Technical Details on Vacuum Hardening

Posted by RJH on 8/1/2025 to News

Hardening of the sheave

Flame Harden Steel 1045 is pretty good. Expect 50-55 Rockwell C.

Vacuum hardening 1045. The entire piece is heated up, therefore, the entire piece will be hardened throughout and then it is quenched in an inert gas. Similar hardness to flame hardening. Expect 50-55 Rockwell C. The sheave will be bright and shiny.

Technical details on ANODIZING

Posted by RJH on 2/2/2023 to News

We offer two type of anodizing : Clear anodizing and hard anodizing are two different processes used to improve the durability and surface hardness of metal components, particularly aluminum. CLEAR ANODIZING is an electrochemical process that creates a thin oxide layer on the surface of aluminum, which provides a clear, durable finish.

HARD ANODIZING, also known as type III anodizing, is a thicker and harder form of anodizing. This process produces a dense, hard, and wear-resistant oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum, which provides improved protection against corrosion and abrasion.

Type III hard anodizing is a specific type of hard anodizing process used to produce a hard and durable surface layer of aluminum oxide on aluminum alloys. The process typically involves the following steps:

Cleaning: The surface of the aluminum substrate is thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants.
Iridite Pretreatment: The aluminum surface is treated with Iridite, a proprietary chromate conversion coating, to improve adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Anodizing: The aluminum substrate is immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte and an electrical current is applied, causing the aluminum surface to oxidize and form a layer of aluminum oxide.
Thickness Control: The thickness of the anodized layer is controlled by adjusting the applied voltage, time of exposure to the electrolyte, and temperature of the electrolyte. The typical thickness of Iridite hard anodizing Type III is between 20-30 microns.
Sealing: The anodized surface is then sealed to prevent further oxidation and improve corrosion resistance.
Post-Treatment: The anodized parts may undergo additional post-treatment processes, such as coloring or surface finishing, to improve appearance and performance. Iridite hard anodizing Type III is commonly used in aerospace, defense, and industrial applications for its high wear resistance, low friction, and excellent corrosion resistance.

The difference in cost is about 25%. The is a $200 minimum lot charge from our supplier. In general, (10) sheaves 7" in diameter or smaller can be clear anodized for about $200.

Welcome to our online store

Posted by RJH on 4/24/2020 to News

Welcome to our online store! Our team is proud to announce the relaunch of our website, and we look forward to serving you all in the future. If you have any questions about this store or the products found within, please don't hesitate to contact us any time.