HDG Datasheet 3 - Hot Dip Galvanizing of Small Components
HDG Datasheet 3 - Hot Dip Galvanizing of Small Components
HDG Datasheet 3 - Hot Dip Galvanizing of Small Components
Fasteners
As a general rule, bolts down to M8 threads can be readily
galvanized and threaded components up to 2m long have been
processed. Special arrangements might be made to galvanize
threaded components outside of this range. For hot dip galvanized
bolts and nuts, it is normal for standard bolts from stock to be
galvanized; the nuts are galvanized as blanks and then tapped up
to 0.4 mm oversize with the threads lightly oiled. When assembled
the nut thread is protected by contact with the coating on the bolt.
Galvanized bolts and nuts can be readily unfastened even after
many years of service.
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if all slip must be avoided, the coefficient of friction may be raised by roughening the galvanized surface. The coefficient of friction can
be raised by wire brushing (0.35-0.5), sweep blasting, use of a pneumatic chisel hammer or needle gun (0.5-0.6). The lock-up effect
can cause galling of the threads of galvanized fasteners used in friction grip connections and lubrication with for example beeswax or
molybdenum disulphide may be used.
In the USA, galvanizing is one of the few coatings permitted on the contact surfaces in the specification for friction grip joints. This is
approved by the Research Council for Riveted and Bolted Structural Joints of the Engineering Foundation.
Coating
Coating Standard Product Size
thickness
Hot Dip Galvanizing EN ISO 1461 Threaded > 6 mm 50 µm
* Typical value
Chains
There are two principle ways of galvanizing chains, including the use of a vibratory system and centrifuge galvanizing. Chains may be
galvanized using a vibratory system to prevent chain links welding together following withdrawal from the galvanizing bath. Alternatively,
chains may be centrifuged after hot dip galvanizing in order to ensure a uniform zinc coating and to prevent welding of the individual
links. However, the ability of the galvanizer to accept chains might be limited by the capacity of the centrifuge and the weight of the
chains. Heavy lengthy chains are sometimes too large to be centrifuged and in such circumstances the conventional process must be
used.
This sheet is part of the series ‘HDG Datasheets’ and can be requested from
Galvanizers Association. Published August 2015.