aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
(OP)
Hi Guys
we're designing a new threaded filter can. it threads into a 6060 aluminum cast filter head with trapezoidal threads. I'm wondering if you fellas can give some tips on what would be the best material to use to avoid galling and thread wear. I realize I probably won't eliminate it all together but the part will be repeatedly installed and removed in order to replace the filter inside so I'd like to get the best materials possible to reduce the chances so to speak. Thanks Guys!
we're designing a new threaded filter can. it threads into a 6060 aluminum cast filter head with trapezoidal threads. I'm wondering if you fellas can give some tips on what would be the best material to use to avoid galling and thread wear. I realize I probably won't eliminate it all together but the part will be repeatedly installed and removed in order to replace the filter inside so I'd like to get the best materials possible to reduce the chances so to speak. Thanks Guys!





RE: aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
RE: aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
RE: aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
The primary driver for galling resistance is selecting materials with a wide difference in hardness. I don't know what your other requirements are (corrosion protection, cast or machineability, weldability, etc) but you'll want to specify a temper for your new part that gets you up into the 120-140 range if you can.
RE: aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
RE: aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use
That is a gap, but not a big one. My suggestion would be to hard anodize (not just cosmetic anodize, but hard anodize) the 6061-T6 part. The alternative would be to go to an aluminum 'super' alloy, such as 7075, but this would probably be more expensive than a hard anodized part would be. Hard anodize will bring the surface hardness way up, to 60+ rockwell C. That number is off the Brinell HB5 scale, so you'll have a huge hardness gap and the odds of having a galling problem should be low.
Note that if you go with a hard anodize coating, your part will grow by .001-.002", so if you have high precision fits anywhere you will need to design accordingly.
RE: aluminum threads and what grade alloy to use