Corrosion is the deterioration process suffered by a material, generally a metal. For a long time, the industry has worked to reduce the rate of corrosion in metals and increase their useful life in various environments.
The following coatings are used by Flexilatina de Colombia to protect studs, nuts and washers from corrosion.
Xylan® 1424: It is a PTFE fluoropolymer bonded with resin, used to coat fastening elements such as studs, screws and nuts. Its two main advantages are to protect the substrate from corrosion and to lubricate it dry to obtain a low coefficient of friction. Xylan® 1424 applied at a dry film thickness of 1 mil (25 microns), over a zinc phosphate base exceeds 1500 hours of salt spray per ASTM B-117 standards.
Galvanized: It is based on the immersion of steel pieces in molten zinc, at a temperature of approximately 450°C. The dry film thickness is generally between 50-100 microns, it all depends on the immersion time. They have extraordinary adhesion since the zinc is alloyed with the substrate, generating a series of layers that are very resistant to impacts and very hard. It has high protection against corrosion and resistance to impact and abrasion due to its great adhesion to the substrate.
Zinc Plating: The zinc plating process, or electrozinc plating, is a process that adheres a layer of zinc to steel to protect it against corrosion. The dry film thickness is generally 5-20 microns. Paint can be applied after zinc plating to improve aesthetics and increase the durability of the product.
Bichromatized: Zinc and Chromium electrolytic coating, bright yellow in color, with a minimum thickness of 10 microns, capable of withstanding a 120-hour salt spray test, meeting the requirements of the ASTM F1941 standard. Especially suitable for saline environments. It produces its own characteristic lubrication, reducing the necessary torque on the stud. This ensures complete protection against corrosion.
Blued: The metal surface is coated with a varnish that prevents oxidation of the steel. Black or brown color, it is achieved through baths in special paints, where a chemical action is generated that protects the substrate.