With the development of technology, every day more attention is given to the fact that propellers shafts of automobiles are made of metal. This material acts as an important part of their construction. In a few of the shafts of automobiles, metal is covered with a thin layer of special lubrication called metalizing.
Metallizing is the process of filling the metal of a shaft with a thin layer of metalizing material. The material is usually ceramic or polymeric and has a high resistance to friction and abrasion. It also prevents corrosion of the metal. The application of the metallic layer is done by the addition of a coat of a lubricating substance.
There are different types of metals used for such purposes. The first is aluminum oxide, which is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, while being less permeable to oils; second is chromium, which is corrosion-resistant but can be harmed by heat; and finally, beryllium, which are very resistant to corrosion and heat, but very sensitive to oils.
The common form of metal used in the manufacture of an automobile is the extruded aluminum head, which is extruded to a certain length. The material is then metalized, adding a coating of lubricant to its surface. The extruded aluminum head may be smaller or larger than the actually required diameter, depending on the maximum pressure applied on the shaft. When low pressure is applied, the extruded aluminum head is of smaller diameter.
Shafts of automobiles can also be made of copper, brass, or nickel-plated steel. The copper, for example, is very porous, making it vulnerable to hydrocarbon and oil leaks, and easily corroded by acids, salts, and enzymes. Brass is also less resistant to acids and hydrocarbons, but its resistance to heat makes it very unsuitable for pressure-relief purposes.
The conventional metallic shafts are also subject to accidents like cracking, bending, and splintering. However, modern titanium and stainless steel replacements are available, which are corrosion-resistant and provide friction-free operation. They have a different composition than steel shafts.
The most common materials used in the construction of an automobile propellers shafts are aluminum and steel. Aluminum is mostly preferred for the manufacturing of the head and is a low-cost option. The best quality aluminum head used in automobile shafts is made from niobium. Niobium is an alloy of niobium and magnesium and is a soft material that is lighter than steel and aluminum.
Propeller shafts of automobiles are manufactured from another type of alloy: magnetite. Magnetite is the powdered form of iron and is a hard metal. This metal is used to form the cores of the propeller blades.
The original shaft design was intended to fit around the propeller. The traditional and modern designs are the same, the only difference is in the design of the pieces, and what size they are. The propeller shafts come in all sizes and shapes, although larger ones are used for larger cars.
Propeller shafts are also available in plywood, which gives them an attractive appearance. The size of the plywood is also important. Higher quality plywood is thicker, which increases the flexibility of the shaft.
There are many factors that affect the performance of the shafts. These include the thickness of the plywood, the composition of the shaft, the type of nuts and bolts used, and the thickness of the metal used in the metalizing. While lower temperature coefficient metal is preferable for a propeller shaft, this material has the disadvantage of instability and torque issues.
Some of the other metals that can be used for propeller shafts are zinc, titanium, chromium, nickel, and nickel alloys. If a vehicle manufacturer is not familiar with any of these, he/she may contact a specialized metallurgical consultant.
