Metal Lubrication

Chuck,

It appears to me that the galling problem Is most serious when similar metals of similar hardness are rubbed together.

Dissimilar metals of differing hardness are rubbed together the problem is much less serious, i.e.: Crankshaft bearings in automobiles and such. That is Polished steel shaft on Babbitt bearing shells, where the softer metal is the sacrifice material leaving the steel shaft with the lesser damage.

Therefor the application of Steel on Aluminum presents a similar condition.

The problem with Stainless steel as both rubbing surfaces is well described in a previous thread.

(See: Re: Johnny are you thinking of 18-8 ? -- Viggo G Dereng -- on 9/25/01 at 1:24 a.m.)Farther down this index.

There are very few if any good lubricants for lubricating any application of 18-8 on 18-8 stainless steel rubbing together.

However this condition is somewhat improved with other grades and harnesses of St.-Stl. But it still remains a serious problem industrially.

Newer lubricants are also helping but not reducing the problem to a comparable condition with dissimilar carbon steels.

ViggoG