Click "Expand" below to read the DURA-CON® white paper.
WHY DURA-CON® ADVANCED FASTENING SYSTEMS?
DURA-CON® is the only fastener specifically tested for use in solar racking materials.
WHAT KIND OF TESTING HAS BEEN DONE?
For a side-by-side corrosion resistance test, DURA-CON® fasteners and 18-8 stainless steel fasteners were installed in 6063 and 6105 aluminum material and exposed to 1500 hours of Salt Spray Testing in accordance with ASTM B-117 and Torque-Tension Tests have been done with DURA-CON® fasteners to compare with stainless steel fasteners the range of torque values required to achieve desired clamp load (tension) in a fastened joint.
HOW DID DURA-CON® PERFORM?
At the end of the Salt Spray Testing, both the DURA-CON® fasteners and the stainless steel fasteners showed equal resistance to Environmental Corrosion. When the fasteners were removed from the aluminum, there was no sign of Galvanic Corrosion in the DURA-CON® assembly but the stainless steel assembly showed signs of Galvanic Corrosion as the aluminum was beginning to corrode.
The Torque-Tension Tests showed that DURA-CON® fasteners achieved desired clamp load within a much narrower range of torque values than the stainless steel fasteners.
WHAT DO THESE TEST RESULTS MEAN TO ME?
Three things:
- DURA-CON® Advanced Fastening Systems equals stainless steel in resistance to environmental corrosion.
- DURA-CON® Advanced Fastening Systems actually surpasses stainless steel in galvanic corrosion situations.
- Predictable driving torque means consistent tightening during assembly with less loss of clamp load during service. The joint stays tight.
Yes! The problem of thread-galling is eliminated. If you have experienced this problem you know how frustrating it can be to have a nut “seize up” while being tightened onto a bolt.
WHAT DOES DURA-CON® FASTENING SYSTEMS COST?
In most cases, DURA-CON® Fastening Systems can save money when compared to stainless steel. DURA-CON® fasteners are produced to order for use in high production situations. In those cases savings can be as high as 40% but typically run in the 25%-30% range. The lower price plus improved performance during the assembly process (no galling, etc.) means substantial savings with increased productivity.
Check out the DURA-CON® AFS pamphlet:
