What is a hex drilled bolt?

A hex drilled bolt is a specialized fastener that combines the strength and versatility of a hex head bolt with the added functionality of an axial drilled hole. These unique bolts feature a hexagonal head for easy tightening and loosening, along with a hole drilled through the center of the bolt shaft. While hex drilled bolts can be made from various materials, titanium hex drilled bolts offer exceptional performance for demanding applications.

Hex drilled bolts are engineered to provide benefits beyond standard bolts. The drilled hole reduces overall weight while maintaining strength. It can also serve as a passage for wiring, fluids, or sensors in certain designs. The hex head allows for precise torque application using common tools. When crafted from titanium, these bolts deliver an unmatched combination of strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance.

Titanium's Material Advantages

Titanium alloys used in hex drilled bolts, particularly Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), offer a range of advantages that make them ideal for high-performance applications:

Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio: Titanium hex drilled bolts are 40-50% lighter than steel equivalents while maintaining impressive strength. With a tensile strength of 950 MPa and yield strength of 880 MPa, these fasteners can withstand extreme loads.

Corrosion resistance: Titanium naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to corrosion from saltwater, chemicals, and other harsh environments. This property ensures long-term reliability in challenging conditions.

Temperature performance: Titanium hex drilled bolts maintain their strength and integrity at temperatures up to 400°C (752°F). This makes them suitable for use in high-heat applications like engines and exhaust systems.

Biocompatibility: Titanium's inert nature and resistance to body fluids make it an excellent choice for medical implants and devices where biocompatibility is crucial.

These material properties enable titanium hex drilled bolts to excel in industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and medical, where weight savings, durability, and performance are critical factors.

Hexagon Socket (internal hex) Drive

While the term "hex drilled bolt" typically refers to bolts with an external hexagonal head, some variations feature an internal hexagon socket drive. This design, also known as an Allen head or socket head cap screw, offers several advantages:

Low profile: The internal hex drive allows for a lower profile head, which can be beneficial in space-constrained applications or where aerodynamics are a concern.

Increased torque capacity: The internal hex socket provides a larger surface area for tool engagement, allowing for higher torque application without damaging the bolt head.

Improved aesthetics: The sleek, uniform appearance of socket head bolts can enhance the visual appeal of finished products, particularly in consumer-facing applications.

Reduced risk of tampering: The specialized tool required for internal hex drives can deter unauthorized removal or tampering in certain security-sensitive scenarios.

Titanium hex drilled bolts with internal hex drives combine these benefits with the material advantages of titanium, creating a versatile and high-performance fastening solution.

Axial Drilled Hole

The defining feature of hex drilled bolts is the axial hole running through the length of the bolt shaft. This seemingly simple modification serves several important functions:

Weight reduction: By removing material from the center of the bolt, the overall weight is reduced without significantly compromising strength. This is particularly beneficial in aerospace and high-performance automotive applications where every gram counts.

Fluid or wire passage: The drilled hole can serve as a conduit for fluids, gases, or electrical wiring. This enables innovative designs in hydraulic systems, pneumatic applications, or situations where sensors or wiring need to pass through structural components.

Stress distribution: In some cases, the drilled hole can help distribute stresses more evenly throughout the bolt, potentially increasing fatigue resistance in certain loading conditions.

Assembly aids: The hole can be used to assist in precise alignment during assembly processes or to allow for the insertion of locking mechanisms or safety wires.

When combined with titanium's material properties, these features make titanium hex drilled bolts an excellent choice for applications requiring high strength, low weight, and multifunctional capabilities.

Titanium hex drilled bolts exemplify the innovative spirit in modern fastener design. By combining the versatility of a hex head, the functionality of an axial drilled hole, and the superior material properties of titanium, these bolts offer a unique solution for demanding applications across various industries.

Titanium Hex Drilled Bolts Supplier

For those seeking high-performance fasteners that go beyond conventional options, titanium hex drilled bolts from Wisdom Titanium provide an excellent choice. With our extensive experience in titanium fabrication and commitment to quality, we offer both standard and custom-designed titanium fasteners to meet your specific needs.

Whether you're working on an aerospace project, developing cutting-edge medical devices, or pushing the limits of automotive performance, our titanium hex drilled bolts can provide the strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance you require. Don't settle for ordinary fasteners when your application demands extraordinary performance. Contact Wisdom Titanium today at ​​​​​ sales@wisdomtitanium.com to discuss how our titanium hex drilled bolts can elevate your next project.

FAQ

Q1: What are the main advantages of using titanium hex drilled bolts over standard steel bolts?

A: Titanium hex drilled bolts offer several key advantages over standard steel bolts:

1. Significantly lighter weight (40-50% less than steel equivalents)

2. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio

3. Superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments

4. Higher temperature resistance (up to 400°C)

5. Biocompatibility for medical applications

6. The drilled hole allows for weight reduction and potential use as a fluid or wire passage

These properties make titanium hex drilled bolts ideal for aerospace, automotive, marine, and medical industries where performance and weight savings are crucial.

Q2: Are titanium hex drilled bolts suitable for all applications where steel bolts are currently used?

A: While titanium hex drilled bolts offer many advantages, they may not be suitable or cost-effective for all applications. They excel in scenarios where weight savings, corrosion resistance, and high strength are critical. However, in applications where these factors are less important, the higher cost of titanium compared to steel may not be justified. Additionally, titanium's different thermal expansion properties and potential for galvanic corrosion when in contact with certain other metals should be considered. It's best to consult with a fastener specialist to determine if titanium hex drilled bolts are appropriate for your specific application.

Q3: How do I ensure proper installation of titanium hex drilled bolts?

A: Proper installation of titanium hex drilled bolts is crucial for optimal performance:

1. Use the correct tools: Ensure you have the proper size hex key or socket for the bolt head.

2. Follow torque specifications: Titanium bolts may require different torque settings than steel bolts. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.

3. Use appropriate lubricants: Some applications may require specific lubricants to prevent galling.

4. Avoid over-tightening: Titanium bolts can be susceptible to galling if over-tightened.

5. Consider anti-seize compounds: In applications where the bolt may need future removal, an anti-seize compound can be beneficial.

6. Be aware of galvanic corrosion: When using titanium bolts with dissimilar metals, take steps to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Always consult the manufacturer's instructions and industry-specific guidelines for your particular application.

References

1. ASM International. (2015). "Titanium: A Technical Guide." Materials Park, OH: ASM International.
2. Donachie, M. J. (2000). "Titanium: A Technical Guide." Materials Park, OH: ASM International.
3. Leyens, C., & Peters, M. (Eds.). (2003). "Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Fundamentals and Applications." Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.
4. Boyer, R., Welsch, G., & Collings, E. W. (1994). "Materials Properties Handbook: Titanium Alloys." Materials Park, OH: ASM International.
5. Peters, M., Kumpfert, J., Ward, C. H., & Leyens, C. (2003). "Titanium Alloys for Aerospace Applications." Advanced Engineering Materials, 5(6), 419-427.