Stainless Steel Linear Ball Guides, SS Series from size 15 to size 30.
Comparison between the various typologies
📌 1. Wear Resistance
|
Feature |
Black Chrome Guides |
Stainless Steel Guides |
|
Surface Hardness |
HV 800–1000 (e.g., hard chrome) |
HV 600–700 (e.g., stainless steel 440) |
|
Conclusions |
Comparable only to hardened stainless steel |
Hardened stainless steels can match, but at higher costs |
🌊 2. Corrosion Resistance
|
Feature |
Black Chrome Guides |
Stainless Steel Guides |
|
Corrosion Protection |
Excellent, but if the coating is scratched, it exposes the carbon steel substrate which will rust |
Intrinsic protection even if damaged; does not flake |
|
Maintenance |
Periodic checks of coating integrity |
Low maintenance; ideal for humid or aggressive environments |
|
Conclusions |
Suitable for humid and mildly corrosive environments |
Irreplaceable in corrosive environments (e.g., marine, food industry) |
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💰 3. Costs and Maintenance
|
Feature |
Black Chrome Guides |
Stainless Steel Guides |
|
Initial Cost |
Low (steel + coating) |
High (premium material) |
|
Maintenance |
Possible maintenance if coating peels after long use |
Minimal (routine cleaning) |
|
Conclusions |
Initial economic advantage |
Cost is offset over the long term |
🔄 4. Which to Use?
|
Conditions |
Recommended Guide |
|
Primary need: wear resistance |
Black Chrome |
|
Dry or mildly corrosive environment |
Black Chrome |
|
Limited budget but similar performance to stainless steel |
Black Chrome |
|
Highly corrosive or hygienic environment (e.g., food industry), but no direct contact |
Black Chrome |
|
Highly corrosive or hygienic environment (e.g., food industry) |
Stainless Steel |
|
Risk of impact or abrasion damaging the coating |
Stainless Steel |