Overview of Non-Standard Materials

Since 1975, Stafford Manufacturing Corp. has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of shaft collars, rigid shaft couplings, and specialty mechanical components. Our products are used for industrial, consumer, OEM, and MRO applications, including automation, power transmission, motion control, and many others. We have unique expertise in designing components with non-standard materials that meet the needs of unique or challenging applications. Some of the non-standard metals we work with include:

  • Titanium
  • Nylon
  • Bronze
  • Brass
  • Delrin
  • High Temp Alloys

Titanium

Titanium is a natural element with the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal and a tensile strength ranging from 30,000 psi to 200,000 psi. This low-density, strong, and lightweight material exhibits a high melting point, low heat-induced dimensional change, good heat transfer, and high electrical resistance. Titanium is commonly used for airplanes, missiles, rockets, and various other applications such as springs and medical manufacturing due to its excellent elasticity, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility.

Nylon

Nylon has high abrasion resistance, good thermal resistance, high machinability, good fatigue resistance, and noise dampening capabilities. The different nylon grades include 66, 11, 12, 46, and 6, which are named for the length of their polymeric chains. Key benefits of nylon include low internal stresses, lower water absorption, more crystalline structure equating to higher mechanical strength, and a higher melting temperature.

Bronze

This copper and tin alloy is brittle, highly ductile, has low friction, doesn’t produce sparks when struck, expands as it hardens from liquid to solid, and produces a colored patina as it oxidizes. It is used in architectural structures and design elements as well as coins, bearings, electrical contacts, ship propellers, and shaft collars. Bronze can also be made into wool, avoiding some of the problems that steel wool presents, such as rust, broken filaments, and magnetic characteristics that can affect equipment. 

Brass

This gold-colored copper and zinc alloy has excellent electrical conductivity, good machinability, and low friction. It is commonly used in architecture and manufacturing of gears, locks, pipe fittings, and musical instruments. There are many subtypes and finishes available, including electroplating, powder coating, painting, and polishing. Tolerances are +/- 125 μm (standard), as well as +/-100 μm and +/- 50 μm (achievable).

Delrin

Delrin is a plastic alternative to metal that offers good dimensional stability, excellent machinability, and high fatigue endurance. Natural-grade Delrin is NSF, FDA, and USDA compliant. 

Other qualities include:

  • Tensile strength of 6,000-22,000 psi
  • Impact strength of  .75-2 ft-lb/in. 
  • Heat deflection of 180-300ºF
  • Chemical resistance to fuels and solvents
  • Low moisture absorption
  • Good wear and abrasion properties
  • Superior impact and creep resistance
  • High strength and stiffness properties

Common components made from Delrin include gears, bearings, bushings, shaft collars, rollers, fittings, and electrical insulator parts. 

High-Temperature Alloys

High-temperature alloys are a mixture of at least one metal and another element that can withstand temperatures above 500º C. High-temperature alloys are used extensively in the military, medical, aerospace, and electronics industries. The alloys were designed for use in conveyors, furnaces, ovens, and oil and gas applications. They are costly and difficult to machine and shape. However, they are necessary for certain conditions. Stafford offers high-temperature alloy shaft collars in one piece, two piece, hinged, and flanged designs.

Specialty Mechanical Components from Stafford Manufacturing Corp.

Stafford Manufacturing Corp. is a leading manufacturer specializing in custom-manufactured shaft collars and rigid couplings in non-standard materials. To learn more about our products, please visit our product overview page. For pricing, please request a quote

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