Threading Nitronic 60
Threading Nitronic 60
(OP)
Hi,
Background:
We have bushings and "extremely fine" (M3 x 0.2 mm pitch) adjuster-set screws used in kinematic mirror mounts for some of or optical systems. The bushings are made of brass and the adjuster screws are made of 303 stainless steel. We have some design concerns and one of them is the brass bushing and its wear characteristics. So I'm wondering if I could make a bushing made of Nitronic 60 instead of brass.
Question:
Does anyone know if you can thread a pitch as fine as 0.2 mm, within a diameter range of 3 mm to 5 mm (M3 x 0.2 - M5 x 0.2)?
Background:
We have bushings and "extremely fine" (M3 x 0.2 mm pitch) adjuster-set screws used in kinematic mirror mounts for some of or optical systems. The bushings are made of brass and the adjuster screws are made of 303 stainless steel. We have some design concerns and one of them is the brass bushing and its wear characteristics. So I'm wondering if I could make a bushing made of Nitronic 60 instead of brass.
Question:
Does anyone know if you can thread a pitch as fine as 0.2 mm, within a diameter range of 3 mm to 5 mm (M3 x 0.2 - M5 x 0.2)?
Thanks,
Sean





RE: Threading Nitronic 60
I would be more likely to try an electroless plating process such as nickel or nickel-cobalt, possibly with a bake (heat treatment) to give the brass surface better wear properties. How often do these screws get turned? 303 does not have very good wear properties either.
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RE: Threading Nitronic 60
First to answer your question, "How often do these screws get turned?"
These screws are not adjusted all that much when compared to a typical environment. However they do get adjustments when calibrating the optical sensor and the challenge for us is our sensors measure "marks" on a wafer at the nanometer level. So when we say we have "wobbly screw" issues, it's not on a common scale.
Because of our level of alignment specs, cost often takes a back seat (just fyi).
For Nitronic 60, have you considered alternative thread techniques other than using a tap?
Maybe “sinlge point” threading?
or
Maybe” thread ground”?
Thanks,
Sean
RE: Threading Nitronic 60
Start at copper.org and see if you can find something that's available from your bushing supplier's bar supplier, and more in keeping with your requirements.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA