Galling vs seizing.
Friction failures.
Avoid both.
Galling vs seizing distinction. Both friction-related failures of mating parts. Different mechanisms, different prevention strategies.
Key principles.
Cold welding
Microscopic welds form between mating surfaces. Material transfer.
Total failure
Severe galling that locks parts together. Cannot disassemble.
Self-galling
Stainless-on-stainless particularly prone. Avoid pairing.
Avoid
Same alloy mating tends to gall. Use dissimilar alloys.
Recommended
One hard, one soft. Hardness difference reduces galling.
Critical
Active lubrication or self-lubricating surface treatment.
FAQ
What causes galling?
Adhesive wear at sliding interface. Microscopic surface peaks weld together under load.
Stainless galling avoidance?
Avoid stainless-stainless. Use dissimilar (stainless + bronze, plated). Lubricate.
Surface treatments helpful?
Hard chrome, nitriding, DLC, oxide coatings reduce galling. Phosphate plating for thread engagement.
Stainless fastener tips?
Anti-seize compound on threads. Slow torque. Tight tolerances. Avoid back-and-forth motion.
Permanent vs occasional galling?
Light galling: continue with anti-seize. Severe galling: replace mating parts. Don't reuse galled.
Galling resistance ranking?
Aluminum bronze > silicon bronze > stainless 316 > stainless 304. Use bronze for stainless threads.
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