|
About:
|
About Fastener Materials
</h1>
<p>
General
</p>
<p>
Fasteners are manufactured in a wide range of materials from common steel to
titanium, plastic and other exotic materials. Many materials are further separated into
different grades to describe specific alloy mixtures, hardening processes, etc. In
addition, some materials are available with a variety of coatings or platings to
enhance the corrosion resistance or alter the appearance of the fastener.
</p>
<p>
Fastener material can be important when choosing a fastener due to differences
between materials in strength, brittleness, corrosion resistance, galvanic corrosion
properties and, of course, cost.
</p>
<p>
When replacing fasteners, it is generally best to match what you are replacing.
Replacing a bolt with a stronger one is not always safe. Harder bolts tend to be more
brittle and may fail in specific applications. Also some equipment is designed so that
the bolts will fail before more expensive or critical items are damaged. In some
environments, such as salt water, galvanic corrosion must also be considered if
changing fastener materials.
</p>
<p>
Materials
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://Stainless Steel Bolt" target="_self">Stainless Steel </a>
</p>
<p>
Stainless steel is an alloy of low carbon steel and chromium for enhanced corrosion
characteristics. Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant for the price. Because
the anti-corrosive properties are inherent to the metal, it will not lose this
resistance if scratched during installation or use.
</p>
<p>
It is a common misconception that stainless steel is stronger than regular steel.
In fact, due to their low carbon content, many stainless steel alloys cannot be
hardened through heat treatment. Therefore, when compared to regular steel, the
stainless alloys used in bolts are slightly stronger than an un-hardened (grade 2)
steel but significantly weaker than hardened steel fasteners. Unless great care is
taken, stainless fasteners are susceptible to seizing up during installation, a
phenomenon known as galling.
</p>
<p>
Most stainless steel fasteners are much less magnetic than regular steel fasteners
though some grades will be slightly magnetic.
</p>
<h2>
What is a Lead Screw?
</h2>
<p>
A <a href="http://www.bangshengfastener.com/lead-screw/" target="_self">lead screw
</a>is sometimes referred to as a “power screw” or a “translation screw”. They are
used within motion control devices to transform rotary or turning movements into linear
movements.
</p>
<p>
Lead screws are threaded bars of metal and a threaded nut which is in direct
contact with the screw; this generates sliding friction as opposed to rolling friction
from other alternative devices (such as a ball screw). Rotational motion will turn the
screw, causing the nut to move along in a linear motion. This, therefore, converts the
motion from rotary to linear.
</p>
<p>
They can be used for either vertical or horizontal movements and can use linear
glides for support where necessary. They can be operated either manually or mortised
depending on the application in hand.
</p>
<p>
Where the screw itself is generally constructed of stainless steel, the nut can be
various materials depending on what is better suited for the application. Heavy-duty
applications will require a metal nut whereas other applications may require a plastic
one.
</p>
<p>
What is a lead screw used for?
</p>
<p>
Lead screws are commonly used as a component within linear motion control systems.
They are well suited to instrument grade applications such as;
</p>
<p>
Laboratory and life science equipment including DNA sampling
</p>
<p>
Fluid handling devices
</p>
<p>
Engraving
</p>
<p>
Rapid prototyping
</p>
<p>
Data storage
</p>
<p>
Inspection
</p>
<p>
Heavy lifting applications – a metallic nut must be used for this type of
application
</p>
<p>
When selecting a lead screw, it is important to take into consideration the speed,
thrust, accuracy and repeatability of the application. If you require assistance
selecting a lead screw or would like to discuss your application please contact us.
</p>
<p>
Advantages of Using Lead Screws
</p>
<p>
Lead screws have many advantages – some of these are;
</p>
<p>
High load-carrying capacity
</p>
<p>
Compact
</p>
<p>
Easy to design into a system
</p>
<p>
Minimal number of parts
</p>
<p>
Smooth operation
</p>
<p>
Quiet
</p>
|