Brass was initially chosen for the internal chassis and focusing mechanism of the Keymed Series 5 Rigid Borescope because of its machinability, corrosion resistance and strength, but it has been found to have many other advantages.
Brass machines considerably faster than stainless steel, giving cost savings of over two thirds on the larger, more complex components. Brass causes minimal tool wear so the company can maintain the high degree of accuracy and repeatability to produce a precision optical instrument |
The Series 5 has a number of bearing surfaces. Due to its inherent lubricity, brass on brass is used with only a minimal amount of grease. Previously aluminium was used, but this required a separate "oilite" bearing which added to the cost.
In summarising the benefits of using brass in this application, Ian Ross, Head of Research & Development at Keymed, commented: "The use of brass has given us a strong precision chassis, good optical alignment and helped the ergonomics of the Series 5, giving it a very good balance in the hand. Even though machined components are now more complex, our costs have not increased". |
