Six-lobe Button Head Bolt

Size: 6*20

Grade: 10

Material: 10b21

Finish: Heat treatment, Dacromet (Salt spray test for 500 hours)

Key Features:

1. Six-Lobe Drive (Star Shape):

   • The six-lobe drive is a star-shaped pattern, typically with six points, designed to provide superior torque transfer compared to traditional drive types like slotted or Phillips screws.
   • The six-lobe design allows for a larger contact area between the tool (driver) and the fastener, reducing the likelihood of cam-out (the driver slipping out of the socket), which can happen with other drive systems.
   • It offers a more precise fit and greater grip, which results in a more secure fastening and better control during installation, especially in high-torque or high-stress environments.

2. Button Head Design:

   • Low Profile: The button head features a compact, rounded shape with a smooth, domed appearance. It sits slightly above the surface of the material being fastened, but it still remains relatively low-profile compared to other heads like hex heads or cap heads.
   • Aesthetic and Functional: This shape is often chosen for aesthetic reasons, as it provides a clean, smooth finish. It's also useful in situations where the bolt needs to be unobtrusive, such as in tight spaces or on surfaces exposed to frequent contact.
   • Head Diameter: The diameter of the button head is typically larger than the shank, which provides a larger bearing surface to distribute the load, reducing the chance of damage to the material being fastened.

3. Material:

   • Steel: The most common material for six-lobe button head bolts is steel, which offers good strength and durability. Steel bolts may be coated with zinc, black oxide, or other protective finishes to prevent corrosion.
   • Stainless Steel: For applications in harsh environments (e.g., marine, outdoor, or food industries), stainless steel variants provide corrosion resistance and durability.
   • Alloy Steel: For high-strength applications, alloy steel versions may be used, often with additional heat treatment to enhance performance.
   • Non-Ferrous Materials: For applications requiring non-magnetic or corrosion-resistant fasteners, brass, aluminum, or other materials may be used.

4. Size and Thread Type:

   • Six-lobe button head bolts are available in various sizes, including both metric and imperial thread configurations.
   • Common sizes range from small bolts (e.g., M3, M4, M5) to larger bolts used in industrial applications (e.g., M8, M10, M12).
   • Fine thread and coarse thread options are available depending on the requirements for the application, with fine threads being used for more precise fastening and coarse threads offering faster installation.

5. Coatings and Finishes:

   • To improve performance and resist environmental factors, six-lobe button head bolts often come with coatings such as:
     • Zinc plating for corrosion resistance.
     • Black oxide for a sleek black finish and mild corrosion protection.
     • Anodized finishes for aluminum bolts to improve corrosion resistance and provide a colorful finish.
     • Galvanized coatings for more heavy-duty applications in outdoor environments or exposure to moisture.

Common Applications:

1. Electronics and Electrical Enclosures:

   • Six-lobe button head bolts are commonly used in securing the panels or cases of electronic devices and electrical enclosures, where aesthetics, security, and a low-profile fastening are important.
   • The secure, tamper-resistant design prevents unauthorized access to the contents of the device, which is particularly useful in consumer electronics, power supplies, or network equipment.

2. Automotive and Aerospace:

   • In automotive and aerospace applications, six-lobe button head bolts provide a secure fastening solution for parts where torque is critical. They are also used in places where a low-profile, compact fastener is required, such as on trim, panels, and components in tight spaces.
   • The tamper-resistant feature makes these bolts ideal for securing parts that need to be resistant to loosening or tampering.

3. Furniture and Appliances:

   • The six-lobe button head bolt is often used in modern furniture or appliance assembly, where both aesthetic appearance and secure, easy installation are essential.
   • In some cases, the tamper-resistant nature of the bolt is beneficial for preventing unauthorized disassembly.

4. Bicycles and Motorcycles:

   • In the cycling and motorcycle industries, six-lobe button head bolts are used to secure parts such as handlebars, pedals, seat posts, or bodywork, where high torque is required and a low-profile fastener is desired.

5. Industrial Equipment:

   • Six-lobe button head bolts are commonly used in the assembly of industrial machinery, including packaging equipment, robotics, and other automated systems. Their ability to resist tampering and ensure secure fastening makes them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

6. Marine:

   • The corrosion-resistant stainless steel variants of these bolts are ideal for marine applications, where exposure to saltwater requires reliable and long-lasting fasteners. The six-lobe drive ensures that the bolts stay tight and secure under vibration and adverse conditions.

7. Military and Defense:

   • These bolts are used in military and defense equipment, where secure, tamper-resistant fastenings are critical for safety and reliability. The ability to prevent unauthorized disassembly is particularly important in sensitive military applications.

Advantages:

1. Higher Torque Handling: The six-lobe drive allows for greater torque transfer compared to traditional screws like slotted or Phillips. This reduces the risk of stripping the head and ensures a more secure connection.

2. Tamper Resistance: In applications where security is important, the six-lobe design provides a level of tamper resistance, especially when paired with a security variant (such as a pin in the center of the drive).

3. Low-Profile, Aesthetic Design: The button head provides a smooth, rounded finish that sits lower than a traditional hex head, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics and a compact profile are important.

4. Prevention of Cam-Out: The precise fit between the driver and the bolt reduces the risk of tool slippage (cam-out), which can damage the fastener and make tightening difficult.

5. Durability and Strength: The robust design and material options make these bolts highly durable and able to withstand high-stress environments, while the button head reduces the potential for damage to the material being fastened.