Manufacturers Need To Counter The Threat Of Galling
The manufacturing industry is advised by the experts that they must counter the threat of galling. Why? Galled fasteners can present potentially dangerous effects if they seize or become subject to breakage from fatigue. To help manufacturers in resolving galling issues (as well as a plethora of additional problems), coatings are used on parts, components, machines, and various other surfaces.
When metal surfaces come into moving contact with each other, the type of wear that occurs is referred to as galling. As an example, production equipment and its moving parts are held together by fasteners and bolts. Fatigue breakage or seized fasteners can be a result of galling and produce possibly hazardous situations. That’s why it’s so important for the manufacturing industry to protect against galling whenever possible.
Who’s Most Familiar with Galling Issues?
Though the concept of galling should not be alien to those in the manufacturing industry, not everyone is aware of the problem. Rest assured, however, when an expensive machine breaks down, everyone will find out about galling in a hurry! Engineers and designers must be familiar with galling and the problems it can present.
A serious threat is posed by galling to the safety and quality of crucial, expensive production equipment and machinery. The following personnel should, at some time or another, be required to study the phenomenon of galling:
- Operations and procurement
- Executive management staff
What Is Galling All about?
Usually applying to metal surfaces and caused by those surfaces moving together – making for excessive friction – galling is a common form of mechanical wear. Involved in the process is the tearing up of the materials involved. Between the two surfaces, the torn material is then transferred. The surfaces end up compressed together because they are under such a significant load.
What Can Be Done about Galling Issues?
You can see why galling is something that must be rectified whenever possible. In order to avoid maintenance costs down the line, a lot of rework, downtime, and more, when designing a particular fastener application, right from the onset, the problem of galling must be addressed. In critical applications, premium stainless-steel fasteners are the only fasteners that should be used to avoid galling.
In addition to optimizing galling resistance with stainless steel, it offers other properties that are both critical and essential were fastener applications are concerned. This includes high tensile strength and corrosion resistance.
Lubrication is also an essential part of galling prevention. With the proper lubrication, without causing friction, two materials can slide past each other. To help reduce galling, the following can be used:
- Anti-galling lubricants
- Anti-seizing lubricants
- Custom made wax (created by premier fastener manufacturers)
Other Preventative Measures
In addition to those listed above, here is a handful of other preventative measures to help avoid galling:
- Always carefully inspect fasteners
- Never use fasteners that are damaged
- Always choose the appropriate lubrication method
- Fasteners must fit perfectly together
- It is essential that your material selection be correct and appropriate
Who Can You Rely on for A Resolution to Galling Issues?
A&A Coatings can help resolve your galling issues by guarding your components, parts, machines, and various surfaces with the appropriate protective coating. Contact us today if you like to discuss which coatings suit your purposes best.
