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Black Zinc and Gear Tooth Hardening for Slewing Rings

Written by Borja Roldán | 8/29/23 6:43 AM

Black Zinc and Gear Tooth Hardening for Slewing Rings

Slewing rings are an essential component of our slew drives, used in many types of equipment such as cranes, drilling towers, and drilling platforms. They undergo significant loads and stresses, making it crucial for them to be manufactured from high-quality materials and protected from corrosion.

One way to safeguard slewing rings from corrosion is by employing a black zinc treatment. Black zinc is a galvanization process that utilizes black zinc as a coating. Black zinc is an alloy of zinc and aluminum that offers greater corrosion resistance than pure zinc. The black zinc process involves immersing the metal piece in a bath of molten black zinc. The black zinc adheres to the metal, providing corrosion protection.

In addition to the black zinc treatment, slewing rings can also undergo gear tooth hardening. Gear tooth hardening is a process that enhances the hardness of the slewing ring's teeth. This results in greater resistance to wear and cracking.

The black zinc treatment and gear tooth hardening are two effective methods for shielding slewing rings from corrosion and wear. These treatments can help extend the lifespan of slewing rings and reduce maintenance costs.

Black Zinc

Black zinc offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased corrosion resistance: This is due to the formation of a protective zinc layer on the metal's surface. This zinc layer prevents the metal from oxidizing, even in humid conditions and exposure to the elements.
  • Aesthetic appearance: The black zinc layer provides a uniform and durable finish to metal pieces.
  • Wear protection: The zinc layer is tough and resilient, helping prevent the metal piece from wearing out with use.
  • Extended metal lifespan: It protects the metal from corrosion and wear, thus prolonging its lifespan.
  • Cost-effective: An economical option for corrosion protection. The black zinc process is relatively simple and quick, leading to low costs.

Gear Tooth Hardening

Gear tooth hardening offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased wear resistance
  • Enhanced crack resistance
  • Prolonged slewing ring lifespan
  • Reduced maintenance costs

Gear tooth hardening enhances the hardness of the slewing ring's teeth, making them more resilient against wear and cracking. Wear and cracking are the primary causes of slewing ring failure. By increasing tooth hardness, gear tooth hardening helps extend the slewing ring's lifespan and decrease maintenance expenses.

Gear tooth hardening is a relatively straightforward and rapid process. The costs associated with gear tooth hardening are low, making it a cost-effective choice for safeguarding slewing rings against wear and cracking.