3 Simple Ways To Prevent Fastener Galling

9 July 2021
 Categories: , Blog

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Quality fasteners are required for the assembly and manufacturing of many different products. Fastener failure could compromise the safety and function of your products over time. Galling is one type of fastener damage that you need to watch out for.

Galling occurs when material from one surface becomes affixed to another surface. Friction and the adhesion of metal substances during sliding are what cause galling to occur.

When a fastener experiences galling, a lump forms on the threads. This lump prevents fasteners from threading properly. You can be proactive in your manufacturing approach to prevent galling from affecting your fasteners in the future.

1. Reduce Installation Speed

Automated manufacturing processes rely on speed to put out as many products as possible. It's important that you weigh the importance of speed with the risk of galling as you evaluate fastener quality.

Higher installation speeds create more friction, which increases the risk of galling. By slowing down your installation process just a little, you can protect your fasteners from being compromised by galling in the future.

2. Use a Lubricant

If a slight reduction in installation speed doesn't stop your fasteners from galling, you can introduce a lubricant into the mix. Specialized lubricants can be used on fasteners to help reduce friction during installation.

The lubricant will help prevent fasteners from getting hung up on the materials in which they are being installed. Smoothing the insertion process can significantly reduce the potential for galling.

The use of a lubricant may allow you to maintain a higher installation speed while controlling the rate of fastener galling you encounter during each production run.

3. Inspect Threads Before Installation

Only clean and intact fasteners should be used when manufacturing products. A damaged or dirty fastener will not only be more likely to suffer from galling, but these fasteners can also compromise the quality of your products in the future.

Make sure that you are taking the time to inspect each fastener prior to installation. Threads should be inspected carefully, and any fasteners with dirty, damaged, or dented threads should be discarded.

Galling can become a real quality control issue in any manufacturing facility. You can protect your fasteners from galling by taking the time to inspect each fastener before installation, using a lubricant to reduce friction, and lowering your installation speed to allow for proper threading.

Implementing these three actions into your manufacturing routine will improve fastener quality over time. To learn more about industrial fasteners, contact a supplier.