Q- How do you measure bolts?

A- Bolt length is measured from under the head to the tip of the threads. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q- What is thread pitch?

A- Thread pitch is the distance from the top of one thread to the top of the next thread. Example would be a M6-1.00 pitch thread. The distance would be 1mm from the top of one thread to the top of the next thread.
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Q- How strong is titanium?

A- We hear this question often and here is the simplest comparison. Structural grade titanium is equal to most steels. Titanium is not stronger than high strength alloy steels. Mettec has experience producing titanium with strengths ranging from Minimum Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) 120-195Ksi (827Mpa-1345Mpa). Please refer to (Mettec Tech Section) for an expanded explanation of strengths of titanium verse steel alloys.
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Q- Why use titanium?

A- Titanium is 47% lighter than steel. Titanium has better corrosion resistance than stainless steel in salt water environment.
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Q-What is the shank length or grip length of a bolt?

A- There are two terms that describe the smooth area between the head and threads on a bolt, "SHANK" and "GRIP". Both terms are correct to describe the smooth area on a bolt. All shear loads should be positioned on the Shank/Grip area of a bolt. Shank/Grip length is measured from the start of smooth area under the head and ends where the threads start.
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Q- What is the difference between a machined thread and rolled thread?

A- Machined treads are single point cut and tear the grains of the material to make thread. A rolled thread is formed by compressing the material with a rolling die. A rolled thread has higher strength and fatigue resistance. A rolled thread is much safer and this is why aircraft manufactures will only specify rolled threads on all fasteners. Please refer to (Mettec Tech Section) for an expanded explanation.
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Q- What is the difference between machined head and forged head?

A- Machined fasteners are made with round bar. When you machine the bar all the grain flow in a machined fastener will be in one direction and will have low fatigue resistance and strength. When we forge the head on a fastener, the grain flow will resemble the form of a mushroom shape in the transition between the shank and head. The grains become smaller and the finer grains add to the strength and fatigue resistance of the fastener. All fasteners in aircraft/spacecraft are formed by forging. Please refer to (Mettec Tech Section) for an expanded explanation.
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Q- How long has Mettec been in business?

A- Mettec started manufacturing titanium fasteners in 1995. Our services has grown to encompass many difference disciplines in manufacturing including Hot Forging, Centerless Grinding, Thread Rolling, CNC lathes, CNC mills, Gundrilling (Deep Hole Drilling), Shot Peening, and PVD coatings. Take a look at (Find out about our custom manufacturing) for a detail description of Mettec's manufacturing capabilities.
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Q- My steel fasteners are rusting and corroding, what do I do about this?

A- All OEM's make their fasteners from steel. Steel will rust or corrode if not properly coated. Due to price and environmental reasons most manufactures have gone to cheaper coatings. When a fastener is tightened with a wrench, the wrench will scratch and deform the surface on the head which will lead to corrosion. Mettec makes titanium fasteners that will not corrode, and one added benefit, titanium will look shiny for many years. One other advantage is that Mettec titanium fasteners are 47% lighter than steel. By using titanium fasteners you will gain performance with no corrosion problems and reduce the weight of your machine.