Function
Material Function – Will one of Dura-Bar’s grades perform the critical activities of the part? If so, which one is best to use.
Every material has a long list of properties and characteristics. No material grade is exactly like another. The properties of all materials vary widely by specification and treatment. Dura-Bar has different grades also. A straight side-by-side listing of the properties does not usually tell the full story. Consideration must be given to those properties that are most important for the application and the additional cost for going above the minimum acceptable levels.
Keep in mind the following:
- In general, Dura-Bar ductile irons are good alternatives for most low- and medium carbon steels.
- Grade 65-45-12 for low-carbon steels like 1010, 1018, 1020, 12L14, 1212 and 1215.
- Grade 80-55-06 for medium-carbon steels like 1040, 1060, 1045, 1141 and 1144.
- Grade 100-70-03 – for high wear resistance and in applications using heat treated steel with hardness values below 302 BHN.
- Dura-Bar often replaces static castings and some aluminum applications.
- Dura-Bar values are listed as minimums, while most steel is listed as typicals.
- Other materials are produced and tested in a multitude of locations, while Dura-Bar is made in only one location, a big key to our consistency.
- Many parts are engineered with a high multiple safety factor, so specific properties do not usually have to be equal.
- Many material properties do not influence the performance of the part in the application. Usually a few key properties are the deciding factor.
This part of the analysis can be technical and confusing. Feel free to contact us with your specific application. Our hands-on experience with many applications allows us to professionally work with you to determine if your part is ideal for Dura-Bar. We help every step of the way to make sure you receive the full advantage (and profits) from using Dura-Bar. Really, the transition is fairly simple and we will give you the support you need to make it easy.
