Need Help finding a source

[bnmorgan]

We're in the late stages of a design that uses 2 pins, both Ø0.125" pin, 1.750" long and 0.540 long. It has a small (Ø1.4mm) cord running over it, so abrasive resistance and not wearing the cord excessively are of paramount importance. We’ve decided stainless steel is probably our best option to prevent discoloring the cord. That’s the prime reason we’ve shied away from Cu-Ni-Cr plating. We just need a very nice smooth finish, something about 16µin surface finish. It’ll have to stand about 5-10k strokes of the cord, and I’m afraid the plating wouldn’t last.

Next issue is volume. The longer pin will run about 5 million pieces per year.
The shorter one is about 350k per year.

Cost is, of course, a huge issue. We need to stay as low as we can due to the volume. If it’s too high, it may kill the entire project.

Beyond that, it’s a pretty plain pin. I’m completely open to solid suggestions of other materials or options or methods of getting what we need, and we need a source to be able to move forward.

Thanks everyone.

Byron


Byron Morgan - Tupelo, Mississippi
SolidWorks 2007
NX4
Mayline 1947

 

[unclesyd]

We use several materials in our process manufacturing highly abrasive synthetic fibers.

The main material is AlSiMg for small straight pins. We also use other guides made form high carbon steel with industrial hard chrome plating. In our severest service we use Sapphire rods. These rods are both sold and split for mounting on metal supports. If higher temperatures are involved we may use Chrome Oxide coating on harden steel.

AlSiMg

http://www2.ceramtec.com/PDF/Textile/ts-107.pdf

 

[saberblue]

You might want to look at a high cobalt(Co)grade carbide pin- these grades will typically be called ware grades.

there are some very high Co content alloys (Tantung) comes to mind that are both quite hard and very slipery -- they are also very corrosion resistant.

 

[bnmorgan]

On the high carbon with engineering chrome, AlSiMg, and the tantalum cobalt, what's the price range? right now that's the life and death of this whole project. at 5 million pins per year, the pins need to be <$0.10

Byron Morgan - Tupelo, Mississippi
1947 Mayline
SolidWorks 2008
NX4

 

[unclesyd]

I would start investigation by checking out the AlSiMg. I have my doubts about $0.10/piece. Make sure you look at the quantity price breaks. There also other ceramics used for guides that my have some price advantage if your process will allow them.
When having your discussions with any ceramic component suppler don't box your self in by being too tight with the tolerances, the zeros and small fractions cost you money.