How To Choose The Right Fastener
In industrial processes like food, gas, and petrochemicals, the productivity of the systems depends on the way in which the components are connected. Connecting the flanges of companions such as screws, bolts or nuts is essential for ensuring that different parts, such as bearings or mountings, are in their proper positions to ensure security.
If you don't utilize the correct fasteners the machine could be afflicted with issues like leaks or unneeded vibrations. They could also culminate in a devastating malfunction of your equipment. This raises a crucial issue: "How can you select the correct fasteners?" Here are the four essential criteria that will help you in picking the right fasteners.
Be aware of the application for interest
It is crucial to know the nature of your system before you begin looking for fasteners. There are many industrial fasteners to choose from and it is important to know what you're looking for. For instance, if you need Chrome Molly or mild steel fasteners. The determining aspect is the use. So, it is essential to study the directions in your manual or talk to the technician about the best fasteners. You should only select fasteners designed for your system or closely resemble your application. If you are seeking an occupation in the production field, then you may intend to think about an occupation in isolation column manufacture.
Evidence of stress
The alloy used in making fasteners is deemed to be sturdy enough to withstand stress. It is measured as pounds per square inch (psi). Pure and low carbon iron are the two most commonly used industrial materials used in manufacturing. They are the least stress resistance. They have low strength of about 60,000 psi.
Steel fasteners come in many kinds. However, many industries use only four. Here are just some of the fasteners available:
Grade 2 Fasteners made with standard hardware grade steel. These fasteners are used mostly in light industrial operations and projects at home.
Grade 5: This group of fasteners is subjected to various treatments to make it harder. They are mainly used in the automotive industry.
Grade 8 Fasteners of Grade 8 are stronger than grade five steel fasteners. They are used for challenging applications such as vehicle suspensions.
Alloy steel: This kind of fasteners are made from alloy steel that has been hardened by heat treatment. These fasteners can be quite strong but also very fragile.
Super alloys that have strength greater than 250,000 psi are best for fasteners that are super strong. Metals with a strength greater than 180,000 psi aren't commonly used in the industry in the present. In fact, they're mainly used in applications that require extreme pressure, such as rocket construction and space exploration equipment.
Resistance to corrosion
Corrosion refers to the normal wear of metal due to chemical reactions. Oxidation is the most common form of corrosion. In this scenario the metal reacts to oxygen to create corrosion. Look for fasteners that are not susceptible to corrosion.
To make metal fasteners more resistant to corrosion, a coating is applied to their surface. Here are a few examples of metal fasteners coated with the coatings mentioned above:
Chrome: Although it is expensive, it is highly appreciated for its anti-corrosion properties along with its attractive appearance.
Screw plugs manufacture : In this instance fasteners are electro-plated with zinc to keep the metal from coming into contact with air or water. These fasteners are suitable for outdoor applications.
Hot dip galvanizing: Although the fasteners are constructed of metal, the treatment of hot-dip galvanization helps make them more robust. They can be used in coastal environments.
The Operational Temperatures
It is important to know the operating temperature of fasteners before you place an order. It is evident that fasteners made from non-ferrous alloys or plastics must be avoided in applications with temperatures that exceed 450 degrees F for instance, like automotive engines.
While the most popular choice for applications with high temperatures is stainless steel and steel alloys, they easily lose ductility at temperatures of that are around 1,200deg F. Additionally being brittle, they can also be damaged when temperatures drop below -100deg F. So, if your operations will run in very low temperatures, it's better to use titanium or brass Teflon or copper fasteners.
If you are looking to gain more value from your application, it's important to make sure that the right fasteners are used. This article will give you an in-depth overview of fasteners for you to assist you in choosing the best.