Fastener Information

Every day and in nearly every aspect of our lives, most people rely on the strength and performance of fasteners without giving them a second thought. But the manufacturers, engineers, and applicators that are responsible for the fasteners that hold our world together give it plenty of thought. After all, there is an extremely vast number of factors to consider when it comes to fasteners. The increasing number of regulations to adhere to, the complexity of part geometries, the type, and thickness of the coating, the required amount of corrosion protection, critical tolerance specifications, temperature and type of environmental exposure, and the list goes on.

 

Columbia Chemical regularly works with OEMs in the Fastener world to assist with the development of specs, coating choices, trends and technology updates, engineer training, and general questions and assistance.  We work with applicators to match our chemistry to required specifications, ensure proper pretreatment to maximize plating adhesion, and run salt spray and other analytical testing as part of our Columbia Approved Resource C.A.R. quality assurance program for the benefit of both the plating shop and the OEM. Below are just a few of the areas we are consulted on when asked to provide support and solutions throughout the fastener supply chain.

Columbia Chemical has engaged in research and development projects with OEMs to address coating challenges that impact automotive quality. This work has led to creation of custom innovative solutions like our high gloss black functional finish.

Our plating processes and chemistries are used to help finish components in a wide variety of industries such as: automotive, agricultural, electrical, furniture, fasteners and hardware, faucets/fixtures, and more. Click here to view our searchable database of global process approvals.

Choosing Coatings for Fasteners

 

When choosing the coating to specify for your fastener, it’s always wise to begin with the end in mind. It’s important to research and carefully consider the specific requirements of the fastener in its state of end-use to determine the coating that will work best. Asking the right questions about factors such as corrosion resistance requirements, temperature, torque tension needs, durability and more is the right place to begin. Our experts are available to assist with these discussions.

Adhesion Issues with Fasteners

With the emphasis on production schedules and keeping the plating bath in optimum condition, the hydrochloric acid pickle is an often-ignored step in the plating line. However, it becomes a vital step when plating parts such as high-carbon, heat-treated fasteners. Adhesion issues can be common when plating high-carbon, heat-treated steel and one of the primary areas to focus on when addressing this issue is the acid pickling stage of the process.

Are you having adhesion issues plating high-carbon, heat-treated steel? Pickle Pal® is a non-hazardous inhibitor used in electroplating designed to prevent the attack of acid on the steel substrate. 

Seeing is believing! View our quick Pickle Pal® Demo Video to visibly see the difference as the oxide layer dissolves while the substrate is protected by the acid pickle inhibitor. The end results speak for themselves! 

Additional Pickle Pal® Resources: Success Story with Pickle Pal® and Roy Metal FinishingProducts Finishing Magazine Expert Q&A on Adhesion IssuesPickle Pal® Features + Benefit Sheet

Trivalent Passivates for Fasteners

Our line of trivalent chromium-based passivates are hexavalent chromium-free and comply with current ELV, RoHS, and REACH regulations. These products can provide a trivalent passivation layer that is clear, blue, yellow, black, or iridescent. Our industry-leading passivates are available for both zinc and zinc-nickel. We also offer a variety of torque tension modifiers, sealers, and topcoats. Click here to view our line of trivalent passivates.

Contact Us

Columbia Chemical regularly works with OEMs in the Fastener world to assist with the development of specs, coating choices, trends and technology updates, engineer training, and general questions and assistance.

If you have interest in any of these areas, please fill out the information below and one of our experienced team members will contact you.

Fastener Resources Contact Form

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