Stainless steel is generic term used for multiple steel alloys. The steel alloys include nickel, chromium, manganese, carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen, titanium, copper, molybdenum, niobium, vanadium, and tungsten. Changes in proportion can modify the characteristics of the resulting alloy.
Do steel alloys live up to their corrosion resistance property, especially in the mechanical fasteners arena? Undoubtedly, the metal strongly retains its outstanding corrosion resistance for long, but let’s understand the basics first.
What is a simple definition of stainless steel?
Simple stainless steel definition is it is a steel alloy created using normal low carbon steel alloy. Chromium is a low-carbon steel alloy used up to 10.5% that offers the anti-corrosion characteristic. It forms an invisible chromium oxide film on the steel surface. The layer is called a passive layer. If the film gets mechanically or chemically damaged due to the availability of oxygen, it self-repairs. Increase chromium content by adding nickel, titanium, or molybdenum and improve the corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel.
When you visit the Fair Winds Fasteners website you will find a wide range of bolts and nuts available in a variety of sizes and specifications. How to choose seems overwhelming but if you desire to apply it in boat construction then the store offers the best 316 Stainless Nuts. The composition is 15-18% Chromium, 10-14% Nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum. Choose 304 stainless steel for applying pressure vessels, piping, automotive parts, or kitchen equipment. The composition is 18-20% Chromium and 8-10% Nickel.
Nickel and chromium are alloying ingredients that offer great resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The 316 SS has extra molybdenum, which especially protects the fasteners against salt corrosion.
Benefits of stainless steel fasteners
- Anti-corrosion
Corrosion resistant or anti-corrosion means the ability of the material to handle oxidation damage. Bolts and nuts keep things fastened, so there is a need for a material that is robust enough to handle any kind of harsh and severe weather conditions.
Stainless steel material is mixed with low-carbon steel alloys to improve its anti-corrosion properties. It saves the nuts and bolts from getting damaged or corroded.
- Value & strength
Stainless steel nuts and bolts seem costly but the investment is valuable as they are highly durable. Their lasting value depends on the fastener’s robustness. The stainless steel fasteners can handle extreme temperatures as well as hold better in a severely corrosive environment.
- Aesthetics
When compared to nuts and bolts made from other materials, stainless steel nuts look appealing. It is the main reason they are used in the furnishings, construction, and manufacturing industries.
- Easily available
Stainless steel fasteners are highly useful and easily available everywhere. As there is a huge number of elements and combinations of low steel alloy used they are available in different grades. The grades are categorized into
- Austenitic [300 chains]
- Martensitic [400 sequence]
- Precipitation Hardenable [17-4PH, 455]
- Ferritic [430, 443]
The key difference is the hardening level in each category or series. However, even with all this kind of diversity in grades and material stainless steel fasteners are easily found in the market across the globe.
