Mechanically Plated Fasteners in Bimetallic Assemblies

Mechanically plated finishes primarily used by the automotive industry have been specified for the following reasons:

1. 1)
   Torque drive relationships.
2. 2)
   Assured product reliability through elimination of hydrogen embrittlement.
3. 3)
   Simplicity of coating application and waste treatment.
4. 4)
   Corrosion protection.
5. 5)
   Multiple coating applications.

Current automotive industry trends are toward weight reduction, involving the use of lighter weight metals in fabrication. Fastener components and their protective coatings must also be compatible to the bimetallic surfaces with which they come in contact.

Promising new mechanical plating developments are geared toward supplying finishes with characteristics necessary for bimetallic fastening while keeping cost factors in perspective.