Material
ZX-100K

Description of the application
The application relates to slideways as plunger guide in a car-body press. This one was converted and tested in the “New materials for guides in highly-stressed forming machines” research report. Several different materials, including ZX-100K, were tested.

Load
The press pressing force is 8.000 kN. The stroke rate is 18 strokes per minute. The ram stroke is 705 mm. The maximum short-term surface pressures are approx. 120 N/mm². The maximum sliding speed is 25 m/min.

Problem
It should work without any lubrication in order to allow a maintenance-free guide and to do not soil the pressed products with lubricant. The guide clearance should be as small as possible. The guide should be designed with a negative clearances (with preload).

Problem-solving
ZX-100K turned out as suitable material for the slideway. These slideways were monitored in a fi eld trial over 1 year using measurement technology.

Working life
After a year production of 530.000 pieces in dry running conditions, only a very slight increase in the clearance, of approximately 0,015 mm, resulted. Other tested materials such e.g. ceramics, coating materials (DLC: diamond-like carbon, WC: tungsten carbide) were not suitable for this application. Working life over 20 years with 24 hours of continuous operation.

Advantages
Maintenance-free, no soiled products.