Choosing & Using Thread Lock Adhesives
Some of the most popular fasteners including the Inconel hex lag bolts and aluminum hex tap bolts all tend to be threaded. In fact, if you look at the history of fasteners, you will realize that the vast majority of them are actually threaded, even in the prehistoric times. This popularity is driven by the […]
Some of the most popular fasteners including the Inconel hex lag bolts and aluminum hex tap bolts all tend to be threaded. In fact, if you look at the history of fasteners, you will realize that the vast majority of them are actually threaded, even in the prehistoric times. This popularity is driven by the fact that threaded fasteners are very easy to use, and are also considered to be one of the long lasting fastener types out there.
However, this does not mean that they are infallible. Most screws and bolts and many other threaded fasteners have the potential to fail and come undone particularly when they are subjected to extreme forces. This means that when they are used, it would be important to try out technologies that will result in tighter fastening. One of the most effective of these is through the use of threadlock adhesives.
The causes of failure
In order to understand the role of thread lock adhesives in keeping fasteners in check, one has to consider the main ways in which the fasteners fail. The two most important of these include through tension relaxation, where changes in temperature force the fasteners to expand and contract and eventually loosen.
In addition to that, fasteners can also come undone through self loosening. This is caused by a sliding motion between the fastener surfaces.
The role of thread lock adhesives
Thread lock adhesives are resins that are placed on the surface of the fastener before being tightened in place. They are designed so that once they are exposed to an environment with very little air, they harden and increase the contact between the fastener and the material being fastened in place. As a result, using thread lock adhesives results in tighter bonds between the material and the fastener.
Choosing the right type
When you are interested in using thread lock adhesives, you have to keep in mind that there are many different types to choose from. Making sure that you pick the right one is essential to success. Some of the factors that should influence your decision include:
The amount of hold that you want: You need to figure out how much force the fastener will be subjected to, and for how long you want it to be in place. This will help you figure out which type of adhesive to use.
The conditions that the assembly will be exposed to: Make sure that your choice of adhesive will be stable in the environment you will use it in. For instance, if you are designing equipment to be used in a metal furnace, you need to get an adhesive that can withstand high temperatures.
The types of metal you will be working with: Make sure that you get a metal type that will not react with the adhesive. This might affect the performance of the adhesive and the fastener.
As is evident, there is a lot to consider before making the final decision on which type of fastener adhesive to use. Working with a professional in making this decision is essential in preventing regrets later on.
