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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Is it embrittlement

I received a shipment of "U"-bolt clamps which had their U bolts snapping at 25 footbolts torque. After our complaint, we were sent samples which resisted upto 48 footbolts torque. The supplier says that both are exactly the same raw material (1010) mild steel, which we confirmed after metallurgical testing. As all you bolts are golden zinc plated, could we know the reason for this disparity in the strength. Could it be embrittlement during the plating process? If so, what is the correct way to do the plating.

Dinesh Chopra
Buyer - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
September 14, 2011

September 15, 2011

Hi, Dinesh

Low carbon steel (1010 is only 0.1 percent carbon) does not suffer from hydrogen embrittlement. The plating is not the problem.

What is the diameter of these u-bolts? There is a typo in your torque spec, so please re-confirm that. 1010 is about the cheapest steel, and weakest steel, you can buy -- maybe it's not adequate for your needs? Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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