How to choose the right material in order to reduce the costs of racks and maintain high performances
Both C45 and SAE1141 are types of steel used for the production of racks. The main difference between these two materials concerns in the the mechanical resistance.
What is the mechanical strength?
The mechanical strength is a mechanical property, which indicates the maximum stress that a material is able to withstand before its breakage occurs.
Mechanical resistance is expressed in Newton per square millimeter (N/mm²).
C45 has a considerably lower mechanical resistance than SAE1141: its value is around 550-600 N/mm².
On the other hand, SAE1141 has a resistance of 800 N/mm².
“A rack manufactured with SAE1141 has a higher compressive strength”
The pinion, in most cases, represents the dynamic element of the rack and pinion system. The wheel creates an axial thrust on the tooth of the rack and it applies a pressure on it, which responds with resistance. Depending on the material of which the rack is made, the response to the force exerted by the pinion is different.
Why is it important to have greater resistance?
Economic saving
With C45 it could be necessary to use a larger square, while using SAE1141 allows to use smaller squares. This means reducing the overall dimensions and consequently the costs, reaching the same goal in terms of performance.
“SAE1141: with the same performance objective, industrial costs are optimized”
C45 cost per kg is slightly lower than the one for SAE1141, but the better performance of the second material guarantees cost recovery.
Faster delivery time
The market is now aware of these advantages, because over time it has been able to see the qualitative, dimensional and economic results of SAE1141.
In recent years, most of our customers have begun to ask for SAE1141. In response to this increased demand, our company has intensified its production, managing to reduce industrial costs and having bigger availability in stock.
For some types of standard racks, that are the most requested ones, we have created our online shop, a preferential purchase channel that seeks to satisfy the fast delivery needs of customers who need spare parts or those who simply need to receive a sample.