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Lower Your Total Cost of Ownership with SmartLabel Cloud

Lower Your Total Cost of Ownership with SmartLabel Cloud

Logistics is the key to ensuring things are where they need to be when you need them the most. Otherwise, everything comes to an abrupt halt. When referring to manufacturing processes, logistics can greatly impact the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

The SmartLabel Cloud system does its best to ensure the Total Cost of Ownership is as low as possible to increase profit margins and productivity alike.

How the SmartLabel Cloud System Works

During the daily production cycle, your workers and inventory staff have a good idea of which materials are on hand versus how many are needed to continue work unabated. Whether the supply is a range of fasteners that you could order by the thousands or very large pieces that you order in much smaller quantities, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) makes it possible to automate the entire system and greatly improve workplace efficiency while lowering the Total Cost of Ownership.

When a worker or inventory specialist sees a particular item is running low and needs replenishment, the worker or specialist can press a button to automatically order a standardized quantity. The item is on its way in as little as a few minutes and arrives before you need it and experience disruptions in your supply chain or work productivity.

Real-Time Data on Deliveries

When your must-have materials are on their way, the SmartLabel Cloud system provides immediate tracking data. You know the time when the product left the supply warehouse, where it is currently, and the expected time of arrival. When those products are critically important to maintaining production, the ability to know exactly where they are and when you will receive them enables you to continue production without fear of shutting down due to a lack of supplies or materials to continue doing exceptional work.

Fast Storage and Implementation

Because the SmartLabel Cloud system uses the IIoT to communicate real-time data to clients, clients always are prepared to receive the shipments and work them into production right away. You have virtually no waste and a much-reduced need for warehouse storage space, or the labor needed to manage it.

Total Cost of Ownership becomes competitively low and could give you a significant advantage over direct competitors in the same market. When you can get materials quickly, on time, and with virtually no waste, you ultimately have a terrific advantage.

Would you like to learn more about SmartLabel Cloud and see how utilizing this technology in your facility can greatly impact your productivity? Email us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

 

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Steps to Take for Digitalization

5 Lean Manufacturing Principles to Improve Efficiency

Bossard
August 20, 2021
Total Cost of Ownership
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See Your Real-Time Data with SmartBin Cloud

SmartBin Cloud

In many ways, standardization enabled the industrial revolution to occur and greatly improve lives around the globe. Standardization of parts and manufacturing processes make it possible to manufacture goods in an efficient manner. It also makes it possible to automate the supply chain to ensure you have the optimal number of materials needed to continue industrial processes. Hence, the SmartBin Cloud inventory and supply system streamlines the entire process.

How the SmartBin Cloud System Works

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the real-time data shared via Wi-fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and other “cloud-based” technologies. As more and more people, organizations, and even computerized equipment go online, the IoT digital transformation grows at an exponential rate and enables real-time data sharing. That data sharing makes it possible for the SmartBin Cloud system to track inventory levels in real-time and send shipments to replenish your supplies before they run out.

The standardized materials used in manufacturing processes include fasteners and other items that are identical in every way. They all have the same shape, size, composition, and weight. This enables a SmartBin Cloud system to constantly weigh a bin after every motion (pick or refill of material) and know exactly how many items are contained within it. When those items reach the point where they need to be replenished, the SmartBin Cloud system has them on the way with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology virtually automating the entire process.

Advantages of the IIoT SmartBin Cloud System

With the SmartBin Cloud system in place, you never have too much or too little of anything. The system always knows exactly how many fasteners and other parts are available and the general rate at which they are used. That means the IIoT system automatically tracks inventory and provides real-time data that helps you to track inventory surplus, potential waste, sudden losses of inventory, and the general way specific items are used.

Real-Time Inventory Management Solutions

Equipment storage systems always suffer from inconsistent delivery systems – until now. With real-time inventory management enabled by IIoT technologies, your operation will never run out of the supplies and materials needed to continue getting work done.

Instead of spending time tracking your inventories, calculating material needs, and ordering them in hopes of obtaining them in time, the SmartBin Cloud system does all of that automatically and with an especially high degree of accuracy. You get the parts and materials that you need before you need them to help ensure your continued productivity.

Interested in SmartBin Cloud and how it could transform your production facility and lower your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)? Email us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to learn more.

 

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Steps to Take for Digitalization

Get Vision in Times of Crisis with Bossard

Bossard
August 13, 2021
SmartBin
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Prevent Galling While Tightening Stainless Steel Fasteners

Prevent Galling While Tightening Stainless Steel Fasteners

Whenever two poorly lubricated metal surfaces come into contact, you have a strong chance of galling damage. Galling is a kind of cold-welding process in which two metals that are in contact with one another eventually adhere to one another. Galling is especially troublesome for titanium, aluminum, and stainless-steel fasteners.

A protective oxide layer provides some galling prevention, but the tighter the connection, the more likely the oxide layer will become damaged and enable galling to begin. The following is a closer look at common causes of thread galling on stainless fasteners.

Torque and Galling Effects

The coefficient of friction between stainless steel fasteners is higher than most other combinations, requiring more torque to achieve the proper clamp load. If a high clamp load is desired in stainless steel fastened joints, often galling will occur before enough clamp force is produced, which is not always clear to the assembler. Two things can occur, either we have a low pre-load, or the bolts will twist off.

High Temperatures and Galling Effects

Service conditions can cause additional challenges for stainless steel joints, for example, high temperatures and/or exposure to aggressive gasses which are prevalent in applications such as gas turbines or diesel engines.  Thermal expansion can cause permanent distortion while heat and gasses can cause scaling on the surfaces making disassembly difficult during service or repair.

How to Counteract Galling

Lubrication added during assembly is one method of minimizing the galling effect of the threads in stainless steel joints. Molylub, with solid molybdenum disulphide particles or other solid film lubricants containing silver, aluminum, or copper may also be used. Lubricants containing graphite are not advised due to reactions between carbon and chromium at higher temperatures.

Teflon sealing tape may also be used for larger threaded components such as pipes and valves.

Pre-Applied Coatings

To avoid the mess of traditional lubrication, and the possibility of forgetting to apply it, a pre-applied lubricant may be the best option for galling prevention. Wax or similar topcoats may be applied with a dip-spin method or more advanced tribological coatings such as Bossard ecosyn®-lubric can be used. Tribological coatings are highly engineered to reduce wear and maintain consistent friction which helps to achieve a consistent joint pre-load.

Interested in learning more about galling and how to properly tighten stainless steel fasteners? Email us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to get in touch with a Bossard Engineer.

 

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20% productivity gain, 0 complaints

0 broken screws plus increased productivity thanks to solid material analysis

Bossard
August 06, 2021
Torque and Galling
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A Quick Guide to the Types of Rivets

Rivet Technology

Welcome to the expansive world of rivets. A rivet is a highly effective mechanical fastener comprised of a cylindrical stem on one end and the head on the other. As leaders in fastening technology, Bossard offers years of experience and knowledge designed to help you confidently make the best fastening decision for your application. Let’s take a closer look at three main types of rivets:

  • Blind Rivets
  • Blind Rivet Nuts
  • Lock Bolts

Blind Rivets

Also known as break stem rivets, blind rivets are simply tubular fasteners with a mandrel in the middle. To apply blind rivets, they must be inserted into pre-drilled holes in the parts that are to be joined with a special tool that draws the mandrel through the rivet’s body. Then the blind end will expand, and the mandrel will be snapped off.

One of the most desirable attributes of blind rivets is they only require a one-sided exit. This is a massive benefit because most fastening solutions will require a two-sided exit. There are several different types of blind rivets, including:

  1. Non-structural: Engineered for applications with medium requirements regarding tensile and shear force.
  2. Structural: Employed by applications that have a higher requirement regarding tensile and shear force.
  3. Speed: Used in applications where manufacturing speed is paramount. These types of rivets are suitable for applications with low requirements for tensile and shear force. 

Applications for Non-Structural Rivets vs Structural Rivets

The difference between these two types is the breaking point of the mandrel. On structural rivets, the breaking point is predefined and breaks always above the sheer edge of the application material. Also, the mandrel is mechanically locked inside the blind rivet body, which means it never falls out. The design of a structural rivet ensures the mandrel always supports the mechanical force/resistance in terms of shear and tensile forces regarding the fastening point. 

A Closer Look at Speed Rivets

As the name suggests, speed rivets are used where manufacturing speed is necessary, and there are no high requirements for tensile and shear force within the application. The biggest advantage of utilizing speed rivets against other types of blind rivets is you don’t have to reload the installation gun each time you want to install it. 

Blind Rivet Nuts

Blind rivet nuts are multifunctional fasteners. At first, blind rivet nuts can perform like a blind rivet — fastening two or more materials together with only a one-sided exit. However, the key advantage of using blind rivet nuts is their versatility in working with a vast range of materials.

Specifically, they can be used to bring in a strong and reliable thread into a thin or thick sheet metal plate, profile, composite, or plastics where thread forming is impossible. There are many types on the market. 

  • Standard rivet nuts with an open-end
  • Standard blind rivet nuts

Lock Bolts

As a high-strength fastening solution, lock bolts consist of a separate pin and collar that are mechanically locked during the installation process. These fasteners boast the ability to withstand the toughest applications and environments that traditional screw and rivet joints wouldn’t be able to perform. Lock bolts also offer excellent resistance to vibration and material fatigue. 

Ready to learn more about choosing the best rivet for your application? Watch our latest video — Rivet Technology from Bossard — and then reach out to the Bossard team for tailored fastening solutions. 

 

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Should I Use Weld Nuts, Self-Clinching Nuts, or Blind Rivet Nuts?

3 Types of Rivet Nut Tools for Assembly

Bossard
July 30, 2021
Fastener Technology
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Open the Door to the World of Access Solutions with Bossard

Open the Door to the World of Access Solutions with Bossard

No matter your industry or segment, protecting what needs to be protected is critical. And when it comes to different access locking and control solutions, the team at Bossard can and will help. Our seasoned team of access locking and control engineers specialize in helping other engineers and product developers create more secure and reliable solutions.

Let’s take a quick look at a few key types of access locking and control solutions. To see these mechanisms in action in everyday scenarios, watch our latest video: Access Solutions from Bossard. 

 

What Is a Cam Latch?

The cam latch is a relatively simple locking mechanism designed to secure access to entry points and panels. Cam latches are made up of a latch and body that rotates when actuated to release or secure.

What Are Draw Latches and Hinges? 

Draw latches function by leveraging the simple principle of drawing two parts or items together by using tension. The key parts of a draw latch assembly are:

 

  • The blade, which can be a wire-formed loop, hooked plate, or another mechanism. 
  • The keeper, which is a hooked plate engineered to receive the blade. 
  • The hinge, which is discussed in more detail below. 


With a draw latch, the tension is established when the blade is connected to the keeper and then clamped down. For most draw latches, the tension is released as the latch is rotated into a vertical position; while the horizontal position usually results in tension being applied. 

What Is a Friction Hinge?

The friction hinge — also called a torque hinge — is an important access locking and control solution designed to provide resistance to the pivoting motion of the hinge. These mechanisms are used for holding doors, lids, panels, and display devices at certain angles for long periods. 

What Is a Gas Spring?

Also called the pressure gas spring, gas pressure damper, and gas damper, gas springs are designed to solve simple to complex requirements for closing, opening, tilting, and damping tables, flaps, loungers, or seats. Unlike other mechanical springs that use elastic deformation, gas springs rely on compressed gas located inside an enclosed cylinder that is sealed with a sliding piston that pneumatically stores potential energy. At the same time, this design enables the gas spring to withstand external forces applied parallel to the direction of the piston shaft. 

Contact Bossard for Customized Access Solutions

At Bossard, we are your experienced manufacturing partner. We are home to a vast range of tailored access solutions designed for an array of applications. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for solutions or guidance at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. And feel free to watch our latest YouTube video — Access Solutions from Bossard — to see many of our actual access and locking solutions in everyday scenarios. 

 

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Operating and Control Elements for Your Application

Access Solutions from Bossard

Bossard
July 23, 2021
Fastener Technology
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Electronic Protection Solutions for Electric Vehicles from Laird

Electronic Protection Solutions for Electric Vehicles

Today more than ever, automotive manufacturers are embracing the usefulness of electric vehicle technologies. And for more than two decades, the experts at Laird have offered guidance, assistance, and tailored solutions. The Laird Technologies materials science experts specialize in helping Tier 1 automotive suppliers resolve the most complex electronic design challenges where the module structure meets heat channeling and EMI suppression.

To put it simply, the engineering experts at Laird Technologies are designers who help designers limit wasted time, effort, and costs while expediting time to market for key automotive components. Let’s take a closer look at some of Laird’s thermal solutions for the automotive industry. 

EV Powertrain Electronics

The team at Laird boasts extensive knowledge about automotive thermal solutions designed to protect components from heat issues and manage thermal cycling including EMI mitigation. A few key products from Laird’s EV Powertrain Electronics line include:

  • A Low Profile DCDC SMD Power Inductor engineered with the lowest-cost design goal. 
  • Broadband Wire Mound Common Mode Choke enables higher-switching mode designs and features a nanocrystalline core.
  • TGREASE Thermally Conductive 2500 Grease is an environmentally friendly, silicone-free solution with 3.8W/mK thermal conductivity.
  • TFLEX CR2R200 Cure-In Place Gap Filler is ideal for large gap tolerances and delivers 2.0 W/mK thermal conductivity

LED Component Systems

The team of Laird Technologies employs extensive industry knowledge about sub-assembly design to help improve thermal management for electric vehicles while mitigating crosstalk from LED automotive component systems. These solutions include:

  • Beam Shading Stamped Metal for high-performance simulation.
  • TFLEX SF8800 Gap Filler that offers low total thermal resistance and 8.0 W/mK conductivity. 
  • TPUTTY 607 One-Part Dispensable Gap filler is designed for PCB apps/lidar and achieves 6.4 W/mK thermal conductivity. 
  • EMI Low Current Magnetic Ceramic Chip Beads offer excellent suppression of noise. 

Autonomous Driving Systems

Laird offers multiple progressive autonomous driving systems designed to help manufacturers ensure optimum efficiency. These components include:

  • Q-ZORB Thermoset Microwave Absorber is designed to optimize reflection loss and insertion loss. 
  • TGREASE 2500 is an environmentally friendly, silicone-free thermal grease that ends migration issues while offering 3.8 W/mK thermal conductivity. 
  • TPUTTY 607 One-Part Dispensable Gap filler is designed for PCB apps/lidar and achieves 6.4 W/mK thermal conductivity. 
  • SSMD Electronic Contact features tin, silver, gold, and nickel platings and has 0.13 mm thickness. 

EV/PHEV Battery Packs 

Laird offers multiple EV/PHEV battery pack components to satisfy design constraints while meeting economics. 

  • TPUTTY 607 One-Part Dispensable Gap filler is designed for PCB apps/lidar and achieves 6.4 W/mK thermal conductivity. 
  • TFLEX SF600 Thermally Conductive Gap Pad is a silicone-free solution that delivers up to 3.0 W/mK conductivity. 
  • TFLEX 400 Thermal Pad is a high deflection gap filler that delivers 40 W/mK conductivity. 

Infotainment/Cluster Systems

Laird also offers solutions designed to safeguard infotainment/cluster systems from EMI and heat issues, including:

  • Fabric-Over-Foam Gaskets have an EMI shielding effectiveness of over 100 dB and low surface resistivity. 
  • EMI Low Current Magnetic Ceramic Chip Beads offer excellent suppression of noise and vibration resistance in a compact design.  
  • MGV Power Inductor features a low profile and high current design. 
  • TPUTTY 607 One-Part Dispensable Gap filler is designed for PCB apps and achieves 6.4 W/mK thermal conductivity with maximum thermal transfer. 

 

For more on Laird products and a wide range of other automotive fasteners, reach out to the Bossard team today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

 

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100% charged up lightweight with heavy impact

Benefits of ecosyn®-fix Screws

Bossard
July 16, 2021
Laird
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Introducing the Innovative Southco M5 Magnetic Catch

Introducing the Innovative Southco M5 Magnetic Catch

A magnetic catch is a versatile piece of hardware usually located on cabinetry doors. These essential components are designed to firmly secure the doors. While you may not have a shortage of options when it comes to magnetic catches and different types of latches, Southco latches are in a class of their own.

And one of the latest innovations to their product line is the stainless steel M5 Magnetic Catch. Let’s learn more about the Southco M5 Stainless Steel Magnetic Catch. Read on to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Bossard for more custom fastening elements. 

Introducing the Southco M5 Magnetic Catch

The Southco M5 Magnetic Catch is manufactured from highly durable, corrosion-proof stainless steel. Combing function and form, the M5 Magnetic Catch boasts a highly polished finish that demonstrates the holding power of rare earth magnets. These innovative catches deliver robust holding power to securely keep doors and panels closed or open. Southco’s stainless steel M5 Magnetic Catch are:

  • Designed to offer a reliable alternative to door stays
  • Suitable for multiple door weights and sizes 
  • Engineered with a significant tolerance for misalignment
  • Perfect for applications in high vibration environments
  • Configurable to deliver holding powers ranging from 50-118 N or 11-26 pounds

 

While these types of latches can deliver complex performance, they have a relatively simple pull-to-open and push-to-close functionality. The high-gloss, stainless steel nature of Southco’s M5 Magnetic Catch makes it perfect for high-end cabinetry solutions and doors across an array of applications. 

Versatility Comes Standard with Southco M5 Types of Latches

With Southco’s M5 Magnetic Catches, versatility comes standard. They are available in a range of swivel catch height options that can be mounted vertically or horizontally. M5 Magnetic Catches also offer fixed options that will mount directly onto the surface or flush to accommodate different panel, door, and window dimensions.

These swivel catches are easily adjusted to maintain the desired angle. M5 Magnetic Swivel Catches feature a rubber bumper surface that works to minimize noise originating from closing. They are also designed to reduce vibrations while preventing scratches to the mating fixed catch. 

Different Applications for the Southco M5 Magnetic Catch

Southco’s M5 Magnetic Catches are engineered to complement an endless range of applications, such as:

  • Marine equipment
  • Buses
  • Rail
  • And more

 

No matter the application, Southco’s M5 Magnetic Catches have the strength required to hold panels and doors in place across a range of alignments and flexible mounting configurations. Best of all, these innovative types of latches offer a highly polished, stainless steel construction that adds a stylish flair of aesthetics while delivering exceptional resistance to corrosion in the most demanding environments. 

Contact the team at Bossard today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to learn more about Southco M5 Magnetic Catches or a wide variety of other solutions from Southco. 

 

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Southco – Introducing Counterbalance Hinge

Operating and Control Elements for Your Application

Bossard
July 09, 2021
Southco
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All About Smart Factory Logistics

What is A Smart Factory

Industry 4.0 is already here, and with technology improving by the minute, factories must apply lean manufacturing principles to stay competitive. Our innovative Smart Factory Logistics systems bring the Internet of Things to your manufacturing floor and bring M2M communication to life.

SmartBin, SmartLabel Cloud, SmartCard, Bossard Code, and Bossard 2Bin will bring your vision of an agile, lean, and reliable process to reality. With real-time information and traditional Kanban systems, Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics methodology will optimize your inventory management. With procurement work processes truly optimized, your company will be able to use more of its time and resources to create added value for its customers!

Smart Factory Logistics Systems

How much time do you and your team spend sourcing and order C-parts, replenishing your stock, and managing your procurement process? Now imagine having all this time to truly create value for your customers!

With our systems, your vision of an agile, lean, and reliable process becomes a reality. We analyze your operation to help you find the perfect fit. From the fully automated and flexible SmartBin to the informative SmartLabel Cloud with real-time information, to traditional Kanban systems, we optimize your C-part management.

  • Automate the supply of various materials with the flexible sensor monitor technology of SmartBin.
  • Upgrade your existing infrastructure for orders, product details, and real-time order information.
  • A combination of the original Kanban card and RFID technology.
  • Ordering new materials is as easy as scanning the item’s BossardCode and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Thanks to its simplicity, Bossard 2Bin has been a reliable method for replenishing materials at regular intervals.

For more information about how Smart Factory Logistics can reduce costs, improve productivity, and bring lean management to your manufacturing floor, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

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4 Inventory Management Strategies to Help Your Business Succeed

Steps to Take for Digitalization

Bossard
July 08, 2021
Unkategorisiert
Read More

What Is the PPAP Process & What Are the Core Goals?

What Is the PPAP Process

As the international standards for quality in the manufacturing industry continue to increase, a growing number of industrial organizations are requiring suppliers to utilize the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Originating in the automotive industry, PPAP is a robust risk mitigation and identification procedure designed to demonstrate the ability to create a part or component via a reliable and repeatable process. PPAP helps improve communication between suppliers and customers with the goal of fewer revisions and turnbacks to the process or product. Continue reading to learn more about PPAP. 

What Is PPAP Process?

The PPAP (production part approval process) is used across aerospace and automotive industries. This process helps suppliers and manufacturers approve and communicate production designs as well as processes. The actual approval can occur before, during, as well as after manufacturing. 

As an output of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), PPAP was created to promote a clearer understanding of the requirements of suppliers and manufacturers. This standard helps make sure all processes utilized to create parts can be replicated to reproduce subsequent parts at a stated rate of production during routine runs. The automotive industry’s PPAP process flow is governed by the manual produced by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).

What Is the PPAP Package?

PPAP is a collection of documents strategically collected in a single location. These documents can be stored digitally or in a binder and is usually called the “PPAP Package.” The PPAP package does require formal sign-off or certification by the supplier as well as sign-off or approval by the customer. This collection of documents usually includes:

  1. Design Records
  2. Authorized Engineering Change Documentation
  3. Engineering Approval from Customer
  4. Design-FMEA
  5. Flowchart of the Process
  6. Process-FMEA
  7. Control Plan
  8. Measurement System Analysis
  9. Dimensional Results
  10. Records of Material/Performance Tests
  11. Initial Process Studies
  12. Qualified Laboratory Documentation
  13. Appearance Approval Report
  14. Sample Production Parts
  15. Master Sample
  16. Checking Aids
  17. Customer Specific Requirements
  18. Part Submission Warrant (PSW)

 

What Are the Goals of the Production Part Approval Process?

To instill confidence in suppliers and their production processes, the measurements of the components are documented and utilized to complete different sheets of the PPAP. While each manufacturer can have its own PPAP requirements, the AIAG encourages the use of standard forms and common language to document the status of projects. The overarching goal of any Production Part Approval Process is to:

  1. Make sure the supplier has the capabilities to meet the quality and manufacturing requirements of the components provided to the customer.
  2. Deliver evidence the customer’s engineering design record and specification requirements are understood as well as fulfilled by the supplier. 
  3. Demonstrate the current manufacturing processes can consistently create the part that meets every requirement during the actual production run at the quoted rate of production of the manufacturing process. 

Contact the team at Bossard today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to learn how we can best support your PPAP process flow. 

 

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Expert Test Services – test labs at highest quality
Faster to market with 83% shorter throughput time  

Bossard
July 02, 2021
Production
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How To Prevent Aluminum Corrosion

How To Prevent Aluminum Corrosion

As the second most abundant metal on the planet, it comes as no surprise that aluminum is one of the most widely used metals. This highly versatile metal boasts a range of desirable characteristics and properties. Because of its popularity and widespread use, it’s imperative to have a clear understanding of the conditions that may shorten the lifespan of the metal, particularly aluminum corrosion. Let’s take a closer look at aluminum corrosion as well as how to prevent aluminum corrosion. 

Understanding Aluminum Corrosion 

Most metals naturally want to return to their original oxidized state. This conversion is called corrosion. However, the corrosion of any metal can substantially reduce its strength and cause partial fractures, cracks, and even total failure.

In the simplest sense, aluminum corrosion is the decay of aluminum molecules into its oxides. This results in the degradation of its chemical and physical properties. The severity and degree of corrosion that happens over time are based on material and the operating environment. 

Does Aluminum Rust?

Rusting, on the other hand, is a specialized form of corrosion that only iron and steel go through. Rust is the layman’s term for iron oxide, which is when steel or iron undergoes the process of oxidation.

In other words, rust is when the iron oxidizes and starts to flake off. This flaking then exposes fresh metal underneath, which then oxidizes, flakes, and constantly repeats. However, aluminum doesn’t rust. 

How Corrosion Resistant Is Aluminum?

Most experts on corrosion agree that aluminum resists corrosion well. Even so, it’s often necessary to protect it against corrosion based on the alloy, environment, application, and use of the aluminum component. 

  • 1000-Series Aluminum: Aluminum grade 1100 is pure commercial aluminum. This material boasts excellent corrosion resistance and is typically used in food processing and chemical industries. 
  • 3000-Series Aluminum: Alloy 3003 falls within this series and is undoubtedly the most widely used of all aluminum alloys. This is a pure, commercial-grade aluminum material enhanced by Manganese and Copper, which represents a 20% boost in strength. 3000-Series aluminum also offers excellent corrosion resistance. 
  • 5000-Series Aluminum: Another very popular aluminum alloy is the 5052 alloy, which offers the highest strength of any non-heat-treatable grade. Alloy 5052 is widely used in marine atmospheres and environments with saltwater because of its remarkable corrosion resistance. 
  • 6000-Series Aluminum: As one of the most versatile heat-treatable alloys, 6061 offers the trifecta of good strength, good aesthetics, and better corrosion resistance. On the other hand, Alloy 6063 is known as a structural alloy because of its great finishing, high tensile, and high corrosion resistance properties. 

 

While strain-hardenable alloys of 1000, 3000, and 5000 series and age-hardenable alloys of the 6000 series offer robust corrosion resistance, copper-containing alloys of 2000 and 7000 series are not sufficiently resistant to corrosion in humid environments. Because of this, these aluminum copper-containing alloys may require special treatment to prevent corrosion.

How to Prevent Aluminum Corrosion?

Aluminum corrosion can be a very serious problem, so you should take every necessary step to prevent corrosion of aluminum. A few of the top steps and best practices include:

  1. Understand the Power of Choice. The first and most important thing you can do is to choose the right alloy. As a rule of thumb, 1000, 3000, and 5000 series aluminum will provide you with the highest level of resistance. 
  2. Modify Surface Properties. Modifying the surface properties by applying chemical conversion coating, cladding, powder coating, anodizing, or boehmite coatings. 
  3. Offer Protection. Knowing that certain environments can expedite corrosion, you can protect it by utilizing continuous protective coatings of lacquer or paint. 
  4. Consider the Medium. You can minimize the effects of galvanic corrosion, which is caused by placing two dissimilar metals — such as steel and aluminum — next to each other. 

 

 Do you have questions about aluminum and aluminum corrosion? Email us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with any questions!

 

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Galvanic Corrosion in Carbon Fiber Materials

6 Types of Bolt Failure and How to Prevent It

Bossard
June 25, 2021
Corrosion
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