HOW HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENT AFFECTS FASTENERS
Fasteners are vital to construction and industrial projects since they join and connect two objects. Without them, the framework of a structure can go down easily. Moreover, the absence of fasteners can make an assembly weak, which can cause catastrophic events in the long run. To date, there are a lot of types of fasteners available in the market. Some of them are bolts, nuts, washers, screws, and rivets.
Common Facts about Fasteners
As mentioned, fasteners can mechanically join and affix two or more objects together. More specifically, certain types of fasteners are used to form either a non-permanent or permanent joint. For non-permanent joints, mobile fasteners like bolts, nuts, washers, and screws are used to create a temporary union between two or more objects. This type of joint won’t cause any damage whenever one object is disassembled.
The opposite happens with permanent fasteners. Rivets, welds, and some types of screws are categorised under permanent fasteners that create a permanent joint. If two objects are joined by a permanent fastener, then it means that removing one of the objects can damage the union.
The Effects of High Temperature
All materials that are made from metal share a common denominator when it comes to their weakness. Extreme heat or a rise in temperature can cause an effect to metal due to its property composition. With fasteners, almost all of them are made from different types of metal, making them vulnerable to the effects of heat.
One of the effects of high temperature on fasteners is oxidation. You see, melting won’t be a problem to metal fasteners unless the temperature will rise above the melting point of the metal. Oxidation, however, is a more common threat to metal fasteners. Oxidation of metal fasteners causes accelerated corrosion and rusting over time.
The expansion of metal fasteners is also a given effect of high temperature. The expanding action of metal fasteners can place pressure on the holes where they are attached. By the time they cool, metal fasteners will contract and become loose within the hole. With high temperature, the objects or assembly where fasteners are attached are at risk of some sort of displacement or even damaging their components.
Ideal Materials for Fasteners
Fortunately, some material options can withstand the effects of a high-temperature environment. What you must do first is to know the level of temperature that your environment possesses. A-286 metal materials can withstand temperatures of up to 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit, while nickel can withstand temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you want to move away with metal fasteners, you can use fasteners out of ceramic such as aluminium oxide and zirconium dioxide. They can withstand temperatures above 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. One disadvantage of ceramic fasteners, though, is that they are not as durable as their metal counterparts.
Fasteners are extremely helpful in joining two objects. If you need durable fasteners, then you may want to consult us at Ebolts Online Store. We offer all types of fasteners that are suitable for all your construction and industrial needs.