For any type of furniture to be considered as the best in the market, it is very important that the various components will be long lasting. However, of all the distinguished hard wares being used to support furniture structure, screws have a very central role to play. Sophisticated methods in galvanization have gained significance in improving durability of the furniture screws to corrosion and wear. This article focuses on identifying the current techniques in placing screws in producing long lasting furniture screws while arguing that these advancements are in the same way valuable to makers.
The Importance of Galvanization
Galvanization is a procedure of coating steel or iron screws with zinc so as to avoid formation of rusts and corrosion. This coating provides protection to the metal from moisture, oxygen etc which are the prime reasons to degrade the substance over a period of time. To furniture manufacturers, it is very important to incorporate use of galvanized screws in the production of the furniture, more especially in areas that are likely to be exposed to much humidity or even when producing furniture for outdoor use.
In cases where screws for furniture assembly are purchased, the use of galvanized screws to the greatest extent where high stress areas are present such as in joints or joints with drawer slides will enhance the durability of the furniture. Galvanizing also benefits the drawer slide manufacturers because the screws provide strength to the slides and does not affect the performance even in extreme conditions.
Hot-Dip Galvanization
One of the most widely practiced and efficient techniques of protecting furniture screws is by hot-dip galvanization. During this process the screws are lowered into a bath of molten zinc where a thick layer of zinc builds up on the steel. It not only helps to guard the screw from rust but also enhances its stiffness and strength to a greater level.
Despite being made from stainless steel, outdoor furniture can benefit from using hot-dip galvanized screws because they are exposed to the element almost always, causing them to rust. A thick layer of zinc is offered in order to give maximum protection hence the screws do not get to rust or become weak. When the furniture manufacturers buy screws for outdoor furniture, they go for hot-dip galvanized models because these screws have been tested and proven in challenging environments.
Electro-Galvanization
Electro-galvanization or better still electroplating is another method that is widely used in the galvanizing of furniture screws. It is, therefore, different from a hot dip galvanization which forms a heavier layer of zinc; in electro-galvanization, a thin and more even layer of zinc is formed through an electrochemical process. It is more efficient in the application of the said coating since it enables the coating to be applied elaborately on the screws thus suitable for the screws used in fine or delicate furniture.
Electro-galvanized screws are commonly employed where interior furniture is to be fixed, and where a smooth, shiny surface would be preferred. A thin layer of zinc is sufficient to shield the screw from rust and at the same time, it preserves the beauty of the screw. Screws used by drawer slide manufacturers and manufacturers of furniture products in general may decide to use electro-galvanized screws that helps in making the drawer to slide without much force and also enhances the look of the drawer arising from a polished finish of the entire furniture.
Sherardizing
Sherardizing is a more specialized means of galvanizing where the screw is tumbled in a zinc dust charged hot drum. The zinc reacts with the screws and forms a layer of the same material and a very strong bond is established. Sherardized screws include outstanding corrosion protection and are less susceptible to mechanical stress or abrasion.
This technique is particularly effective for particularly those pieces that will undergo constant stress or dynamic use, including for example furniture with drawer slides or hinges. The use of sherardized screws enables manufacturers to have the best furniture components functional and durable even if they undergo constant usage. People who are exploring the market for the purchase of screws with enhanced performance characteristics under high wear and tear, sherardized types are highly recommended.
Duplex Galvanization
Duplex galvanization is a process that incorporates both the hot-dip galvanization and a further layer of protection including powder coating or paint. This is further compounded by a double layer that is provided for the screw thus making it resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage and therefore giving it one of the best resistance in the market.
Duplex galvanized screws are used when there is need to add extra protection to the furniture as due to harsh conditions like at the beach or in industries. The layering of a pluralistic treatment provides ideal defense as the interior coating, in case the outer layer is detached or corroded, a new layer of metal is shielded. Duplex galvanized screws can be quite popular when drawer slide manufacturers need the ultimate in strength, combined with the resistance to corrosion.
Benefits for Furniture Manufacturers
Modern methods of galvanization used in the production of furniture are equally advantageous to the manufacturers in as much as it enhances the durability of the furniture produced. Through use of galvanized screws, manufacturers can fashion furniture that is durable and can endure usage and environmental factors resulting in little or no complaints from consumers and thus less returned products.
Additionally, Long life screws can propel a manufacturer into the next higher league, because customers perceive this kind of screws to be of high quality and long lasting, hence they are more loyal to them. Screws used to attach furniture parts such as drawer slides are likely to be better quality galvanized screws, hence improving the furniture functional performance and hence the consumer experience.
When purchasing screws in large quantities, there is no better way of accessing quality and well protected screws than by acquiring the galvanized ones from well established dealers. This investment not only covers the protection of the furniture but also shields the manufacturer from the negative stigma which is rampant in the market.
It is therefore crucial to apply sophisticated techniques of what is known as galvanization so as to arrive at screws which are used in making of furniture enduring and tough. These are methods such as hot-dip galvanization, electro-galvanization, sherardizing, or duplex galvanization; these methods offer protection against corrosion, wear and tear to improve durability of furniture as well as its outlook.
For furniture manufacturers especially those involved in manufacture of furniture parts such as drawer slides, the screws most often used are galvanized screws and therefore proper selection is important. Therefore, by evaluating and sourcing quality screws from the best suppliers, manufacturers will be able to manufacture products that can withstand the market test hence leading to high customer satisfaction and at long run success in the market.