirements to confirm before ordering
Detail	What to provide	What to confirm
Grade	AISI grade or material document	Availability and suitability for use
Thickness and size	Sheet and individual part dimensions	Feasible cutting method
Holes	Diameter, centres and spacing	Achievable tolerance
Surface	Visible side, polished or brushed finish	Sample and subsequent treatment
Edges	Handled edges and mating areas	Deburring and final finish

How It Works

1
Drawing and material
Send DXF, DWG, AI or vector PDF, grade, thickness and quantity.
2
Use and surface
Mark the visible side, exposure conditions and mating edges.
3
Confirm feasibility
Agree the cutting method, tolerance, any sample and finishing before ordering.
4
Price and timing
Confirm material, quantity, operations and completion date in the quote.
5
Handover
Agree inspection criteria, packaging and collection or delivery arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are inox, nerzhaveika and stainless steel the same material?

Yes. All three terms describe the same steel containing at least 10.5% chromium. Inox and nerzhaveika are everyday names; stainless steel is the technical one.

Does stainless steel ever rust?

The chromium oxide layer helps resist corrosion, but performance depends on grade, environment and surface condition. Describe exposure to moisture, salts or chemicals and verify the chosen grade against material documentation.

Can you cut 8mm or 10mm stainless steel?

Send the exact grade, thickness, drawing and tolerance. Feasibility for an 8mm or 10mm part requires technical assessment; agree the method and operator in the quotation.

Can I bring my own stainless sheet for cutting?

Agree use of customer-supplied sheet in advance. Provide grade, thickness, overall dimensions and surface condition; confirm acceptance and scope before bringing the material.

Can you engrave stainless steel as well as cut it?

Engraving adds a surface logo or text and is distinct from cutting. Send the artwork and surface photo; confirm the method, placement and compatibility with the cut part separately.

How long does a stainless cutting order take?

Timing is agreed after the project review. Send the metal grade, thickness, drawing, finishing and quantity, required date and collection or delivery location.

What is the minimum order for stainless steel cutting?

State the required quantity, including a single prototype if needed. Minimum quantity and file-preparation terms depend on the material and scope and must be agreed before ordering.

Why does stainless cutting cost more than mild steel?

Differences can come from grade, thickness, contour complexity, assist gas and edge requirements. Compare quotes for the same drawing and finish; do not assume a fixed price difference.

Related Services

Metal cutting — hub page What metal thickness can be cut — full table Carbon (mild) steel / iron cutting Metal cutting price — quotation factors Laser cutting on metal — general service Engraving on metal

Ready to order?

Send your artwork, quantity and preferred deadline — we will confirm pricing and production details after reviewing the project.

Get a quote