Four Advantages of Stainless Steel Fasteners
Stainless Steel Fasteners are undoubtedly the most popular fastener material on the planet, and for good reason, Stainless Steel Fasteners have various characteristics that make them unique and long-lasting. While stainless steel is the broad term for corrosion-resistant steel alloys, tiny modifications in the alloy’s composition can radically modify the component’s electrical and mechanical properties.
To mention few, the core of a stainless steel alloy can be chromium, nickel, copper, tungsten, or molybdenum. Understanding the benefits of employing stainless steel fasteners allows you to discover so much more about the components you provide your clients in the long run.
While much has been said about the proper ways to use fasteners, we have put together a simple guide to assist you to navigate through the main mistakes you can make when using fasteners and how to avoid them.
Stainless Steel Fasteners Is Corrosion-Resistant
The fact that stainless steel is corrosion-resistant is probably the biggest selling point for the material. Stainless steel has a little more than 10% of chromium in its composition, and this allows for a thin layer of chromium oxide to be formed over the outer surface of the material. This effectively prevents any corrosion or degradation from happening upon oxidation or exposure to other corrosion-causing chemical reactions. Stainless steel is even resistant to internal and external hydrogen embrittlement, making it the most sought-after material for manufacturing fasteners.
Stainless Steel Fasteners Are Capable of Self-Repairing
The thin chromium oxide film on the outer layer of the fastener uses oxidation to fight against oxidation. Pretty clever, right? In addition to making the fastener corrosion-resistant, the oxide layer also allows the fasteners to self-repair. If a scrape or dent or any other physical distortion damages the fastener, it exposes the bare alloy, on the damaged part, to oxygen. On this exposed layer, oxidation causes another layer of chromium oxide to form, protecting it against further corrosion.
The Life of Stainless Steel Fasteners
Stainless steel fasteners may be utilized in severe temperatures as well as underwater because the material is extremely durable. No other material can provide such long-term benefits, at least not until you spend a fortune on it! While stainless steel fasteners may be more expensive at first, they are more cost-effective in the long run. You will undoubtedly save more money over time because stainless steel fasteners only need to be replaced every few decades.
Fasteners Made with Stainless Steel Fasteners Look Better
The visual attractiveness of stainless steel in any structure is undeniable. Its tough yet sleek appearance has even inspired builders, manufacturers, and automotive makers to allow the fasteners to indicate where they are utilized! When comparing the aesthetics of equipment created with stainless steel fasteners to that of equipment built with fasteners made of other materials, you will note that the components built with stainless steel fasteners are considerably better to look at due to their anti-corrosion capabilities.
Aside from everything else, maybe the most enticing benefit of stainless steel fasteners is their convenience! They’re widely accessible, including at ITA Fasteners.
