Linking elements are usually regarded as mass-produced parts, but they often have important tasks to fulfill. These small elements, which can no longer be seen in the finished product, bear a heavy responsibility for the safety and operability of major facilities. In many cases, the parts are continuously subjected to widely fluctuating loads, for example tension and compression. If corrosion-enhancing ambient conditions like dust or moisture are added as well, the useful life of the parts might be extremely shortened. Entire production operations are then at risk.
mbo Oßwald, a specialist company for connections based in Külsheim-Steinbach, Germany, caters for these increased safety requirements with its stainless steel products. Turned and milled parts like clevises, bolts and angle joints are made from alloyed chrome nickel steel 1.4305 (X8 CrNiS 18-9). These products are far more resistant to corrosion than comparable parts and can therefore be used without any problems even under difficult conditions. Compared with pure chrome steels, frequently employed for price reasons in the manufacture of linking parts, mbo's stainless steel parts are distinguished by their improved pitting resistance. This is only achieved by the interaction of chrome and nickel. This sulphur-alloyed steel boasts particularly good cutting properties, and hence offers the ideal preconditions for individualised surface geometries, with its usability depending on the ambient influences.
Problematic production atmospheres call for the use of corrosion-resistant linking parts. But even under normal conditions this minor extra investment is worthwhile. The user benefits from a longer useful life and takes a crucial step towards greater production dependability.
