A Comprehensive Guide to Anti-corrosion and Moisture-Proofing for Screws: Unremarkable Small Parts Require Great Attention to Rust and Moisture-proofing!

Comprehensive analysis of the core technologies for anti-corrosion and moisture-proofing of screws

In scenarios such as industrial equipment, home decoration, and automotive machinery, screws, though small, play a crucial role like "joints". Once screws rust or get damp and fail, it may cause the equipment to become loose and make abnormal noises at best, and at worst, it may lead to safety hazards. Rust on the screws of bridge supports may threaten structural stability, moisture on the screws inside household appliances may cause short circuits, and damage to the screws of car chassis may even affect driving safety

The three major "culprits" behind rusty and damp screws

To take good protective measures, one must first understand the enemy's routes. Rust (corrosion) and moisture failure of screws mainly result from these three types of "killers"

Environmental erosion - high humidity, high salt content (such as in coastal areas), industrial waste gas (containing sulfides, nitrogen oxides), and other environments can accelerate the electrochemical corrosion on the surface of screws, resulting in red rust or black spots.

Material shortcoming - If ordinary carbon steel screws are not treated for protection, they may show obvious rusting within 1 to 3 months in a humid environment. Even stainless steel screws may suffer from "pitting corrosion" if they are in long-term contact with acidic or alkaline substances.

Installation oversight - If the surface of the screw is contaminated with oil or moisture during installation and not cleaned up, or if the tightening force is too strong, causing damage to the coating, it will leave a "breakthrough point" for corrosion and moisture.

Hardcore anti-corrosion technology: Comprehensive protection from surface to material

These technologies can significantly enhance the durability of screws in response to the anti-corrosion requirements of different scenarios:

1. Electroplating treatment

Galvanizing (suitable for ordinary environments), chromium plating (wear-resistant and anti-corrosive), and nickel plating (acid and alkali resistant) are common choices. Among them, the anti-corrosion effect of the "Dacromet coating" in high-temperature and high-salt environments far exceeds that of traditional electroplating, and its service life can reach 5 to 10 years.

2. Coating protection

A dense protective film is formed on the surface of the screw by applying anti-rust paint, phosphating treatment or applying thread glue. For instance, the screws of outdoor equipment can be protected by a dual coating of "zinc-aluminum + sealing paint" to resist the erosion of ultraviolet rays and rain.

3. Material upgrade

Select 304 stainless steel (moisture-resistant), 316 stainless steel (resistant to seawater corrosion) or titanium alloy (for extreme environments) screws to reduce the risk of corrosion from the source. However, material upgrades need to balance costs. In ordinary scenarios, there is no need to overly pursue high-end materials.

Practical moisture-proof measures: "Key Actions" for Daily protection

In addition to the anti-corrosion treatment at the factory, the moisture-proof details during installation and use are equally important:

1. Clean before installation

Wipe the surface of the screws with an oil-free cloth to remove dust, moisture and oil stains. If the screws are slightly damp, apply a small amount of anti-rust oil before installation.

2. Sealing and isolation

Install rubber gaskets or sealants at the contact point between the screw and the base to prevent water from seeping in. For exposed screws, waterproof caps or protective covers can be added.

3. Environmental control

In high-humidity areas (such as bathrooms and basements), use drying fans regularly to reduce air humidity. Dehumidification equipment can be installed in industrial workshops to keep the humidity below 60%.

Maintenance and Inspection: The "Last Line of Defense" for Extending Screw Life

Regular maintenance can promptly identify potential hazards and prevent minor issues from evolving into major malfunctions.

1. Regular inspection

Check the condition of the screws every 3 to 6 months, with a particular focus on components in outdoor and humid environments. If rust or looseness is found, replace or re-tighten them promptly.

2. Rust removal and repair

For slightly rusted screws, they can be sanded with fine sandpaper and then coated with anti-rust paint. Severely rusted screws must be replaced immediately to avoid difficulty in disassembly if they break.

3. Recording and Replacement

For the screws of key equipment, record the installation time and material, and replace them in advance according to their service life (for example, outdoor galvanized screws are recommended to be replaced every 3 to 5 years).

The unremarkable screw is the "invisible guardian" that ensures the stable operation of equipment. Mastering these anti-corrosion and moisture-proof techniques and measures can not only prevent minor losses but also make your equipment more durable and safer.