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Stainless Steel Fasteners


 

An Overview of Stainless Steel Fasteners

While many fasteners are made from stainless steel, not all stainless steel fasteners are created for the same purpose and not all stainless steel is created the same.


While stainless steel is often described as a low carbon steel that contains 10.5% or more chromium by weight, it is actually just a bit more involved.


Stainless Steel is a generic term given to a large range of corrosion resistant steel alloys which is made by mixing elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, silicon, aluminum, and carbon to steel. It is chromium that is added to make it corrosion resistant.



By varying the proportions of these elements it is possible to make different grades of stainless steel, each exhibiting different characteristics. And, it stands to reason, that since the proportions can be changed in a multitude of ways, there is consequently an almost limitless number of grades.


However, to keep things slightly simpler stainless steels are grouped into different categories: Austenitic (300 series), Martensitic (400 series), Precipitation Hardenable (17-4PH, 455), and Ferritic (430, 443). These grades differ by the type of hardening.



Tensile Strength, Proof Load, and Yield Strength

Matching the correct stainless steel fastener, whether it’s a steel screw, bolt, or stud, with the proper load is extremely important. Tensile strength, proof load, and yield strength measure the load under which the stainless steel fasteners will break, withstand, or become permanently deformed. With safety and efficiency a primary concern for any project, knowing the load on a stainless steel fastener in your application cannot be underestimated.


It’s not just not the alloy that changes!

Steel and stainless steel fasteners can be supplied in a variety of forms including bolts, hex cap screws, socket cap screws, studs, machine screws, hex nuts, washers and many others. These are just examples of popular fasteners that can be used in a host of applications.



Why Choose Stainless Steel Fasteners?

There are many great reasons to use stainless steel fasteners.


Not only is stainless steel strong and corrosion resistant, it is largely non-magnetic and ROHS compliant.


When you also consider that stainless steel fasteners are readily available, relatively inexpensive and cosmetically attractive it is no wonder they are used in applications ranging from industrial to aerospace to high-end architecture.



If you need, or are considering, stainless steel fasteners for your applications and need advice on the best type or grade, Pro Stainless can assist you. Contact us today!