How to Prevent Galling in Stainless Steel Threads
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- Source:MachNation
In the world of precision CNC machining and bulk component manufacturing, few issues are as frustrating and costly as thread galling in stainless steel parts. As a leading onestop CNC machining factory specializing in highvolume production for global clients, we understand that preventing this phenomenon is critical for ensuring product reliability, reducing assembly line failures, and maintaining your supply chain efficiency.
Galling, often called "cold welding," is a form of adhesive wear that occurs when stainless steel threads seize and tear during fastening. This is primarily due to the natural properties of stainless steel: its protective passive oxide layer can rupture under friction and pressure, causing bare metal surfaces to coldweld together. Factors like high friction, similar metal grades, inadequate lubrication, and incorrect threading techniques significantly increase galling risk.
For businesses relying on thousands of threaded components, a single galled fastener can halt an entire assembly process. Here are key strategies we implement in our manufacturing and recommend to our clients:
1. Lubrication is NonNegotiable: Always use a highquality, antiseize lubricant or thread paste. This creates a protective barrier that reduces direct metaltometal contact and friction. For hightemperature applications, select lubricants specifically designed to withstand operational extremes.
2. Control the Speed and Force: Avoid highspeed power tool assembly whenever possible. Slow, manual tightening or using torquecontrolled tools prevents the heat and excessive stress that initiate galling.
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3. Mind the Material Pairing: Whenever the design allows, pair stainless steel with a dissimilar metal, such as a bronze nut on a stainless steel bolt. This drastically reduces the tendency for adhesion. For samemetal pairs, consider different stainless steel grades with varying hardness levels.
4. Optimize Thread Design and Quality: Precision is paramount. Our CNC machining processes ensure thread forms are clean, sharp, and free from burrs or surface imperfections that can act as initiation points for galling. Slightly looser thread fits can also be specified to provide more clearance.
5. Consider Surface Treatments: For critical applications in industries like aerospace or medical devices, advanced surface treatments such as PTFE (Teflon) coatings or nitriding can be applied. These treatments create an ultralow friction surface, virtually eliminating the risk of galling.
At our factory, we integrate these preventative measures directly into our manufacturing and quality control protocols. From selecting the right raw materials and applying appropriate lubricants before shipment to providing precise machining tolerances, we ensure that the stainless steel threads we produce for your bulk orders are robust, reliable, and ready for efficient assembly.
Partnering with a manufacturer that has deep expertise in material science and machining best practices is your first line of defense against galling. By addressing this issue proactively, we help you minimize downtime, reduce scrap, and accelerate your time to market—delivering not just parts, but dependable performance and growth for your business.