‘It’s not rocket science,’ people often say when describing how easily a problem might be solved. But cryogenic technology, now being used to produce stainless steel screwdrivers, is now enabling rocket science to benefit automation engineers and technicians. The principals of cryogenics, used by NASA and other space agencies to develop rocket fuel, have been used by designers and production engineers at Bahco to develop a ground-breaking new range of stainless steel screwdrivers.
Until now stainless steel hard enough for industrial applications has been too brittle for everyday use. Bahco have overcome this by using cryogenic technology, giving their stainless steel screwdrivers and torsion bits superb hardness and durability.
Cryogenic vacuum ice-hardening cools the steel and tempers it in a gasless chamber, preserving its flexibility.
Many engineers and technicians have long been aware that using a conventional ferrous steel screwdriver can leave traces of ‘foreign object’ debris on stainless steel screws and other fasteners.
This causes them to oxidize and create extraneous rust, which is not only unsightly but, importantly, can lead to serious corrosion and a threat to hygiene and safety if left untreated.
The only effective solution is to ensure that non-rusting stainless steel screws are driven by non-rusting stainless steel screwdrivers.
Renowned for its hygienic qualities and ease of cleaning, stainless steel is widely used in ‘clean rooms’ within the food manufacturing, hospitality, pharmaceutical, automotive and aerospace industries.
Its resistance to all weather conditions, corrosion and antacids also makes it highly suitable for offshore applications.
Using stainless steel screwdrivers will reduce contractors’ costs by reducing the need to replace worn tools. Their introduction is timely as demand for stainless steel screws has grown by almost 70 per cent over the past few years.
“This technical achievement provides further evidence of Bahco’s market leading innovation,” says Mark Haywood, who leads the Bahco team in the UK and Ireland.
“Science often becomes reality and the breakthrough offers significant benefits to automation engineers and technicians required to work in any environment where corrosion must be avoided.”
Bahco’s stainless steel screwdriver range features round blades made from high performance alloy stainless steel. They are now available, along with a range of ¼” stainless steel torsion bits, with a choice of slotted, Phillips®, Pozidriv® and Torx® heads.
For further details or technical information visit www.bahco.com
