Be aware that cadmium and hexavalent chromium plated parts are verbotten under new European Union environmental rules and production of them will probably be dropping off soon. Cadmium is a really nasty chemical to humans and animals. My company has dropped cad plated parts in favor of stainless steel for new designs, which has caused our assemblers grief as magnetic screwdrivers no longer work. I would expect stainless fasteners to drop in price as the rules get phased in soon. Lead in printed circuit boards is also being phased out.
I would expect to see more anodized,"blued" or black oxide bolts in new automotive designs, as the chemicals are more environmentally friendly.
