Stainless Steel Bolts
Bolts, in its simplest terms, is a type of fastener that can be threaded and used as a secure connector in a variety of applications. Industries that use stainless steel bolts include manufacturing, construction, and woodworking. Stainless steel is a popular material to use for bolts, due to its strength, durability, and resistance to the elements.
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Application of Stainless Steel Bolts
Industrial bolts are commonly used as components for vehicles and other machinery, and they are required to securely hold the moving parts of the machine together. They can be inserted or fitted using tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, or high-pressure drills. Industrial bolts are ideal for scenarios that are high-stress and heavy duty. Because of the strength-to-weight ratio that these applications entail, industrial bolts must be made from a material that is highly resistant to tension from external loads. In addition, there are some applications—especially in marine and outdoor industries—that require bolts made from a highly corrosion-resistant material. Corrosion and rust can severely weaken metals and negatively affect the performance of the bolts, which could lead to structural failure or damage.
Types of Stainless Steel Bolts
Since industrial bolts are used for countless applications, there are many types of bolts that are designed for specific situations. For example, anchor bolts are able to act as a secure connecting point when set into wet concrete. Eyebolts are the most common of configurations, and can be identified by one unique characteristic: a circular top or “eye” instead of a traditional bolt head. The “eye” of an eyebolt allows for ropes or cables to be attached to them. Other common types of industrial bolts that can be made from stainless steel are as follows:
- U-Bolts
- These bolts are shaped like a “U,” and feature threads at both ends. They are sometimes supplied with fasteners to secure the threaded ends, as well as a strap that assists in attaching the bolt to the load. U bolts can be categorized in several ways—round, square, or semi-round. Round U-bolts are the most common of the three categories, and are literally in the shape of a “U.” Square U-bolts take on the shape of three sides of a rectangle with rounded corners. Finally, semi-round U-bolts are similar in structure to round U-bolts, but the curve is shallower.
- Hex Bolts
- Get their name from their hexagonal head. Also known as machine bolts, they are cylindrical shaped and are used to clamp two pieces of metal together. They feature a machine thread that enables them to be used in conjunction with nuts or in a tapped hole. Hex bolts are traditionally manufactured by the cold forming process, which involves the use of a series of dies to shape a metal blank into the desired dimensions and shape of the bolt.
- Lag Bolts
- Also known as lag screws, feature a threaded body, and are used to link wooden parts together or attach wooden parts to concrete foundations. Popular wooden components that use lag bolts include beams and posts. Although smaller models are available, lag bolts are generally large in size and used for heavy-duty applications. Lag bolts are made by heating a wire rod for an extended period of time, and coated for added protection if necessary. The rod is then put through the cold forging process, which involves shaping the rod at room temperature and forcing it through a series of high-pressure dies, where the bolt is cut and threaded, and the head is shaped.
- Carriage Bolts
- Also referred to as plow bolts or coach bolts, carriage bolts feature a threaded bolt projecting from a large, round, domed head. Carriage bolts are typically used to secure wooden parts together during the construction of homes and decks. In addition to construction, they may be used in applications such as home improvement, chain-link fences and machinery assembly.
Standards and Specifications of Stainless Steel Bolts
In threading stainless steel bolts, typical ISO standards call for the length to be twice the bolt’s diameter, plus 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). Threading is determined by two main factors: the intended application for the bolt, and the bolt’s intended load. Bolts that are used in lightweight applications will feature finer threading, while coarser threading is reserved for heavy-duty bolts in order to ensure a strong grip on the materials they secure. An experienced manufacturer of stainless steel bolts will be ready and willing to assist you with any additional inquiries on ISO standards, and the stainless steel bolt that best suits your desired application.