If you make products that call for weights or counterweights, you can choose from several materials. For example, it’s possible to substitute stainless steel or steel for lead counterweights or weights. However, lead (PB is its chemical name) is the best option for several reasons. Let’s explore some of these reasons today.
Saving Space
PB is one of the densest materials you can buy. This is an important consideration because the heavier the metal, the smaller the weight or counterweight you need. Perhaps you make an accurate mechanical weighing system. When you use lead counterweights, you can create smaller products to save space.
Smaller weights are important for fishing tackle. Many avid fishermen and women carry several types of weights in their tackle boxes. Small weights take up less room, and you have more space for other equipment and gear.
Alternatives
You can use steel plates for counterweight applications, but you may have to deal with rust or corrosion. Stainless steel is a good option, but it’s considerably more expensive than steel. However, both stainless steel and steel are cheaper than lead. Yet, since you have to use a lot more material, the price difference is not as great as many people think.
Tungsten counterweights are a viable option. In fact, because tungsten is denser than lead counterweights you can use smaller weights than lead applications. However, the cost of tungsten is considerably more than lead, and for many applications, it’s just too expensive.
Forklift Design
Lead is an important option for lift trucks. Since the counterweight determines how much weight the truck can lift, lead weights give truck manufacturers more freedom of design. For example, they can make smaller trucks that can handle the same tasks as larger trucks with steel counterweights. When you buy lead products, it’s best to choose a company specializing in what you need.