Client Overview & Project Requirements
Client Background:
Our client is a leading U.S. provider of advanced beamforming antennas, RF systems, and cybersecurity solutions for terrestrial and satellite networks. Serving industries such as UAVs/Drones, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), High Precision Navigation, Agriculture & FarmTech, and Marine Systems, their products demand exceptional component reliability in harsh environments.
Project Challenges
The client required custom fasteners for their new active GNSS antenna: 2*M18 hex nuts and M18 washers, with critical specifications including:
- Extreme Corrosion Resistance: Pass 168-hour salt spray testing (ASTM B117) to ensure long-term performance in coastal, high-humidity, or saline environments;
- Precision Fit: Meet tight tolerance requirements (±0.02mm) for the antenna’s intricate structure;
- Multi-Scenario Compatibility: Withstand vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and other stresses in applications like drones, unmanned vehicles, and marine equipment.
Customized Solutions: Full-Process Optimization from Material to Craftsmanship
Material Selection: 316 Stainless Steel – The Gold Standard for Marine-Grade Corrosion Resistance
Ditching conventional 304 stainless steel, we chose 316 stainless steel (≥2% molybdenum), which offers 50% better chloride-ion resistance. Spectral analysis verified compliance with composition standards (Cr:16-18%, Ni:10-14%, Mo:2-3%), laying a robust foundation for weather resistance.
Manufacturing Processes: Precision Machining + Surface Enhancement
- Precision Forging: Cold heading forming technology ensured ISO metric thread accuracy (6g class) for nuts and a flatness tolerance ≤0.01mm for washers;
- CNC Finishing: Deburring and chamfering via CNC lathes eliminated stress concentration points to prevent fractures;
- Passivation Treatment: Following ASTM A967 standards, a 5-10μm dense oxide film was formed to isolate metal from moisture;
- Rigorous Testing: Each batch underwent 168-hour salt spray testing (simulating 35℃, 5% NaCl solution in marine environments) and mechanical property checks (tensile strength ≥700MPa, torque coefficient consistency).
Quality Control: End-to-End Traceability System
A full-process database tracked materials from heat numbers to test reports. Real-time monitoring of critical processes (heat treatment, passivation) ensured 99.8% batch qualification rate, with every part traceable to its production source.
Results & Applications: Elevating High-End Equipment Reliability
Key Achievements:
- Performance Milestone: Custom components passed 168-hour salt spray testing with <0.1% rust area, far exceeding the industry standard of 96 hours;
- Fit Perfection: Tight tolerances eliminated assembly gaps, reducing loosening rate to 0% in vibration tests (GB/T 2423.10) and securing signal stability;
- Expanded Application Scenarios: Enabled stable operation in:
- Military & Security: Reinforced tactical antenna connections for uninterrupted navigation in field operations;
- UAVs/UGVs: Withstood high-frequency vibrations and airborne salts, extending maintenance cycles;
- Marine Systems: Protected ship radar antennas from seawater corrosion, ensuring precision in ocean navigation.
Client Testimonial
“ This collaboration solved our long-standing fastener corrosion issue. The new components performed excellently in Caribbean sea trials, cutting equipment failure rates by 40%. Their expertise in material selection and process engineering confirmed they’re our trusted supply chain partner.” – John Smith
Conclusion: Defending High-End Equipment’s “Micro Joints” with Precision Manufacturing
In high-precision, high-reliability communications and navigation systems, fasteners are far from “minor parts” – they’re critical to system longevity. Our 316 stainless steel material + precision machining + rigorous testing approach not only met technical specs but also enabled our client’s products to excel in extreme environments, providing robust support for military, agricultural, marine, and other high-end applications.
For more details on weather-resistant fastener solutions or 168-hour salt spray test-compliant cases, contact us to request our technical whitepaper.
