Corrosion is the deterioration process that a material, generally a metal, undergoes. For a long time, the industry has worked to reduce the corrosion rate of metals and increase their useful life in various environments.
The following coatings are used by Flexilatina de Colombia to protect stud bolts, nuts and washers from corrosion.
Xylan® 1424: It is a resin-bonded PTFE fluoropolymer, used to coat fasteners such as studs, bolts and nuts. Its two main advantages are to protect the substrate from corrosion and to dry lubricate it to obtain a low coefficient of friction. Xylan® 1424 applied with a dry film thickness of 1 mil (25 microns), on a zinc phosphate base exceeds 1500 hours of salt spray according to ASTM B-117 standards.
Galvanizing: It is based on the immersion of steel parts in molten zinc, at a temperature of approximately 450°C (450°F). The dry film thickness is generally between 50-100 microns, depending on the immersion time. They have an extraordinary adherence since the zinc is alloyed with the substrate generating a series of very resistant layers to the blows and of great hardness. It has high protection against corrosion and resistance to impact and abrasion due to its great adherence to the substrate.
Zinc plating: The zinc plating process, or electrozinc plating, is a process that adheres a layer of zinc to the 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 is capable of withstanding a salt spray test of 120 hours, complying with the requirements of ASTM F1941. Particularly suitable for saline environment. It produces its own characteristic lubrication, reducing the torque required on the stud. This ensures complete protection against corrosion.
Bluing: The metal surface is coated with a varnish that prevents oxidation of the steel. Black or brown color, it is achieved by means of baths in special paints, where a chemical action is generated that protects the substrate.