Joe Pinchback

Not all fasteners are created equal, especially when they’re pushed to their limits. In extreme environments, the wrong material choice can result in catastrophic failure.  From high-heat industrial systems to subzero outdoor applications and high-pressure assemblies, you must consider how temperature and environmental stress affect fastener performance. Material expansion, brittleness, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength ... Read more

Material compatibility isn’t glamorous. Nobody puts it on a spec sheet header or talks about it in design reviews until something seizes, corrodes, or shears off mid-assembly. Then suddenly it’s very interesting.  The truth is that pairing the wrong fastener material with the wrong mating surface is one of the most expensive mistakes in mechanical ... Read more

Advancements in additive manufacturing technology are reshaping industries. With all the buzz about 3D printing, it’s natural to ask if the technology could eventually replace tried-and-true fastener manufacturing methods. My short answer is no…not yet at least. But depending on your needs, both approaches have their place. TL;DR: 3D-Printed vs. Cold-Formed Fasteners - 3D-Printed Fasteners ... Read more