Fastener Coating Comparisons
Fluorokote#1® is Metal Coatings Corp.'s proprietary non-stick fluoropolymer coating, formulated with superior characteristics for maximum fastener life. This Xylan Substitute offers exceptional corrosion resistance and durability in severe environments. The absence of nut locking oxides ensures easy and safe removal. Fluorokote#1® features extreme chemical resistance, making it an ideal Xylan Alternative for fasteners in various applications, including insulating piping, boiler rooms, water lines, and more.
Fluoropolymer Coatings vs. Galvanized Coatings
Galvanizing produces a coating that is uneven, rough and thick. The rough surfaces make assembly difficult and a tight even tension on each bolt impossible. If used in sealing joints such as flanges, heads or inspection covers, the inconsistent tension forms an uneven fit resulting in a high probability of leaks. With a FluoroKote#1® coated bolt, tighter more consistent tensions are achieved with less required torque. The costs entailed with other bolt coatings, such as cadmium coating, can be staggering when factors such as man-hours, downtime, safety and equipment damage are considered. Bolts coated with FluoroKote#1® prove to be longer lasting, safer and more cost-effective than any other coated bolt.
Fluoropolymer Coatings
Galvanized Coatings
Remain smooth & resistant when exposed to corrosive environments
Freeze when subjected to corrosive environments
Up to 4,000 hours corrosion resistance in same salt fog test
Rated at 96 hours of corrosion resistance (ASTM B117)
Remain smooth & resistant when exposed to corrosive environments
Remain smooth & resistant when exposed to corrosive environments
Smooth yet strong, making assembly easy and quick
Uneven and rough bolt surface, making assembly difficult
Provide even tensioning, tighter, using less torque
Thickness restricts tight, even tension to bolts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of fluoropolymer coatings for fasteners?
We use our proprietary fluoropolymer coatings to deliver advantages including a low coefficient of friction, reduced torque requirements during assembly, and excellent resistance to corrosion and galling. These benefits enable fasteners to be assembled more easily and disassembled without cutting or torching, even after prolonged service.
How do we compare industrial fastener coatings in terms of corrosion resistance?
When comparing industrial fastener coatings, we evaluate how different coatings perform under salt spray (ASTM B117) and in real-world corrosive environments. For example, our fluoropolymer-coated bolts demonstrate ratings of up to 4,000 hours in the salt fog test, compared to ~96 hours for conventional cadmium- or zinc-plated fasteners.
Why might a customer choose our fluoropolymer-coated fasteners over galvanized or cadmium-plated ones?
Our fluoropolymer process delivers superior corrosion resistance and easier removal of fasteners. Galvanized coatings can produce uneven surfaces that make consistent tensioning difficult and risk leaks in flange assemblies. The “easy-on, easy-off” quality of our fluoropolymer-coated fasteners also reduces downtime and maintenance man-hours.
What environments or industries benefit most from our coating solutions?
We serve industries where industrial fastener corrosion resistance is critical: oil & gas, petrochemical, waterworks, chemical processing, military/defense, and general industry.
Can you quantify the corrosion resistance of your fluoropolymer-coated fasteners?
Under the ASTM B117 salt spray test, our fluoropolymer-coated fasteners (using the FluoroKote 1 process) can withstand up to ~4,000 hours before a joint freezes or seizes, versus ~96 hours for conventional galvanized or zinc-plated fasteners.
How does the use of fluoropolymer coatings affect the assembly and maintenance of fastened connections?
Fluoropolymer coatings produce smoother, slicker surfaces, reducing friction during assembly, enabling more consistent bolt tensioning, and reducing galling or seizing — improving both installation and future maintenance.
Are there any special considerations for applying fluoropolymer coatings to fasteners?
Performance depends on proper surface preparation, a metallic base coat, an adhesion coat, and a fluoropolymer top coat. Fasteners require a specified minimum hardness of Rockwell C32 or higher to prevent hydrogen embrittlement. Coating thickness, cure, and adhesion are tightly controlled.
How do we support customers when comparing our coating to other fastener coating options?
We provide technical data, corrosion test results (including those exceeding 2,200 hours of salt spray performance), torque information, and guidance on selecting the most suitable coating for a specific service environment.
What maintenance or lifecycle cost benefits can be achieved by using our fluoropolymer-coated fasteners?
Superior corrosion resistance means fewer replacements, reduced downtime, easier disassembly, and fewer joint failures — translating into lower total cost of ownership.
