How do hex insert nuts improve corrosion and wear resistance?

Hex insert nuts are a type of fastener commonly used in various mechanical structures, especially in applications that require long-term durability and high-strength connections. However, hex insert nuts are often exposed to harsh working environments, such as high humidity, chemical corrosion or high-frequency wear, which may affect the performance and service life of the nuts.
Selecting the right material is the basis for improving the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of hex insert nuts. Generally, the material used for hex insert nuts needs to have good corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Common materials include stainless steel, alloy steel and specially treated steel. Stainless steel, due to its high chromium content, can form a dense oxide film, which effectively prevents moisture and oxygen from corroding the nut. At the same time, elements such as nickel and molybdenum added to alloy steel can improve its corrosion resistance, allowing the nut to work stably in some highly corrosive environments.
In addition to the choice of the material itself, the surface treatment process of the hexagonal insert nut also has a significant impact on its corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Common surface treatment methods include galvanizing, nickel plating, coating and heat treatment. These surface treatments can form a protective film on the surface of the nut, thereby effectively isolating the erosion of the nut material by the external environment. For example, galvanizing can form a solid zinc layer on the surface of the nut, which can not only effectively prevent the erosion of moisture and oxygen, but also improve the corrosion resistance of the nut in a humid environment. Nickel plating can provide more wear-resistant surface protection, allowing the nut to withstand greater friction and wear and extend its service life.
For some high-load and high-friction application scenarios, hex insert nuts are usually treated with more professional coatings. Coating materials usually include solid lubricants, ceramic coatings and other hardening materials, which can significantly improve the wear resistance of the nut. In a high-friction environment, when the surface of the nut contacts other metal surfaces, the coating can effectively reduce direct friction, reduce wear, and extend the service life of the nut.
Another measure to improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the hexagonal insert nut is to use heat treatment. Through heat treatment, the surface hardness of the nut can be enhanced and its wear resistance can be improved. Through different heat treatment methods, such as quenching and tempering, the crystal structure on the surface and inside of the nut can be changed, so that it can maintain better wear resistance while ensuring strength. Through reasonable heat treatment, not only the hardness of the hexagonal embedded nut can be improved, but also its overall corrosion resistance can be improved. Especially under some extreme conditions, the heat-treated nut can still maintain a low wear rate and good corrosion resistance during long-term use.