What Should You Consider When Choosing Industrial Fasteners?
Posted on: 7 July 2022
Industrial fasteners include many tools and devices to connect different equipment parts in semi-permanent and permanent ways. They contain essential items like bolts, hinges, nuts, knob flanges, rivets, and screws. In complex industrial processes, fasteners include adjustable levers, hand trucks, gaskets and seals, eyebolts, spacers, standoffs, etc. They are crucial in all industrial applications, and you have to choose the right size, type, coating, and material to ensure they effectively serve your operations. Selecting the wrong fasteners can result in joints that can't hold up and damage quickly under simple stress. It may also force you to conduct repairs and adjustments on equipment, wasting time and increasing production costs. Below is an overview of the factors to consider when purchasing industrial fasteners.
Working Environment
Industrial fasteners come from different types of metals, polymers, and ceramics, which react differently to specific environmental conditions and temperature levels. For instance, chemicals and issues like oxidation in industrial processes corrode different types of metals. Thus, choosing tools with a suitable coating is vital to get an item resistant to your industry's abrasive nature. You may select items with zinc plating when operating in highly-corrosive environments. When it comes to high-temperature conditions such as food processing, avoid plastics and non-ferrous metals as they can melt or expand, impacting the equipment's ability to hold together firmly.
Proof Load, Yield, and Tensile Strength
When looking for a fastener material, you need to consider the proof load, yield, and strength of your applications to make the right choice. The proof load refers to the lowest acceptable load capacity that the fasteners can withstand. Proof load is measured in pounds per square inch. Yield and tensile strengths are the minimum and maximum stress you can apply to a fastener without deforming it. Components with high yield strength are suitable for heavy-duty applications. Your supplier should guide you on different rating terms and load requirements in your industry to help you make the right choice.
Value for Money
Value consideration is essential in buying any industrial tools. Value doesn't only refer to the initial price but also the overhead costs such as labor and frequency repairs. When seeking to get the best value fasteners, consider the products' end use and how the fasteners can cost-effectively impact the product in the long term. For instance, investing in metal fasteners would be ideal for equipment with moving and vibrating parts. They are strong and won't damage easily due to frequent use. On the other hand, plastic fasteners are an affordable alternative for stationary joints or those you don't open frequently.
Conclusion
Are you looking for industrial fasteners for your applications? Consult a professional for guidance in choosing equipment with the correct strength and resistance and one that'll give you value for money.
Share