Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Cold rolled steel, flats or square for use as rails.

Stainless is more expensive. Torchmate etc assume you will be using the
machine in a dry environment. Plasma is a pretty inaccurate process so a
little bit of rust or dirt on the rails doesn't make a huge amount of
difference. They are budget mnachines so costs need to be kept low.
Proper linear rails are made from a fairly rust resistant alloy. You can
get stainless rails but you have to pay more and they don't normally
last as long.

Les

apples0_17 wrote:

> So that brings me to another question.
>
> Firstly yes the stainless steel seems to be the most logical so far.
> How will stainless steel go for a bearing surface. I think from
> memory SS is harder than normal mild steel? Yes??
>
> And then why do all the other manufacturers use either mild steel
> unground ( cold rolled flats,torchmate) and then others use hardened
> and ground steel.
>
> I can't say that I have seen any stailess steel rails made out of flat
> or square stock. Maybe the Hiwin type and thompsons are all SS, I
> don't know.
>
> Peter
>