AFT Fasteners Builds a Foundation for Global Success

     Going from a local metal plating company to an international success in the fastener distribution market takes a passion for success. AFT Industries has been a quality provider of metal plating, fastener importing-distribution, and industrial services for more than a decade now. Providing customers with a cost effective and profitable partnership has been the driving force behind their success. It is with great pride that they are announcing a broad expansion of services for the future.
     Recent events include the acquisition of a large distribution center in the heart of Dallas and Fort Worth’s shipping community. This modern facility provides a great hub for global sourcing, timely shipping-receiving, inventory warehousing and a great environment for dedicated employees and staff to do business. New facilities were then added to increase capacities in metal plating, wet paint, dry film lube and Xylan® coatings. To further meet customers’ needs, AFT has amplified a global internet presence and global marketing strategy, making communications and requests for fastener pricing and availability easier than ever. Visit www.aftfasteners.com and take a virtual stroll through this user friendly web experience.
      AFT announces specialized sales departments to cater to high-tech clients with needs in the electronic hardware, MIL-Spec/Aerospace, and industrial services arenas. Dedicated departments provide detail oriented hardware kitting services, fastener modifications, and industry targeted customer specifications. AFT also has recently opened a sales and support department in the greater Houston area. Look for their appearance at the Southwest Design2Part trade show, to be held at the Reliant Center on November 16th and 17th, 2011.
      Maintaining profitable business relations in these economic times takes an attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, now more than ever before. AFT's expansion shows that being a dedicated, reliable and "forward thinking" solutions provider can be done and done right.

“Meeting a customer’s needs is our number one goal, whether it is an everyday fastener request or a specialized international shipment. Satisfaction and building reliable relationships are AFT’s primary objectives.” – Johnny Rose, President

Bolt Head Markings and Indentification - AFT Fasteners

      Usually fastener standards specify two types of marks to be on the head of a bolt. The manufacturer's mark is a symbol identifying the manufacturer (or importer). This is the organization that accepts the responsibility that the fastener meets specified requirements. The "Grade Mark" is a standardized mark that identifies the material properties that the fastener meets. For example 307A on a bolt head indicates that the fastener properties conform to the ASTM A307 Grade A standard.

     Both marks are usually located on the top of the bolt head, most standards indicating that the marks can be raised or depressed. Raised marks are usually preferred by manufacturers because these can only be added during the forging process whereas depressed marks can subsequently be added (possibly with illegitimate marks).

     The below listed Table is a listing of some of the more common Bolt Head Markings. If you have questions about a bolt head marking or specification, do not hesitate to Contact Us via our electronic form or call us at 877-844-8595.

Hex Bolt Head Markings

SAE Bolt Designations SAE Grade No. Size Range Tensile strength, ksi Material Head Marking 1 2 1/4" thru 1 1/2" 1/4" thru 3/4" 7/8" thru 1 1/2" 60 74 60 Low or medium carbon steel 5 1/4" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 120 105 Medium Carbon Steel, quenched & tempered 5.2 1/4" thru 1" 120 Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered 7 1/4" thru 1 1/2" 133 Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched & tempered 8 1/4" thru 1 1/2" 150 Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched & tempered 8.2 1/4" thru 1" 150 Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered

ASTM Bolt Designations ASTM Standard Size Range Tensile strength, ksi Material Head Marking A307 1/4" thru 4" 60 Low Carbon Steel A325 Type 1 1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 120 105 Medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered A325 Type 2 1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 120 105 Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered A325 Type 3 1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 120 105 Weathering steel, quenched & tempered A449 1/4" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 1 3/4" thru 3" 120 105 90 Medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered A490 Type 1 1/4" thru 1 1/2" 150 Alloy steel, quenched & tempered A490 Type 3 1/4" thru 1 1/2" 150 Weathering steel, quenched & tempered

     Often one will find "extra" marks on a bolt head--marks in addition to those shown above. Usually these marks indicate the bolt's manufacturer.

     ASTM A325 Type 2 bolts have been discontinued, but are included above because they can be found in existing structures. Their properties can be important in failure investigations.

    While the bolts shown above are among the most common in the U.S., the list is far from exhaustive. In addition to the other bolts covered by the SAE and ASTM standards, there are a host of international standards, of which ISO is perhaps the most well known.

-The Fastener Team

Dallas Based AFT Fasteners Partners with the Dallas Chamber of Commerce for Success in North Texas

Dallas Chamber of Commerce has been a positive economic influence in North Texas since 1909, and its membership ranges from sole proprietors to large corporations. AFT Fasteners is pleased to announce its membership into this influential and constructive organization.

     The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area’s leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprising businesses representing all facets of the North Texas business community.
AFT Fasteners joins the Dallas Chamber of Commerce's mission of accomplishing successful business practices and leadership in Dallas and North Texas. Not only is AFT Fasteners a North Texas business leader but is also a national and international business partner which supports local labor and goods deliverable to numerous states and countries.
AFT Fasteners embodies the spirit in which the Dallas Chamber of Commerce promotes success. Being part of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce allows AFT Fasteners access to information, professional development & networking, access to savings, visibility and leadership advocacy. For more information about AFT Fasteners and their line of top quality fasteners, construction and manufacturing hardware, please visit www.aftfasteners.com or call 877-844-8595. For more information about the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.dallaschamber.org.

- The AFT Team