Have you ever wondered why some plants turn out better products than others? It has a lot to do with the workers they hire, but it also has to do with the way they care for their equipment. If you keep your equipment in good shape, the products you turn out will be more consistent — and that is true in most any industry. Train your workers to keep the space around their equipment clean and clear. Remind them to lubricate their machines and report any abnormalities ASAP. As you read on this blog, we hope you gain a better understanding of industrial equipment, the care it requires, and related topics.
Metric fasteners are used and classified slightly differently from how fasteners produced using the imperial system of measurements are used and classified. You need to understand these key differences to optimize metric fasteners use at your industrial facility.
The following are five things to keep in mind to be sure that you're using metric fasteners effectively.
There are various strength grades that metric bolts are assigned.
One of the most important classifications to be aware of regarding the metric fasteners you're using is what strength grade they have been given.
The strength classification for a metric bolt is known as its "property class". This is one of the most important classifications to be aware of because you need to make sure that the fastener you use is strong enough for the application you're using it for.
Metric thread profiles are designated differently than imperial thread profiles.
When it comes to fasteners using imperial measurements, thread profiles are given by the amount of threads for each unit. On the other hand, metric thread profiles are given according to the thread pitch in relation to the amount of space between each adjacent thread.
Metric bolts most commonly come in one of three possible finishes.
The three most common finishes you'll have to choose from regarding metric fasteners are zinc chromate or gold, zinc or silver, and black oxide. If you choose to use aftermarket bolts, your selection is probably going to be limited to the zinc finish because this is the most inexpensive option.
Metric fasteners are further classified according to their thread pitch.
Another key classification to be aware of is that of thread pitch. Generally, the two thread pitch options when it comes to metric fasteners are coarse or fine thread pitches.
A metric fastener with a fine thread pitch has threads that are generally spaced more closely together. On the other hand, a metric fastener with coarse thread pitch has threads that are relatively far apart.
Two competing standards regarding metric fasteners are DIN standards and ISO standards.
Metric items often have the reputation of providing a unified standard in terms of sizes and qualities for materials. However, there are actually a few competing standards to be aware of when it comes to the classification of metric fasteners.
The two main metric fastener standards to be aware of are the DIN standards set by the German Institute of Standardization and the ISO standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. It may be best to adopt one of these standards and choose only metric fasteners that use this standard for uniformity at your facility.
To learn more about metric fasteners and their standards and classifications, contact an industrial supply company like Jackson Bolt & Screw, Inc.