Galvanizing A193 B7 Bolts

The concern with galvanizing any high strength steel is the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. There is plenty of research on galvanizing high strength steels, but conclusions vary on the strength at which hydrogen embrittlement will likely occur when the parts are galvanized. Some research identifies 150 ksi tensile strength as a threshold, but other research indicates that the strength threshold is slightly higher. The documentation that the Bolt Council (Research Council for Structural Connections) cites provides a strength threshold of 39 HRC which equates roughly to 177 ksi.

“The susceptibility of steel fasteners increases significantly when the specified hardness is above 39 HRC (380 HV). Steel fasteners with a specified hardness below 39 HRC (380 HV), normally have no significant susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement failure.”

• HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT IN STEEL FASTENERS SALIM BRAHIMI ENG. July, 2014 IBECA Technologies Corp. (Section 5.1)

Now let’s look at the mechanical requirements of A193 Grade B7, and for comparison purposes, I have included A354 Grade BC.

Grade Marking	Specification	Material and Treatment	Nominal Size (In.)	Mechanical Properties					Hardness Rockwell
				Proof Load Min (ksi)	Yield Strength Min (ksi)	Tensile Strength Min (ksi)	Elong % Min [9]	RA % Min [10]	Min	Max
	A193 Grade B7	Medium Carbon Alloy Steel, Q & T	1⁄4" - 21⁄2"	-	105	125	16	50	-	C35
			25⁄8" - 4"		95	115	16	50		C35
			41⁄8" - 7"		75	100	18	50		C35
	A354 Grade BC		1⁄4" - 21⁄2"	105	109	125	16	50	C26	C36
			25⁄8" - 4"	95	99	115	16	45	C22	C33

A193 Grade B7, depending on diameter, has a minimum tensile strength ranging from 100 ksi to 125 ksi. As you stated, there is no maximum strength requirement. So, theoretically, you could have an individual lot of bolts that could exceed 150 ksi or even 177 ksi and therefore raise concern about galvanizing these parts due to hydrogen embrittlement risks. However, there is a maximum hardness requirement ranging from HRC 33 – HRC 36 depending on diameter. Although there is no maximum tensile requirement, the maximum hardness requirement limits the tensile strengths, depending on diameter, to roughly 152 ksi, 160 ksi, or 165 ksi.

The vast majority of A193 Grade B7 bolts we manufacture falls well below 150 ksi tensile strength due to the limiting factor of the Rockwell hardness requirement. It is rare that a single lot of bolts even approaches 150 ksi tensile strength.

Now let’s take a look at A354 Grade BC as it compares to A193 Grade B7. These two bolt specifications are virtually identical. The difference is their application. A193 bolts are designed for high temperature / high pressure applications, while A354 bolts are used for general purpose applications. They have very similar strength and chemical requirements. As a matter of fact, we make them the exact same way using the exact same raw material and heat-treating procedures. Whereas the ASTM A193 specification makes no reference to galvanizing whatsoever, the A354 Grade BC specification references the option to hot-dip galvanize this grade according to ASTM F2329. In other words, ASTM has no problem with galvanizing a bolt that has a 125 ksi minimum tensile strength requirement with no maximum, and a 36 HRC maximum hardness similar to A193 Grade B7. If ASTM frowned upon galvanizing A193 Grade B7 bolts, they would make a statement within the specification denouncing this practice as they do in other high-strength specifications. Therefore, our position is that A193 Grade B7 bolts can be galvanized with no risk of hydrogen embrittlement.