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Q&As since 1989


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Coating for pump shafts

We are using Stainless steel shafts for our pumps.But they have lower strenghts and tend to bend. We would like to replace these shafts with something that does not bend. maybe En8 and give it higher corrosion resistance with some surface coating. I would like to know if there are any coatings that can serve our purpose. Is there some coating that can be used for pump shafts. asha

Asha Ingle
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
2003

It all depends on what you are pumping. Electroless nickel or chrome would appear to be candidates without any other information.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003

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Asha,

I would say 'Holy Cow!' ... why aren't they using stronger, i.e., LARGER shafts? Surely that's the answer. Yes, they'd cost more and so would any bearings, too.

It sounds as if the shaft sizing was incorrectly engineered. Doesn't that sound feasible to you?

And assuming that you went to a 'harder' metal, would then it's corrosion resistance be adequate?

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2003

There are a number of stainless steel alloys that can be heat-treated to very high strength levels. Precipitation hardening grades like 17-4, 17-7, and 13-8Mo are some possibilities to investigate.

Toby Padfield
- Michigan
2003