RUD ICE Bolts
In 2007 RUD introduced its Grade 120 round link chains and components, which are manufactured using the highest quality patented fine grain steel that has been specially heat treated for increased strength and toughness. This increase in strength allows the reduction in chain size for lifting heavier loads. RUD ICE chain has also been designed to withstand extreme temperatures. RUD realized that the patented steel used in their grade 120 ICE chain would have advantages with other products as well.
RUD recently introduced a new bolt that has been designed to withstand the harshest environments. The ICE bolt is manufactured using RUD’s patented steel with a 40% increase in strength, even at extremely low temperatures. The ICE bolt is coated with a special surface protection CORRUD-DT corrosion protection so it can withstand temperatures as low as -76°F (-60°C), which makes it ideal for use in offshore applications, marine environments, and places with extreme temperatures.
The main advantage of the ICE bolt is that it has a distinctive increase in breaking force, and it far surpasses grade 10.9 and 12.9 bolts in a deformation test. Due to RUD’s technology and patented steel, the ICE bolt can withstand stress corrosion cracking, as the bolt has the ability to bend further without breaking compared to its predecessors.
The most experienced riggers can confirm that the weakest point of a hoist ring is generally the bolt. With the increased breaking force of the ICE bolt, testing at 48% higher in comparison to bolt type 10.9, the ICE bolt proves to be significantly stronger and more reliable. With RUD’s patented steel and heat treat method, they created a bolt that has high toughness, which means that these ICE grade bolts will have less wear in comparison to other common bolts. ICE bolts will also have less sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement, which is a familiar issue that plagues low-alloy steel bolts. Common low-alloy steel bolts are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking, especially when used in marine environment.
Like all bolts, ICE bolts must be installed properly as insufficient tightening of bolts can lead to vibration causing fatigue, which can lead to early bolt failure. RUD has made great efforts with their grade ICE bolts, to decrease the likelihood of accidents and issues related to bolt failure. Bolt failures can be very costly for a company when you consider the downtime, the cost of replacing the damaged or insufficient bolts, as well as any injuries or damages that may have been caused by the bolt failure. Something as simple as selecting the right lifting point and the quality of bolts used are critical when working in any environment, especially if the work is in the offshore, marine, and other industries where the work environment is subject to extreme temperatures.
Because of all the advantages of the ICE bolt, RUD will be updating the bolts in their most popular bolt-on lifting points. The ICE bolt is replacing the bolt type 10.9 for sizes up to M24 |1" - 8 UNC in 2016. RUD plans on also replacing the larger sizes of bolts with the ICE bolts in the future.
For more information about the advantages of ICE bolts, please contact RUD at sales@rudchain.com
