Corrosion in Agricultural Manufacturing: What You Need to Know
In agricultural manufacturing, durability and longevity are not optional—they’re essential. Equipment and components are expected to perform in some of the harshest environments imaginable, from high-humidity fields to exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, and machinery exhaust. Over time, these conditions can lead to one of the most common and costly problems in the industry: corrosion.
Corrosion not only compromises the performance and safety of your products, but it can also significantly increase maintenance costs and reduce customer satisfaction. Understanding what causes corrosion—and how to prevent it—can help manufacturers build better, longer-lasting products.
What Causes Corrosion in Agricultural Equipment?
Corrosion occurs when environmental substances like rain, moisture, exhaust gases, and chemical aerosols come into contact with metal components and fasteners. These substances trigger electrochemical reactions that break down the metal over time, weakening it and potentially causing mechanical failure.
Some of the most common corrosion-inducing elements in agriculture include:
- High humidity in greenhouses or fields
- Fertilizer residues and chemical sprays
- Soil contact with moisture content
- Exhaust gases from nearby engines or machinery
- Acid rain and atmospheric pollutants
Even small levels of exposure, over time, can corrode untreated or improperly protected components.
Why Corrosion Testing is Critical
Because corrosion often happens gradually and internally, visual inspections alone aren’t enough to guarantee product integrity. That’s why Bossard recommends regular corrosion testing in an accredited laboratory setting.
Corrosion testing simulates real-world environmental conditions, helping manufacturers:
- Predict how components will perform over time
- Identify weak points in materials or coatings
- Select the right materials and finishes
- Reduce warranty claims and failure risks
With proactive testing, you gain data-driven insights into the long-term durability of your product before it ever reaches the field.
Smart Material Choices for Corrosion Resistance
To combat corrosion in agricultural settings, material selection and surface treatments are key. Bossard helps agricultural manufacturers choose materials and fasteners engineered to withstand specific environmental threats.
Some options include:
- Stainless steel fasteners with higher resistance to rust and pitting
- Zinc-nickel coatings for superior surface protection
- Non-metallic or polymer components for moisture-sensitive assemblies
- Passivation treatments that enhance corrosion resistance without altering part dimensions
These choices can dramatically extend the service life of components and reduce costly downtime in the field.
Corrosion Protection Is a Competitive Advantage
Agricultural machinery buyers—whether farmers, OEMs, or distributors—are looking for reliability. Corrosion-related failures not only impact product performance but also your brand reputation and bottom line. By investing in corrosion prevention strategies from the design stage forward, manufacturers can build trust, reduce support costs, and offer greater value.
Partner with Experts in Corrosion Prevention
At Bossard, we combine decades of fastening expertise with state-of-the-art testing laboratories to support manufacturers in agriculture and beyond. Our team can help you:
- Identify risk factors in your product design
- Recommend optimal fasteners and materials
- Perform corrosion testing to international standards (e.g., ISO 9227)
- Optimize your assembly for long-term performance
Build to Withstand the Elements
In agriculture, your products don’t just need to perform—they need to endure. With the right combination of material expertise, environmental testing, and corrosion-resistant fastening solutions, you can ensure your equipment delivers consistent performance in even the toughest conditions.