SUMMER 2016

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 147
CARMEN VERTULLO HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT Q&A - HELP FOR MANAGING ‘HE’ RISK IN FASTENERS from page 146
One of the most common variables in the HE
failure investigation is process control. Documenting the
process controls from beginning to end is imperative in
order to determine what HE prevention strategy was used
in processing the HE infected product. In most cases
there is no documented strategy and when a paper
trail is asked for it is not readily available, even if the
proper steps were taken. This lack of well documented
process control is one of the most common realities in
HE fastener failures.
There is much more to know about the HE failure
investigation process and that will the subject of a future
article. The one thing a supplier absolutely must not do
is to ignore the problem or delay your response to it.
Secondly, do not jump to any conclusions before all the
proper questions have been asked and answered and do
not speculate as to cause or responsibility.
What Should Fastener Suppliers Do To
Properly Make Decisions Regarding Baking
And To Manage The Risks Associated With
Electroplating Fasteners?
There are three answers to this question – training,
training, and training! These three magazine articles,
and those to come, do a fine job of covering some the
most important things for suppliers to know about HE
risk management, but there is no substitute for hands-on
training.
HE training opportunities are available through the
Fastener Training Institute (FTI) ® and through the Carver
FACT (Fastening Applications, Consulting and Training)
Center.
Information on FTI’s HE Training Programs is
available at www.fastenertraining.org.
Information on Carver FACT Center HE Training
Programs is available at www.carverfact.com.
Please contact the author of this article if you need
any guidance in developing your HE risk management
strategy or help in selecting a HE Training program
appropriate to your company.
CARMEN VERTULLO | FASTENER TRAINING INSTITUTE