Threaded fasteners are the most important components in mechanical and structural equipment, providing strength, precision, and reliability that many industries rely on. Holding the big and heavy structure together in harsh conditions. Along with that, ensure the safety of the application under extreme conditions and temperature, which is why it’s also known as the unseen backbone of countless applications.
At Jade Alloys, we are the experts in manufacturing and supplying a wide range of threaded fasteners, which include threaded bolts, threaded nuts, alloy steel bolts, and A320 L7 bolts. All the fasteners that we make here match the international ASTM fastener standards.
What Are Threaded Fasteners?
Threaded fasteners are the simple mechanical parts that are typically used to hold two or more parts together in a known and secure way by using helical ridges, also referred to as threads. These threads provide friction and tension and cause the material to be tightly bound to the threads to result in strong and long-lasting joints. Their numerous features, such as easy installation, reusability, and consistent strength, make it an excellent option for most industries.
Threaded fasteners usually come in two main components
External Thread:
They are commonly found on parts like threaded bolts, screw, or studs. These threads are cut or rolled around the outside of the fasteners. They are used by putting them into a matching internal thread for secure hold.
Internal Thread:
They are used for thread nuts or tapped holes, these are used to receive the external threads and provide a grip to them. By using them together, they can easily tighten and loosen, and reuse them when needed.
Types of Threaded Fasteners
The threaded fasteners come in different forms and types. Some of the most common types of threaded fasteners are listed below.
Threaded Bolts
One of the most widespread fasteners that connect two-plus components is called threaded bolts and is used to connect the parts most effectively. In this kind of bolt, helical ridges or threads run all over the length of the bolt; hence, it can be fitted through pre-drilled holes and screwed firmly when fitted with a suitable nut. The design offers good and dependable clamp force so that the materials remain firmly attached even when pressure, vibration, or heavy loads are involved.
Some of the uses of threaded bolts in machinery, construction, automotive, and industrial equipment include the fact that they are strong, versatile, and easy to install. They can be removed and reused, and with this ability, are viable in both permanent and temporary assemblies.
Common types include:
- Hex Bolts: This is the most common and is usually utilized in construction and machinery.
- Flange Bolts: These have an inbuilt washer surface to enhance better load distribution.
- Carriage Bolts: They are best used when a clean and smooth finish is desired, on wood or a smooth surface.
- Common types include: They are used in lifting and load-bearing applications.
Threaded Nuts
Threaded nuts are internal threads and are used in creating a strong and stable joint with the help of a bolt. When tightened together, they cling to the threads of the bolt that contain the parts together and evenly spread the load throughout the assembly. Their construction is easy to install, remove, and reuse, so they are a significant component of most mechanical and structural applications.
The threaded nuts are available in a variety of shapes, materials, and finishes depending on the degree of strength, environmental conditions, as well as the load requirements.
Common types include:
- Hex Nuts: These are the most popular and are applied to diverse general purposes in fastening.
- Lock Nuts: The nuts have a lock mechanism that prevents vibration or movement, which loosens the nut.
- Flange Nuts: Have an inbuilt washer surface that enhances the distribution of loads and a good fit.
- Dome Nuts: Have a rounded and flattened top, which shields the exposed threads on bolts against corrosion or other damage.
- Wing Nuts: These are used when there is light tightening of hands required in light-duty or adjustable assemblies.
Threaded Studs and Rods
Threaded studs or threaded rods are long, completely threaded bars that are used to provide strong and stable connections in demanding applications. They are widely applied in cases where high load carrying capacity and accurate alignment are needed, e.g., in pressure vessels, flange, construction assemblies, and heavy machinery.
These elements provide a great level of flexibility- they may be cut to size, attached to nuts on each side, or implanted into the material to be put on permanently. They have been designed with continuous threading to enable tension to be evenly distributed, promoting a stable and secure joint.
Threaded studs and rods are manufactured in carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel, which are much more resistant to wear or corrosion. They are also produced against international standards such as ASTM A193 and A320, which give them consistency and reliability in their performance in both high-temperature and standard conditions.
Materials Used in Threaded Fasteners
The choice of material used in a threaded fastener is also important in determining the strength of the fastener, its performance, as well as its corrosion resistance. The selection of the correct material ensures that the fastener is capable of supporting certain loads, temperatures, and environmental factors.
In Jade Alloys, we can find threaded fasteners of different material grades, which can be applied in different industrial tasks, varying in purpose of general usage to high-performance specifications.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a material with good strength and cost-effectiveness, and is usually applied in general construction, machinery, and car design, where high corrosion resistance is not essential.
Stainless Steel
Fasteners made of stainless steel are very resistant to corrosion and have long-lasting performance, and are therefore pertinent in the marine, food processing, and chemical industries where moisture and hard environments are frequent.
Alloy Steel Bolts
Alloy steel bolts have been developed with the highest tensile strength, fatigue, and stability at extreme pressure or temperature. These fasteners are often heat-treated to enhance toughness and find widespread application in heavy engineering, oil and gas, power plants, and structural applications where reliability is critical.
Nickel Alloys
Nickel-based fasteners, including Inconel, Monel, and Hastelloy, are exceptional in terms of heat and corrosion resistance. They are more popular in terms of power generation, refineries, and chemical processing environments.
Understanding ASTM Fastener Standards
The significance of ASTM fastener standards in the industrial world is based on the quality, safety, and consistency of the products. Such standards represent the mechanical and chemical structuring and dimensional accuracy of bolts, nuts, and studs in such a way that the buyer can establish the appropriate fasteners to fit in their specific application with confidence.
ASTM standards that are most frequently used for threaded fasteners are listed below:
- ASTM A193: This standard addresses the needs of alloy and stainless steel bolts in high-pressure and high-temperature applications as required in refineries and chemical plants.
- ASTM A320: It covers alloy steel bolts, of which A320 L7 bolts are intended to be used in low-temperature and cryogenic environments in LNG, power, and petrochemical industries.
- ASTM A194: Characterizes the nuts to be used with A193 and A320 bolts, which are fully compatible and offer the same degree of strength.
- ASTM F593: This applies to stainless steel bolts and nuts, and it gives the material resistance to corrosion and durability in harsh working conditions.
Compliance with ASTM standards of fasteners guarantees that all threaded fasteners will provide the desired performance in tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, which are all needed in industry to be reliable and work safely over time.
Applications use of Threaded Fasteners
The threaded fasteners are applied in various industries where joints that are easily maintainable, durable, and also secure are required. A component is versatile due to the capability to cater to high loads, vibration, and since it can be set up and removed quickly and easily. The list of industries that rely on these fasteners is provided below.
- Construction and Infrastructure: It is to be applied to fasten steel beams, columns, and building structures in buildings, bridges, and industrial plants.
- Oil & Gas: It is relevant in high-pressure and temperature change stability in pipelines, refineries, and offshore platforms, where stability is highly critical.
- Automotive & Aerospace: Applied in engine assemblies, suspension, and joints in the mechanical structure, which offers safety and performance in extreme conditions.
- Power Generation: It is used in boiler systems, turbines, heat exchangers, and threaded nuts and bolts of the system are resistant to high pressure and heat.
Marine & Offshore: It is also used in the building of ships, docks, and offshore rigs, an alloy corrosion-resistant to give a protective advantage in salty and wet environments.
Conclusion
Threaded fasteners are important in ensuring safety and effectiveness by connecting structures, machines, and equipment. They are very powerful and reliable and are needed in virtually all industries, including the building industry and the production industry. This is because knowledge of the various types and materials assists in the selection of the appropriate product to use in any application. These components are stable, durable, and maintain long performance with the right selection. Finally, good fasteners are not merely tiny components; they are the base of solid and robust structures that hold everything together and work as required.
