Define the forming requirement
Bolt, screw and related fastener production place different demands on pretreatment depending on steel grade, forming severity and lubricant. Evaluate the phosphate coating and soap treatment together.
Review the nickel-free requirement
The METOX catalogue describes MTX-PH-104 as a low-sludge, nickel-free treatment. Confirm the required product documentation and target-market requirements during qualification. A nickel-free product description does not establish a broader regulatory certification.
Monitor more than the bath
Control bath acidity and coating coverage, and assess formed surfaces, die condition and residual film. Include sludge removal and cleaning practices in the maintenance plan.
Plan representative trials
Use representative wire or blanks and the intended lubricant. Confirm the matching replenisher rather than substituting a wire-drawing grade without evaluation. Operating limits must come from the approved product TDS.
Based on the METOX product catalogue. These selection notes do not replace the current product TDS, SDS or equipment procedures.