24 July 2008

FAQ


Why are our guides so much more durable than our competitors?

All our guides are put through a vigorous abrasion testing machine. The diagram below shows the machine system layout, also displayed are the exact conditions for the testing.

abrasion testing machine

Condtions

Line nylon 9 lb line
fly #4-DT-F line
Load 700 g
Angle of line contact 90°
Solution 1% muddy water (mud 10g + water 1000ml)
Speed of line 60 m/min
Distance 3000 m


For the following results two samples were identified:

  1. X SNG (PAC.BAY) Size 3
  2. 619AP - HC (SEYMO) Size 3

The above samples wer submitted to the laboratory for hardness determination of the chromium plating and coating thickness.


Coating Thickness

The coating thickness was determined in accordance with BS 5411 Part 5 (SGS Test Procedure E5TP 002.3). The measurements were made using the AMS 40-10 Image Analyser in accordance with SGS Test Procedure E5TP 002.13.

Sample Local Thickness (µm)
Range Average
X SNG 9.8 - 12.7 12.2
619AP 18.4 - 25.8 21.3

The coating thickness of each is illustrated in Figures 1 an 2 (see below) respectively.


Hardness Testing

The hardness testing was determined on the prepared cross-section using the Leitz microhardness testing machine with a load of 100g.

Sample HV (01.) kg
Range Average
X SNG 874 - 891 882
619AP 1064-1097 1081


Figure 1

Coating of sample X SNG
Unetched (x400)


Figure 2

Coating of sample 619AP
Unetched (x400)


The photographs below show how the hardness of the chromium plating and the coating thickness effect the durability of the guide.

Snake guide / Ti II wire (no treatment) Snake guide / Ti II wire (tempering)
 
abrasion wear: 323 µ m   abrasion wear: 439 µ m
     
Snake guide / plate ST wire with chromium   Snake guide / plate ST wire with chromium
 
abrasion wear: 86 µ m   abrasion wear: 101 µ m


Condition

test line: fly line #4-DT-F

 

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