Fasteners need to perform reliably in all applications. It’s important to be aware of the factors that can affect that performance, particularly in high heat situations. Utilizing the wrong fasteners under high heat can cause weakening, disintegration or even vaporization.
Bolts can be made of a variety of materials, including carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel, but high-temperature applications call for iron, nickel and chromium-based alloys.
This awareness of fastener selection for high-heat applications may be particularly useful in the following industries
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Heavy Duty Truck
- Industrial Engine
- Agriculture
- Military and Defense
- Energy
Read on to learn more about particular risks fasteners face when placed under extreme heat, and the fastener solutions Global Certified Fasteners provides for a variety of industries and applications.
Risks of High Heat On Fastener Performance
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- The first problem that can occur when temperatures exceed a fastener’s operational rate is oxidation. Many metals can oxidize rapidly in an oxygen-rich environment, which causes disintegration. To avoid this, select fasteners made from oxidation resistant alloys.
- Another issue is weakening of the materials’s strength. High temperatures weaken materials’ strength. Nickel alloys and molybdenum, commonly used in military and defense industry applications, maintain their material strength at high temperatures.
- Extremely high temperatures can cause vaporization. In instances where vaporization can occur after a temperature limit is hit, refractory metals can be used (like tantalum or tungsten).
- Premature fastener delay can occur if the material’s plating operating temperature is exceeded. This happens due to a loss of corrosion protection and/or hydrogen embrittlement.
- Different thermal expansion coefficients between the fastener and the joint can cause a change in clamping force. Additionally, extreme temperatures can cause streep and stress relaxation.
- It’s worth noting that none of the materials mentioned above can withstand temperatures beyond 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. In extreme high-temperature applications like this, ceramic fasteners are considered ideal. Common ceramic materials include alumina and zirconia.
Utilize all of the above considerations for high-temperature applications. If your next project requires high-temperature fasteners, contact Global Certified Fasteners. We’ll evaluate your application’s unique needs and recommend custom solutions for you.