Material selection

This page provides an explanation of the choice of materials for nuts and spindles.

Steel on Steel

The combination of steel on steel is not intended for prolonged movement under tension. Use steel nuts in situations where there is mainly static loading. When steel on steel is subjected to dynamic loading for a long period of time, wear will occur quickly. Other combinations are better suited for this, such as bronze on steel.

Stainless steel on stainless steel

A stainless steel spindle and stainless steel nut combination is less suitable for dynamic loads. This is because the moving parts start to eat away at each other. The surfaces that rub against each other quickly become rough, irregularities arise, and therefore the friction increases. A stainless steel spindle with a stainless steel nut is best used when it concerns a setup that only needs to be adjusted manually or sporadically. Proper lubrication is very important!

Bronze on steel

This is the most commonly used variant of nut/spindle combination. Our standard nuts are made from RG7 bearing bronze. This material has very good properties for “sliding” over steel. When you use the right grease, this combination is unbeatable. High long-term dynamic loads are possible. This combination is suitable for indoor applications, because the steel remains sensitive to corrosion.

Bronze on stainless steel

If your application is underwater or outside in all weather conditions, choose a bronze nut and a stainless steel spindle. This combination is very suitable against corrosion, even seawater is not a problem. A bronze nut slides very well on the surface of a stainless steel spindle, and good lubrication is also important here.

Plastic on steel or stainless steel

A number of types of plastic have a self-lubricating effect (PA 6 nylon, Peek, etc.) and are used in applications where weight plays a role. A plastic nut is much lighter than a bronze nut. Please note that under dynamic loads a plastic nut cannot lose heat as well as a bronze nut. This is not desirable for applications where there is prolonged dynamic loading. The plastic nut will wear hard when exposed to heat.