Glossary

An electrically applied finish used to add corrosion protection to large or complex parts such as truck frames, food and beverage containers, tractors, and other industrial equipment. Sometimes referred to as a coating, this process is more similar to electroplating. Parts are dipped into a tank filled with a water-based solution containing coating materials. An electric current is then applied, causing particles to bond evenly to the submerged surface. After application, parts are typically cured in an oven through a process called cross-linking, which helps bond the coating to the base material. 

Appearance - The defining characteristic of an E-Coat is its exceptionally uniform and consistent appearance. Thanks to the electrical application process, the coating thoroughly covers all surfaces, including complex geometries and internal areas, without the risk of runs, drips, or sags.

A manufacturing process that uses an electric current to deposit a thin, adherent layer of a desired metal onto the surface of a fastener. This metallic coating is applied to enhance various properties, including corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness, conductivity, and appearance. Common electroplated finishes for fasteners include zinc, nickel, chrome, and cadmium.

An EPDM washer is a type of washer made from EPDM rubber, a synthetic rubber material known for its excellent resistance to weathering, UV rays, ozone, and environmental elements. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, which is a type of durable and flexible elastomer.

Epoxy is a corrosion-resistant coating applied to fasteners using a dip-spin process. Known for its durability and strong barrier properties, epoxy can offer up to 1,000 hours of salt spray protection and helps prevent degradation from UV exposure, moisture, oxidation, chemicals, and general wear. The primary drawback of epoxy coatings is their thickness, which can sometimes interfere with thread fit, especially in precision applications.

Appearance - Epoxy coatings typically have a thick, matte finish and may appear in a range of colors depending on the formulation, most commonly in shades of gray, black, or brown.

An industrial expansion bolt is a type of anchor fastener used to securely attach objects or structures to concrete, masonry, or other solid base materials. It's called an "expansion bolt" because it relies on expanding a section of the bolt or an attached sleeve inside a drilled hole to create a strong mechanical grip.

A helical ridge formed on the outside surface of a cylindrical part, such as a bolt or screw. External threads are designed to mate with internal threads, allowing the fastener to be securely screwed into nuts, tapped holes, or other threaded components.

Externally Threaded Inserts are fastener components designed to provide a strong, reusable threaded connection inside a softer or weaker material, such as plastic, wood, or soft metals. They have external threads on the outside surface that allow them to be securely screwed or pressed into a pre-drilled hole in the base material, creating a durable mounting point.

A metal-forming process where material is pushed through a shaped die to create a specific, continuous profile. In fastener manufacturing, it's used to produce raw material like wire, or to form internal features such as holes within parts.

An eye bolt is a type of fastener that features a loop (or "eye") at one end and a threaded shaft on the other. It’s used primarily as a point for attaching ropes, cables, chains, or hooks to lift, secure, or support loads.

An Eye Lag Screw (also called an Eye Lag Bolt) is a heavy-duty fastener that combines features of an eye bolt and a lag screw. It has a threaded screw shaft designed to be driven directly into wood or other materials without a nut, and a closed loop ("eye") at the head.