Engineering

Case Hardening, also known as Surface Hardening, is a heat treating process that makes the outer surface of steel stronger while leaving the inner core of the parts softer, as illustrated in figure 1. 

There are 5 different types of Case Hardening processes that you should be aware of: 

In applications where the working loads are exerted in line with the length of the bolt (called tensile loads), both a fully threaded and a partially threaded fastener are going to be able to support the same load. If the working forces exceed the strength of the fastener, both of these fasteners will fail in the threads at the same load.

Are the threads cut or rolled? We are often asked this question in regards to how the threads were manufactured on a particular size bolt or screw that we stock. The main reason we are asked this question is because "rolled" threads are perceived to be superior to "cut" threads on externally threaded fasteners.

Fasteners that create a "locking" action are commonly used in applications that experience high vibration or flexing to ensure that the assembly does not come loose over time.

Scrutinized by the European Union, regulated by the state of California, and labeled a "carcinogen to workers" by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), zinc yellow with hexavalent chromate has become a term industrial fastener buyers must be aware of, as environmental safety and sustainability become front and center policy in most every global organization.

Whether it’s the extraction of metals, minerals, liquids, or gasses, all mining applications need large-diameter, high-strength fasteners to run efficiently. Any overruns or delays can cost the mining company money in downtime. Extracting as many usable minerals as efficiently as possible is the ultimate goal. High-quality fasteners are needed to keep mining equipment operating.

Plow Bolts are defined as a threaded fastener with a low-profile head that includes a feature like a square, keyway, etc, which permits the bolt to be held in position while the nut is tightened. 



Over the years, different manufacturers used varying styles of bolts with different head types to attach the blades to their machinery. This resulted in a general overuse of the term ‘Plow Bolt’. To differentiate the varying styles of Plow Bolts used, fastener standards organizations assigned numbers to help identify them. These numbers range from the #1 head to the #11 head.



When it comes to manufacturing bulldozers, excavators, and any other site preparation equipment, safety, reliability, and strength are key points for consideration when sourcing fasteners. 

Lock Nuts can be separated out into two basic categories:  All Metal Lock Nuts and Nylon Lock Nuts, with varying styles of each.