Vices for woodworking, metalworking, and machine work are often constructed of two materials. A vice’s jaws, main body, and slide are usually made of high-quality iron, while the jaw surfaces, handle, and screw are usually made of steel.
Iron
It is known as a heavy-duty bench vice uses, such as an engineer’s vice, is required to endure heavy work applications and regular usage, the main body and slide are normally made from grey or ductile iron. Depending on the model and manufacturer, several types of iron are utilized.
Both forms of iron have their own set of benefits. Ductile iron is frequently thought of as an upgrade to grey iron because it may be enhanced with additional components. Despite this, ductile iron has not been able to completely replace grey iron, which still has many advantages and is frequently used in the production of many tools.
Ductile Iron
Ductile iron is a type of cast iron that is made up of several materials such as carbon, magnesium, and silicon.
Copper and other elements can be added to iron to improve qualities such as tensile strength and corrosion resistance. This is perfect for bench vices that will be used outside because the tool will not corrode.
The form of ductile iron’s graphite is a frequent distinguishing feature. Its graphite is in the form of nodules not in flakes, which distinguishes it from grey iron.
Because of the rounded shape of these nodules, the iron is less brittle and hence less likely to shatter, resulting in increased ductility and giving the material its name.
Grey Iron
Grey iron is sometimes known as ‘grey cast iron,’ or just ‘cast iron.’ It is an iron alloy with a graphite microstructure, consisting of 95% iron, 2% carbon, and 3% silicon.
The silicon in grey iron causes the carbon in the material to transform into flake-shaped graphite, which gives its dark grey color.
Grey iron is a material recognized for its great capabilities and strength under strain (also called damping). This implies that the iron absorbs the energy from any undesirable vibrations that occur when clamping, making the task easier for the user.
It also has a high wear resistance, which means it is less likely to be destroyed. This is an excellent material for a tool like a bench vise that requires frequent clamping.
Steel
Steel is a carbon and iron alloy. Because of its excellent tensile strength and corrosion resistance, it is commonly utilized in construction.
Hardened steel is typically used for the jaw surfaces, screw, and handle of a bench vice.
The term ‘hardened steel’ refers to steel that has been quenched and tempered and has a medium to high carbon content.
Quenching is the quick cooling of a steel item in order to gain its material qualities and hence increase its durability. The metal is subsequently tempered, which is a heat-treatment technique that boosts the metal’s strength.
The jaws, screw, and handle of a bench vice are all sturdy and lasting as a result of this procedure.
Powder Coatings
Powder coating is a dry finishing procedure, in addition to providing vices a beautiful appearance, also boosts durability and provides a protective covering over the iron and steel. Its goal is to keep machinery safe while doing difficult tasks.
A powder coating is often sprayed onto a bench vise and then heated to allow the coating to flow and produce a “skin.”
Final Say
We hope that you acquire all the information related to what is the material to manufacture bench vice. Ajay Tools is one of the best manufacturers in India, who manufactures and delivers quality bench vices all over the world.
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