Plating Systems & Technologies, Inc. Blog
Maximizing Durability: Sacrificial Coating for Fasteners
When fasteners fail in service, the consequences are costly—unexpected downtime, frequent replacements, and compromised safety. This article explains how sacrificial coatings for fasteners shift corrosion away from critical components, cut lifecycle costs, and simplify maintenance decisions.
The Problem: Corrosion and Hydrogen Embrittlement
Fasteners exposed to salt, moisture, or industrial atmospheres often fail through corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement, compromising joint integrity and safety. Engineers and maintenance teams searching for targeted solutions need a coating approach that protects the substrate without introducing embrittlement risks.
The Solution: Layered Sacrificial Systems and Post-Treatments
Sacrificial coatings for fasteners work by corroding preferentially, preserving the base metal and clamp load. A reliable process uses a controlled, multi-step sequence: clean the parts, apply a copper strike, promote (using tine), then deposit zinc (or zinc-tin/zinc-aluminum) to achieve specified coating thickness.
Post-treatments—hexavalent chromate, trivalent passivate, sealers, waxes and dyes—extend service life and tune appearance. Early collaboration with an industrial plating consultant helps select the right chemistries, control hydrogen uptake, and validate coating thickness and adhesion.
How to Proceed: Partner Selection and Quotes
Proprietary product suppliers supply the cleaners, promoters, and plating chemistries that make reproducible coatings possible; working closely with them ensures consistent results across production runs.
If you need specification support or pricing, consult an industrial plating consultant for test planning, and request a quote for mechanical galvanizing proprietaries from qualified suppliers to compare lead times and cost. Proper lab evaluation and supplier collaboration deliver long-term durability for mission-critical fasteners.
If you need specification support or pricing, consult an industrial plating consultant for test planning, and request a quote for mechanical galvanizing proprietaries from qualified suppliers to compare lead times and cost. Proper lab evaluation and supplier collaboration deliver long-term durability for mission-critical fasteners.