Business News

3/8 UNF 12pt Bolts manufactured from Inconel 718

In the world of precision engineering, the term “workhorse” is rarely used for something delicate. It’s reserved for materials that survive where others fail. Inconel 718 has firmly established itself as that indispensable staple, particularly in the production of high-performance 3/8 UNF 12pt bolts.

Whether you’re navigating the rigorous standards of the UK’s Aerospace sector or optimising high-pressure systems in the North Sea, the demand for corrosion-resistant fixings that can handle the heat has never been higher.

A Brief History

Inconel was invented in the early 1930’s by a team of scientists at the International Nickel Company (INCO) in Herefordshire, England. The trademark for Inconel was first registered in December 1932. The alloy’s development was largely driven by the need for materials that could withstand the extreme heat and pressure of early jet engines, such as the one co-designed by Sir Frank Whittle.

The Superalloy Standard

Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium-based superalloy designed to maintain its structural integrity in environments that would cause standard stainless steel to soften or oxidise.

Offering a yield strength that competes with the toughest steels, but with the added benefit of heat resistance. It remains functional at temperatures up to 700°C, making it the go-to for exhaust manifolds, turbine components, and nuclear reactors.

From saltwater to aggressive chemical processing, Inconel 718 provides a formidable barrier against pitting and stress-corrosion cracking.

The “Workhorse” Challenge

Inconel is notoriously difficult to manufacture. Its high shear strength and tendency to work-harden, mean it fights back against cutting tools.

Only high-grade carbide or ceramic tools with specialised coatings can survive the abrasive nature of this alloy.

Inconel has poor thermal conductivity, meaning heat stays at the cutting edge. Precision cooling is essential to prevent micro-cracking and ensure the finished bolt meets ISO standards.

Managing feed rates is a balancing act. Too fast and the tool breaks, too slow and the material hardens beyond the point of being workable.

Applications Across the UK Industry

We are manufacturing various Inconel parts, often seeing them move to beyond niche aerospace projects and into broader industrial sectors, such as –

Renewable Energy: Fastening components in next-gen offshore wind turbines.

Automotive: High-stress bolts for performance engines and electric drivetrain housings.

Marine Engineering: Subsea fixings where reliability is the only option against the Atlantic’s corrosive environment.

At the junction of metallurgy and craftsmanship, we specialise in the difficult jobs. Our latest batch of 3/8 UNF 12pt Inconel 718 bolts represents the pinnacle of current fastener technology. Built to endure, designed to perform.

If you’re looking for expert advice and quality manufacturing, our teams are ready to assist.

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M16 x 35 dog point socket set screws manufactured from Super Duplex stainless steel grade UNS S32760.

These premium-grade set screws have been manufactured for an industry requiring uncompromising performance in aggressive operating conditions.

Material Science That Delivers

Super Duplex stainless steel UNS S32760 stands at the pinnacle of corrosion-resistant alloys available for critical fastening applications. This advanced material combines an approximately equal balance of austenitic and ferritic microstructures. Delivering mechanical properties and corrosion resistance that substantially exceed conventional stainless steel grades including 316 and duplex 2205.

The alloy composition typically includes 25% chromium, 7% nickel, 3.5% molybdenum. Alongside additions of copper, tungsten and nitrogen. This carefully balanced chemistry creates a material with exceptional resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking and general corrosion across a remarkably broad range of aggressive media.

Super Duplex 32760 demonstrates outstanding performance when exposed to chlorides, making it the material of choice for seawater applications, offshore platforms, desalination plants and coastal installations. The alloy maintains structural integrity in acidic environments including sulphuric, phosphoric and organic acids commonly encountered in chemical processing facilities. Furthermore, it offers reliable performance across extreme temperature ranges, from sub-zero conditions to elevated operating temperatures exceeding 250°C.

The mechanical strength of UNS S32760 significantly surpasses austenitic stainless steels, with yield strength approximately double that of grade 316. This superior strength-to-weight ratio enables designers to specify smaller fastener dimensions whilst maintaining structural integrity. Reducing overall assembly weight and potentially lowering material costs despite the premium nature of the alloy.

Dog Point Design

The dog point configuration features a cylindrical extension on the fastener’s end, typically with a diameter slightly smaller than the set screw body. This design element serves multiple essential functions in precision engineering and manufacturing applications.

The cylindrical point locates precisely within drilled holes or recesses in mating components, preventing lateral movement whilst distributing contact stress over a larger surface area compared to cone or cup point alternatives. This characteristic is particularly valuable in jig and fixture work, where repeatability and accuracy directly impact manufacturing quality and productivity.

Our M16 x 35 dog point socket set screws in Super Duplex UNS S32760 serve various industries operating in the world’s most challenging environments. When component positioning, corrosion resistance and mechanical strength cannot be compromised, these fasteners deliver the performance reliability that engineers demand.

For technical datasheets, material certificates, custom sizing enquiries, or application engineering support, please contact our specialist fastener team.

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A Journey of Innovation and Partnership

The 26th November 2025 – Today marks a remarkable milestone as we celebrate 45 years in business, a testament to dedication, innovation, and the enduring trust of our valued customers.

What began on 26th November 1980 has evolved into a company we’re immensely proud of. For over four decades, we’ve been committed to delivering exceptional quality and services to our customers, establishing ourselves as a trusted name in the fastener and fixings industry.

Built on Strong Foundations

Our 45 year success story is built on three core pillars:

Dedication to Excellence – From day one, we’ve maintained an unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction. Every product we supply meets the highest of industry standards.

Innovation and Adaptability – The business landscape has transformed dramatically since 1980, and we’ve evolved with it. By embracing new technologies and manufacturing processes, we’ve remained at the forefront of our industry.

Customer Trust – Our most valuable asset has always been the trust our loyal customers place in us, year after year. These relationships form the backbone of our success. We steadily hold tight to our promise ‘doing what we say, when we say it’.

Our Team and Partners

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without our exceptional team members and valued partners who have supported us every step of the way. Your expertise, commitment, and confidence in our vision have been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved.

To our employees, past and present, thank you for your dedication and hard work. To our partners and suppliers, thank you for your collaboration and reliability. To our customers, thank you for choosing us and growing with us over the years.

45 Years of Growth and Learning

This milestone represents:

Thousands of customer relationships built and nurtured.

Countless challenges overcome through teamwork and determination.

Invaluable lessons learned that have shaped who we are today.

A testament to resilience, adaptability, and staying true to our core values.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this 45th anniversary, we’re not just looking back with gratitude, we’re looking forward with excitement to all the opportunities ahead. The next chapter promises continued growth, innovation, and service excellence.

Here’s to the next chapter of innovation, growth, and excellence 🔩

Engineering Inspired by Nature’s Efficiency

In the realm of fastening components, the butterfly nut stands as a testament to functional design. When enhanced with a Xylan coating, this seemingly simple fastener transforms into a high-performance component capable of withstanding the most demanding of industrial environments. The parallel between the component’s name and the remarkable strength characteristics of its natural namesake offers a fascinating insight into engineering efficiency.

The Xylan advantage. Performance through chemistry.

Xylan coating represents a significant advancement in fastener technology. This fluoropolymer-based coating system, developed specifically for industrial applications, delivers a suite of performance benefits that substantially enhance the butterfly nut’s capabilities.

The coating’s primary advantage lies in its exceptional friction-reduction properties. By significantly lowering the torque required for installation and removal, Xylan-coated butterfly nuts reduce operator fatigue and enable more precise tightening. This reduction in installation torque also minimises the risk of thread damage or galling, particularly important when working with sensitive assemblies or in field conditions where over-tightening might otherwise occur.

Corrosion resistance is a critical attribute of Xylan coatings. The coating acts as a barrier between the underlying metal and corrosive elements, including moisture, salt spray and industrial chemicals. This protection proves invaluable in offshore installations, chemical processing facilities, and outdoor applications where conventional fasteners might deteriorate rapidly.

Perhaps most significantly, the Xylan coating dramatically extends the service life of butterfly nuts operating in harsh environments. The coating’s resistance to wear, combined with its ability to maintain performance across extreme temperature ranges, means fewer replacements, reduced maintenance intervals and improved overall system reliability. In critical applications, this longevity translates directly into enhanced safety and reduced operational costs.

The Butterfly

The butterfly nut’s nomenclature derives from its distinctive wing-like projections, designed for tool-free hand tightening. Yet the comparison between the component and creature extends far beyond mere appearance into the realm of biomechanics.

Despite their delicate appearance, butterflies possess an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio. These remarkable insects can lift objects many times their own body weight, navigate powerful winds, and undertake migrations spanning thousands of miles. A butterfly’s exoskeleton, composed primarily of chitin, provides structural integrity whilst remaining remarkably lightweight. An evolutionary optimisation refined over millions of years.

This natural efficiency finds its engineering parallel in the Xylan-coated butterfly nut. The steel core provides the fundamental strength required for secure fastening, whilst the Xylan coating adds minimal weight yet substantially enhances performance characteristics. Like the butterfly’s chitin exoskeleton protecting its internal structures, the Xylan coating shields the steel substrate from environmental degradation.

Applications demanding excellence

Xylan-coated butterfly nuts find application wherever reliability cannot be compromised. In the petrochemical industry, they secure critical pipework and equipment exposed to corrosive substances and extreme conditions. Offshore wind installations utilise these fasteners in environments combining salt spray, vibration, and challenging access for maintenance. Aerospace and automotive sectors employ them where weight considerations meet stringent performance requirements.

The food processing and pharmaceutical industries value Xylan coatings for their compliance with regulatory standards and resistance to frequent wash-down procedures. In each application, the coating’s ability to maintain performance over extended service intervals proves economically advantageous.

In an industrial landscape demanding ever-greater performance from components, the Xylan-coated butterfly nut stands as evidence that sometimes the best solutions combine cutting-edge technology with designs inspired by nature’s own engineering excellence.

In the world of electrical component manufacturing, precision is paramount. One exemplary product showcasing this dedication to exactitude is the brass fitting with M20 x 1.5 internal pitch and PG13.5 external pitch. A specialist component engineered to meet the demands of contemporary electrical installations.

Dual-pitch engineering excellence

This particular brass fitting represents a sophisticated solution to a common industrial challenges. To achieve a secure, reliable connection in electrical assemblies. The component features two distinct thread specifications working in harmony. The M20 x 1.5 internal thread provides a metric standard connection, whilst the PG13.5 external thread offers compatibility with the widely used Panzergewinde (armoured thread) system, originally developed for protecting electrical cables in demanding environments.

The requirement for two precise pitches in a single component demonstrates the complexity of modern electrical engineering. Each thread must be manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure proper mating, environmental sealing and long-term reliability. This dual-pitch configuration allows the fitting to serve as an adaptor between different threading systems, facilitating versatile installations across various electrical applications.

Why brass remains the material of choice

Brass continues to be favoured for such precision components, due to its unique combination of properties. The alloy offers excellent machinability, allowing for the accurate thread cutting required in dual-pitch fittings. Its natural corrosion resistance ensures longevity in diverse environmental conditions, whilst its electrical conductivity and non-magnetic properties make it ideal for electrical applications. Additionally, brass fittings provide a superior aesthetic finish compared to many alternatives, with the warm golden hue being instantly recognisable in industrial settings.

An ancient material with modern applications

The use of brass in precision engineering connects us to a remarkable historical legacy. The Romans were amongst the first civilisations to intentionally produce brass through a process known as cementation. In this ancient technique, copper was heated alongside zinc ore (calamine), allowing zinc vapour to diffuse into the copper and create the brass alloy.

Roman metallurgists crafted this versatile material into an impressive array of items, including coins that circulated throughout the empire, decorative objects that adorned villas and public spaces, and military signalling instruments such as the distinctive Roman trumpet. These early applications demonstrated brass’s workability and durability. Qualities that continue to make it indispensable in modern manufacturing.

From ancient forges to modern workshops

The journey from Roman cementation furnaces to today’s precision-machined electrical fittings illustrates the enduring value of brass. Whilst modern manufacturing employs computer numerical control (CNC) machining, advanced quality assurance systems, and metallurgical science far beyond Roman capabilities, the fundamental appeal of brass remains unchanged. It is a material that combines strength, workability, and resistance to the elements.

Today’s brass fittings, such as the M20 x 1.5 / PG13.5 component, may be worlds apart from Roman coins and trumpets in their application, yet they share a common thread. The recognition that brass offers an optimal balance of properties for precision work.

As electrical systems grow ever more sophisticated, and as industries demand components that meet increasingly stringent standards, it is fitting that brass continues to play a vital role, bridging millennia of metalworking tradition with cutting-edge engineering requirements.

If you’re looking for a bespoke brass component, our team are ready to assist.

In the demanding worlds of automotive and aerospace engineering, where reliability can mean the difference between success and catastrophic failure, fastener selection is far from trivial.

We are proud to highlight our precision-manufactured 5/16 x 24 UNF spline bolts, engineered specifically for applications where high vibration, extreme loads and long-term durability are paramount.

Modern machinery operates in increasingly demanding conditions. Automotive engines cycle thousands of times per minute. Aircrafts experience constant vibration from engines and aerodynamic forces. Industrial equipment runs continuously under varying loads. In each of these scenarios, conventional fastening methods face significant challenges.

Spline bolts represent an advanced fastening solution that addresses the limitations of traditional methods through intelligent engineering design. Unlike the conventional hex head or socket head fasteners, spline bolts feature a specialised drive system consisting of multiple radial grooves that engage with a corresponding drive tool.

The spline interface distributes driving torque across multiple contact points rather than concentrating forces at a few locations.

In an era where performance expectations are continuously on the rise, fastener technology must evolve beyond traditional solutions. The 5/16 x 24 UNF spline bolt represents this evolution. A precision-engineered component that delivers measurable advantages in fatigue life, vibration resistance and long-term reliability.

For applications in automotive, aerospace, and other demanding industries where high vibration is the norm rather than the exception, spline bolts offer a proven solution backed by engineering principles, real-world testing, and extensive application experience.

For detailed specifications, torque recommendations, material options, custom configurations, or application engineering support, please contact our technical team.

We’re ready to help you select the optimal fastening solution for your demanding applications.

A Successful Return to the NEC Birmingham

Advanced Engineering UK 2025

We are pleased to reflect on another exceptional year at Advanced Engineering UK, held at the NEC Birmingham on the 29^th & 30^th October, 2025.

The event once again proved to be a cornerstone gathering for the engineering and manufacturing sectors, bringing together industry leaders, innovators and professionals from across the United Kingdom and beyond.

First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to visit our stand during the two-day exhibition. The enthusiasm, engagement and quality of conversations we experienced at #AEUK25 exceeded our expectations and reinforced the value of face-to-face industry connections.

Advanced Engineering UK 2025 provided an invaluable platform for showcasing the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions driving the future of British manufacturing and engineering. Our stand attracted a diverse range of visitors.

Throughout both days, our team engaged in meaningful discussions about industry trends, technical requirements and potential partnerships. The quality of these interactions demonstrated the continued strength and innovation present within the UK engineering community.

As we move beyond the exhibition, our focus shifts to nurturing these new relationships and transforming initial discussions into tangible outcomes.

For further information about our capabilities or to continue conversations from Advanced Engineering 2025, please contact our team.

We look forward to building lasting partnerships with the connections made at #AEUK25.

We are proud to announce the successful preparation and imminent dispatch of another substantial order from our fourth manufacturing facility. Reinforcing our commitment to meeting growing market demand whilst maintaining the RAPID and reliable service our customers have come to expect.

The completion of this large-scale order represents a significant milestone in our operational capabilities and validates the strategic decision to expand our manufacturing footprint. Our fourth site, which has been instrumental in accommodating increased production requirements, continues to demonstrate its value as a critical component of our enhanced operational infrastructure.

This facility has seamlessly integrated into our manufacturing network, enabling us to scale production capacity and optimise logistics.

The current business environment has presented both challenges and opportunities. While demand for our products and services has reached historic highs, we have risen to meet these requirements through strategic planning, operational excellence and significant investment in our manufacturing capabilities.

The sustained increase in order volumes reflects both the quality of our offerings and the trust our customers place in our ability to deliver. Rather than viewing high demand as a constraint, we have transformed it into an opportunity to demonstrate operational resilience and customer commitment.

Our fourth site represents more than physical expansion, it embodies our long-term vision for sustainable growth and our dedication to serving customers without compromise. The facility features state-of-the-art equipment, optimised workflows and a skilled workforce committed to excellence.

We understand that our customers operate in fast-paced environments where delays can have cascading effects on their own production schedules and commitments. Reliability extends beyond simply meeting deadlines, it encompasses consistency, predictability and dependability across every customer interaction.

Our multi-site operational model ensures that orders are continually fulfilled.

The success of this dispatch reflects the coordinated efforts across our entire organisation. Our fourth site does not operate in isolation but as part of an integrated manufacturing network that shares:

For inquiries about our capabilities, capacity, or to discuss your requirements, please contact our team.

We stand ready to support your success with the same RAPID and reliable service demonstrated in this latest major dispatch.

Showcasing one of our latest precision-engineered components, a low profile hex head shoulder bolt manufactured from Inconel 718. A superalloy that plays a critical role in some of the most demanding engineering applications, including space exploration.

Our low-profile hex head shoulder bolt represents a sophisticated fastening solution. Designed for applications where space constraints, precision alignment and exceptional material performance converge are an absolute must.

Inconel 718

Represents a commitment to performance in the most demanding of applications. This nickel-chromium superalloy has earned its reputation through decades of proven performance in extreme environments.

High-Temperature Performance: Maintains strength and stability at temperatures up to 700°C (1,300°F), making it suitable for applications involving significant thermal loads or exposure to elevated operating temperatures.

Corrosion Resistance: Demonstrates outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion, including resistance to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking, making it ideal for marine, chemical and harsh environmental applications.

Strength and Durability: Provides excellent tensile, fatigue and creep-rupture strength. Ensuring reliable performance under sustained loads and cyclic stressing conditions.

Weldability: Unlike many high-strength alloys, it can be welded without spontaneous cracking, offering design flexibility for complex assemblies.

Dimensional Stability: Maintains precise dimensions even under thermal cycling and mechanical stress, critical for applications requiring tight tolerances.

The Space Shuttle Connection

The capabilities of Inconel 718 are perhaps most dramatically illustrated by its role in the Space Shuttle program, one of the most ambitious engineering endeavours in human history.

When the Space Shuttle stood ready for launch in 1981, its entire weight orbiter, external tank, solid rocket boosters, fuel, and payload totalling approximately 2,000 metric tons (4.4 million pounds) rested on just eight Inconel studs. Four studs secured each solid rocket booster to the launch platform, creating what were arguably some of the most critical fasteners ever manufactured.

The Space Shuttle’s reliance on Inconel fasteners represents more than historical interest, it demonstrates the level of confidence that can be placed in properly engineered Inconel 718 components. When failure is not an option, this is a material engineers trust.

While most applications may not face the extreme demands of space launch, many industries benefit from the same exceptional properties that made Inconel 718 essential for the Space Shuttle program.

Producing precision components from Inconel 718 requires specialised expertise, equipment, and processes.

Our low-profile hex head shoulder bolt in Inconel 718 exemplifies our commitment to manufacturing components that meet the most demanding requirements. Whether your application operates in extreme temperatures, corrosive environments, or high-stress conditions, we understand that fastener failure is not an option.

If you’d like to discuss how Inconel 718 components can enhance the reliability and performance of your application, please contact our team.