lock prototype material

[azz19]

I'm making a prototype of a lock I designed but am finding in hard to get the parts made in brass.
A lot of locks I have seen are made of brass.
Do the lock plug and cylinder need to be made in brass? would stainless steal or another metal be okay?
I know brass pins are easy to obtain but just wondering what would be the implications of using a material other than brass?

[GeneT]

Brass is hard, and self lubricating (to some extent). Stainless is harder to work, but 303 and similar can machine real nicely.
I'd avoid zinc, zamac, and most aluminum - it would likely be too soft (I'm imagining a pin tumbler - softness might not be an issue in other designs). Biggest problem with steels is going to be that they will require some manner of lubrication or they will bind quickly.

GsT

[Evan]

I'm making a prototype of a lock I designed but am finding in hard to get the parts made in brass.
A lot of locks I have seen are made of brass.
Do the lock plug and cylinder need to be made in brass? would stainless steal or another metal be okay?
I know brass pins are easy to obtain but just wondering what would be the implications of using a material other than brass?

@azz19:

I wouldn't build your prototype out of metal yet... At this stage of development that would be very very expensive... Try looking for a company that does 3D printing in your area -- it will cost a lot less time and money than hiring out a machine shop and the experienced machinists who can make something as small and intricate as a lock cylinder...

3D printing/rapid prototyping uses a resin powder and the "printing" process involves using a print head like an ink jet printer which squirts precision drops of hardener into the powder working layer by layer until the object desired is completely printed...

You would need an accurate engineered CAD drawing either way -- to fabricate out of metal in a machine shop or to do 3D printing... Do you have one available ? Hand-drawn or computer-sketched images just won't do for such purposes...

~~ Evan

[azz19]

Brass is hard, and self lubricating (to some extent). Stainless is harder to work, but 303 and similar can machine real nicely.
I'd avoid zinc, zamac, and most aluminum - it would likely be too soft (I'm imagining a pin tumbler - softness might not be an issue in other designs). Biggest problem with steels is going to be that they will require some manner of lubrication or they will bind quickly.

GsT

Thanks, I think I'll look again to see if anyone can make the parts in brass.

I wouldn't build your prototype out of metal yet... At this stage of development that would be very very expensive... Try looking for a company that does 3D printing in your area -- it will cost a lot less time and money than hiring out a machine shop and the experienced machinists who can make something as small and intricate as a lock cylinder...

3D printing/rapid prototyping uses a resin powder and the "printing" process involves using a print head like an ink jet printer which squirts precision drops of hardener into the powder working layer by layer until the object desired is completely printed...

You would need an accurate engineered CAD drawing either way -- to fabricate out of metal in a machine shop or to do 3D printing... Do you have one available ? Hand-drawn or computer-sketched images just won't do for such purposes...

~~ Evan

I do have accurate engineered CAD drawings. I'm going to modify a regular pin tumbler with new parts. The 3D printing is a good idea but I think I'm going to go with electrical discharge machining.

[azz19]

After doing some research it appears that there are many types of brass.
Does anyone know what type is preferable for locks?

[Evan]

After doing some research it appears that there are many types of brass.
Does anyone know what type is preferable for locks?

At this stage you are looking for proof of concept...

Not selection of materials or final design...

Reconsider rapid prototyping unless you enjoy wasting your money on extravagant materials...

As far as modifying a current cylinder, make sure it is not currently covered by any design or utility patents before you do or else everyone will turn you away unless you can produce a valid license by the patent holder to use their design for any purposes other than installation or repair for which you might collect any compensation...

~~ Evan

[MrScruff]

You know, I've gone through this thread a few times and it's finally hit me: are you trying to figure out what the lock should be made of or do you just want people to tell you that brass is the right decision?

I strongly recommend going with what Evan said, save your money until you know it works at all then start worrying about what your final product will be made of.

[Rickthepick]

There are loads of grades of brass used in locks.

better quality ones tend to be made of purer brass whilst cheap cylinders are thinned down with a softer metal.

This really is the last of your problems though, id get a cast iron design that works before attempting a complete prototype from a drawing.

[azz19]

Okay I think I will try 3D printing. But first I'm going to get some quotes for the 3D printing and the EDM.
I really have no idea how much they cost.