Fastener coating refers to the protective layer that is coated onto the bolts, screws, nuts, and any other fastening component to improve their performance and durability. When it is used on fasteners, this coating provides the fasteners with a protective coating resistant to corrosion, wear, and environmental degradation that keeps the fasteners strong and attractive over an extended period of time. The majority of the industries, such as construction, automotive, and marine industries, make sure to use fastener coating that is applied long-term to guarantee safety and stability. Coating this fastener with other fasteners will render it resistant to moisture, chemicals, and high temperatures. It is also a coating that increases the lifespan and minimizes the cost of maintenance of fasteners. To achieve an ideal fastener coating, depending on your use, therefore, read this blog. which gives information on types of fastener coatings, which help you to get a perfect fastener coating.
Why Choosing the Right Fastener Coating Matters
Choosing the right kinds of coating on fasteners is significant in order to sustain the integrity of structures as well as the longevity of the fasteners. The various parts are held together by fasteners, so proper coating will ensure that they are not corroded, moist, or exposed to chemicals. Under extreme environments, the absence of coating on a fastener may result in rusting of the fastener and deterioration of the structure, which may pose a potential threat and cost a lot to replace. A majority of the manufacturers ran a salt spray test, which was used to determine the coating resistance of the fastener. The longer the duration, the higher the quality. As a rule, the fastener material is designed to withstand moisture, chemicals, and other elements; however, with the superior coating, it will last a very long time.
Different Types of Fastener Coatings
Every fastener comes in made with different materials, shapes, and chemical compositions. So, fasteners coating types are important to know before you make any decision. Below is the list of different types of fastener coatings.
Stainless Steel
Even though it is well known that stainless steel is not a coating but a material, it is the best one to use in preventing rust. It is naturally corrosion-resistant, hence it is used in marine, food processing, or even outdoor applications.
Brass, Bronze, Chrome, and Nickel-Plated
This type of coating is mostly used for an attractive appearance, making it perfect for decorative fasteners. Brass and bronze have a strong corrosion resistance; on the other hand, chrome and nickel provide a smooth and shiny finish with modern protective which makes them more valuable for aesthetics than heavy-duty durability.
Clear and Yellow Zinc
Zinc coating is the most commonly used and cost-effective option for preventing rust on zinc plated bolts. They make a protective layer on the fasteners that is suitable for humid and harsh environments. Yellow zinc is made through electroplating, which enhances the protection from water and moisture.
Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG)
Hot-dip galvanizing is a process that provides a thicker layer of zinc than standard plating, having better corrosion resistance. This coating is ideal in outdoor and salty coastal environments. Fasteners of HDG are very durable and much longer lasting than other coating types against corrosion.
Electro-Galvanized (EG).
This type of coating is also applied to zinc as a process known as electro-galvanized fasteners, where the zinc layer is thinner and provides a low level of protection against corrosion at a low cost. They are usually applicable in indoor or slightly humid environments, including kitchens, bathrooms, and roofing etc.
Grey Phosphate
Grey phosphate finishes are used to reduce friction and thus are used on fasteners that need easy insertion. They have limited corrosion resistance and are only suitable when the application is indoors. They are, however, not to be applied to treated lumber because there are chemical reactions that may arise.
Ceramic Coated
Ceramic finishes offer quality defense against saltwater exposure, hence they are acceptable in the marine setting. Although they are not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, they can survive 500- 1000 hours of salt spray tests, which is a good performance in harsh environments.
Conclusion
Fastener coatings are important in strengthening, prolonging the life, and durability of fasteners used in different industries. At Jade Special Metals, we emphasize selecting the right coating based on environmental and application needs. Since fastener materials are applied with different coatings, such as zinc plating and hot-dip galvanizing, to ceramics and phosphate, each kind has its purpose depending on the environmental factors, as well as its uses. The right coating can not only avoid corrosion and wear but also guarantee the sustainability and safety of the structure in the long terms. It is important to make sure that when selecting the right combination of a fastener coating and material, choosing a zinc plated to be used in humid conditions or a stainless steel to be used in the marine environment is crucial.
