DIFFERENT COATINGS USED IN STEEL FASTENERS
The hardware devices that are often used in joining two objects together are known as fasteners. They are utilised by a lot of industries today since they can combine objects without causing any permanent damage. Fasteners may include bolts, bstuds, screws, nuts, and gaskets, which are mostly maximised by construction and manufacturing industries.
Some fasteners that are mentioned above can distribute the load of the objects evenly, provide adequate spacing, absorb huge amounts of vibration, and protect objects and surfaces from liquid penetration. A lot of them come in different materials such as carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel. While these materials can already make these fasteners durable, sustainable, and reliable, most of the fasteners are further subjected to various processes of coating for their needed enhancements and improvements.
For your reference, here are some of the coatings used in steel fasteners.
Zinc Plating
A lot of manufacturers would utilise zinc plating due to its affordable pricing and appealing results. Zinc plating is done by electrodepositing a thin zinc coating to the surface of the fastener. The coating can easily provide a barrier that prevents rust from reaching the fastener.
Zinc plated fasteners usually come in a shiny appearance, with silver or gold as the base colour of their surface. This specific electroplating process also enables the fasteners to obtain enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance. However, the anti-corrosion performance of these zinc-plated fasteners stays low. The development of rust may still happen if the coating of these fasteners is either exposed to a marine environment for too long or destroyed after a long time of use.
Hot Dip Galvanising
Hot dip galvanising, on the other hand, is conducted by immersing the fastener in a melted zinc solution. The dipping of the fastener to the solution allows the production of zinc waste and zinc vapour, which subsequently creates a thick coating of zinc.
Fasteners that are galvanised with a zinc solution make them effectively resist corrosion. The superior corrosion resistance of these fasteners allows them to be used outdoors. They can also be used in coastal environments since they can easily withstand various damaging elements. But despite their great resistance against corrosion, the thick layer of zinc makes some of these fasteners to be not compatible in some applications. It likewise makes the screwing activity of the inside and outside threads difficult.
Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is a relatively new process of coating fasteners. The main components of this type of coating include zinc powder, aluminium powder, chromic acid, and deionised water. Electroplating the fasteners with these components can easily enhance the overall properties of their surface.
The corrosion resistance of chrome plating closely resembles, or even surpasses the resistance of zinc plating. This type of coating also provides a shiny and smooth surface to fasteners that make it easier to clean and maintain. The surface of a chrome-plated fastener can likewise be durable and difficult to penetrate, making it suitable for applications that are constantly exposed to corrosive elements. One drawback of this type of coating, however, is its high cost.
Steel fasteners that are exposed to these coatings can all obtain an enhanced resistance against corrosion. These coatings also allow them to possess an enhanced surface appearance and improved overall properties that make them recommended for a lot of applications and environments.
As you can see, fasteners come in many different shapes and sizes. If you are ready to improve your next project, give Ebolts Online Store a call!
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