Common Uses of Metric Fastener Bolts

June 27, 2017

The metric fastening system has been adopted by countless manufacturing industries over the last few decades. Apart from a few notable holdouts, the imperial dimensioning standard is simply no longer the global norm. Instead, metric bolts, nuts, and screws dominate. For example, metric fastener bolts are spreading to furnish many diverse applications. Let's check in on the common uses for these metric fastener bolts, beginning with the automotive industry.

Classifying Vehicle Fasteners

Based on a standardised whole number measurement system, not a counterintuitive fractional sizing scheme, metric fastener bolts have been propagating through car frames since the 1940s. Even American cars, ones built during or after the 70s, now employ decimal dimensioned bolts, not inch-unit alternatives. Seen from an American perspective, the prevalence of the metric bolt and its accompanying nut has simplified car work greatly. Simply put, it's nice not having to curse every time an imperial socket encounters but doesn't fit the head of a metric bolt.

Global Technology Market

It's because of the corporate mindset that vehicle manufacturing facilities employ bolts that are measured by the millimetre. Massive car production factories are global entities, which means they're not tied down by national borders. Similarly, technologically advanced production lines use metric fastener bolts because of that global standardisation viewpoint. Objectively, the fine or coarse pitch features attached to the thread types satisfy the exacting assembly techniques that are used by today's engineers. That degree of engineering exactitude also extends to cover aerospace applications and medical facilities, the sites and scenarios that create exact fastener stressing models that necessitate a feature-rich fastener.

Fractionally Off Centre

The SAE standard uses inch-unit fractions to accommodate loads. The measurement system handles load stresses and admirably, but the ISO-equipped metric measurement system has more to offer than a capacity for load management. Thread types and thread pitch are manipulated and precisely assigned to each metric fastener. On top of that finitely tunable feature, numerous protective coatings can be added to the threads of the millimetre-measuring bolts without affecting the sharp profile of the threaded rod. Again, these dimensional and mechanical attributes appeal to the global engineering community, to a point that every industrial, commercial and domestic usage area absolutely demands metric fastener bolts.

A detailed look at the common applications for metric fastener bolts reveals precisely engineered aeronautic assemblies and car frames. The bolts fasten aircraft and car parts exactly. Beyond these two important usage domains, the whole number measurement system is screwing its way into bicycle frames, into manufacturing equipment, and even making headway within the Americas, a region once dominated by the imperial measurement system.

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