Vehicle body component with a tin/zinc coating

US6308544A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Emhart Inc. · US

Inventors

• Walter Kuehnl · Bergen auf Rügen, DE
• Dieter Mauer · Lollar, DE
• Reinhold Opper · Reiskirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 22, 1999
• Grant date: Oct 30, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D27/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a coated metal fastener that is prepared by electrogalvanically coating a metal fastener with a layer of tin and zinc mixed crystals, wherein the tin is from about 50 to about 90% by weight of the mixed crystals layer. The fastener plated with the tin and zinc alloy layer has a number of unexpected properties, including stability at higher temperatures than expected, which is important for retaining the strength of a vehicle joint secured with the fastener during subsequent finishing operations; retention of electrical conductivity, which makes the fastener suitable for use as a grounding member; and resistance to galvanic corrosion when the fastener joins metals of differing electrode potential.