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 precision CNC machining. 

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. 

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.

These benefits are especially important in space applications, where parts are continually subjected to extreme environments and temperature changes. 

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, we’ve made both internal and external components for these minisatellites using Nitronic 60. We also just finished making 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.