Misumi USA Engineering Blog

One of the new materials added to the 2009 catalog is Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

Characteristics of TPE include:

(1)Low-dust generating: Superior in abrasion resistance and releases less outgas. Recommended for use in clean rooms.

(1)Ozone resistant: Recommended for use near ionizers, where ozone is often generated.

(3)Low density: With density at 30% - half that of general rubbers, TPE can contribute to weight saving.

TPO, olefi nic thermoplastic elastomer, is superior in heat and chemical resistance among various TPEs.

In addition, TPE is more eco-friendly than general rubbers as it is recyclable.

Find full specs in the 2009 Metric catalog

https://www.misumiusa.com/PDFViewer.aspx?Metric=true2009&Page=1485 

Low Temperature Black Chrome plating (LTBC) is a technology which uses an electrochemical reaction below 0º C. Through the plating process, an alloy-like diffusion layer is formed at the outer margin of the part, allowing chrome particles to completely integrate the base material and create an "inseparable" bond. This means the plating can neither be peeled off nor flaked off. The surface consists of a uniform film creating an extremely resistant rust protection layer. LTBC-plated shafts and components provide service life exceeding 10 years and, in some cases, up to 10 years and beyond is possible. Components with this plating have fracture-resistant surfaces with a high level of alternate-bending strength. The tolerances of the components remain practically unaffected. These components can be used in applications specifying corrosion resistance or minimal light reflection making LTBC suitable for use in optical applications where low light reflection is required.

Misumi offers low-temp, black chrome plating on a variety of the company’s motion components, including linear shaft, linear bushings, linear guides, ball screws and others. Other Misumi hardware is also offered with this coating, including precision-class washers.

We have been asked by several customers if this service is available in the US. Unfortunately we were not able to locate any US coating companies that provide this service. All our components that we offer with LTBC Plating are manufactured and coated in Japan.

It is understood that all stainless steel is not created equal. There is a definite difference between the various stainless steels available today. This blog will discuss the differences as they pertain to mechanical components used in factory automation.

AUSTENITIC GRADES- (300 series) are non magnetic in the annealed condition, although some may become magnetic after cold working. They can be hardened only by cold working , and not by heat treatment. Combine outstanding corrosion resistance with good mechanical properties over a wide temperature range. The most common grades are: 303, 304, 316, 311 etc…Misumi offers 303, 304 and 316 grade.

FERRITIC GRADES- are always magnetic and contain chromium but no nickel. They can be hardened to some extent by cold working, but not by heat treatment, and they combine corrosion and heat resistance with moderate mechanical properties and decorative appeal. The ferritic grades generally are restricted to a narrower range of corrosive conditions than austenitic grades. The most common grades: 405, 408, 430 (Offered by Misumi) etc… Misumi offers 430 grade.

MARTENSITIC GRADES- are magnetic and can be hardened by quenching and tempering. They contain chromium, and with two exceptions, no nickel. Some are modified to improve machinability and other have a small addition of nickel to improve the mechanical properties or their response to heat treatment. Some of them have greatly increased carbon content and are hardenable to the highest levels of all stainless steels. These are excellent for service in mild environments such as the atmosphere, freshwater, steam, and weak acids, but are not resistant to severely corrosive solutions. The most common grades: 410, 410, 440C (Offered by Misumi). Misumi offers 410 and 440C grade.

When dealing with the Case Hardness of Precision Linear Shafts very often Misumi engineers are asked if our linear shafts are case hardened or through hardened. If you look at the part specification table for Misumi precision linear shafts you will notice that a majority of our shafts are induction hardened. Induction hardening is just one of the ways to achieve case (surface) hardness. Through the induction hardening process the top layer of the shaft is hardened which increases the strength and wear resistance. At the same time the shaft core remains unaffected and material ductility and other physical properties are preserved. Hardness varies with the type of material while effective hardness depth depends on shaft diameter. Values for effective hardness depth can be found in Misumi catalog. See the following links.

Effective hardness depth for metric shafts
Effective hardness depth for inch shafts