48392

Plating/Coating for impact/corrosion resistance on small metal part [Michigan] 

April 2, 2008

My obstacle. I make travel limit plates for precision length travel ie... 10 mm, 20 mm (small parts). Our normal process is tool steel, heat treat, wire EDM or Grind, then black oxide coat. What I want to do now for a similar application: Loosen up the end to end travel stop tolerance to get away from EDM/Grind to allow machining of the slot & reduce cost "BUT" I still need the ends hard to resist indenting when a hard pin hits each end from numerous cycles of hand operation. I will need these parts in approx. 1000 to 2000 pc. lots.

I need material and coating that are the most economical for this application!

I would like to machine the part, then coat it "DONE" for corrosion resistance and impact hardness in concentrated locations

Is this possible? My part is thin .062 with areas relieved down to .031 (so warpage is an issue) I can supply a print.

Could it be Stainless Steel then hard coated?
Or Steel then hard coated?

Not sure which route to take!

Thank You!

Randy Eddy
Measurement equipment - Fenton, MI, USA

Hi, Randy. The first approach I would investigate would probably be salt bath nitriding.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey