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I thought it was interesting that the modern "Bliemeister" manufacture method still consists of dropping molten lead drops. The difference apparently being the
by guelo 13y ago
I thought it was interesting that the modern "Bliemeister" manufacture method still consists of dropping molten lead drops. The difference apparently being the use of heated liquids and inclined surfaces for greater control. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliemeister_method#Manufacture https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliemeister_method#Manufacture
In contrast metal bearing balls are manufactured using cold metal working techniques. Sheering, pressing, grinding and polishing some wire. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_%28bearing%29#Metal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_%28bearing%29#Metal
It seems as if lead should be easier to press into shape than steel so I wonder why the difference in techniques.
- mjb 13y ago> It seems as if lead should be easier to press into shape than steel so I wonder why the difference in techniques. I only worked briefly in a cold-forging factory, but I remember there being issues with wire stiffness and difficulties with getting economical yield when making very small things. We were working with steel, brass and copper, so lead may be different.
- yk 13y agoMelting point of lead 327.46 °C, melting point of Iron 1538 °C. Additionally, I would assume that you have a lot less tolerances for bearing balls than for shot. So I assume that the much better process control for cold metal techniques is necessary for bearing balls.