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 |