Quite often 18-8 stainless steel is also known as 304 stainless, which is a very common variety of fasteners like nuts and machine screws. It contains chromium of 18% and nickel of 8% and features very strong corrosion resistance.
However, 316 stainless machine screws can be softer, and hence will be weaker as compared to some other grades of stainless steel like 410 stainless.
Most of the self-drilling screws that are available are in the category of 18-8 but are usually recommended only for drilling into wood or any other soft materials. 18-8 stainless steel is a non-magnetic variety of stainless steel.
Similar to 18-8 stainless steel, however, with higher Sulphur, 303 stainless steel is another more machinable stainless-steel grade. Due to its ease of machining, it is widely used in the fastener business, especially in the production of standoffs and spacers. It is non-magnetic in its natural condition, but cold processing can make it magnetic.
316 stainless steel is a fantastic option for larger nuts, bolts, or washers used in severe settings, such as coasts because it is both exceptionally corrosion-resistant and hardened.
Fastener lines frequently use the toughened variety of stainless steel known as 410, particularly self-drilling screws. When inserted into metal materials, the hardening enables greater strength and stability.
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The 316 alloy is also a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel and it contains:
- Chromium: 18%
- Nickel: 8%
- Molybdenum: 2-3%
Because it contains more nickel and molybdenum compared to the 304 alloys, hence this grade has better overall corrosion-resistant characteristics. In a chloride environment where pitting and also crevice corrosion are more prevalent, this is especially true.
Alloy 316 also has exceptional stress rupture strength, great elevated temperature tensile strength, with good weldability. Numerous suppliers offer 316 stainless steel hardware like screws, washers, and nuts in this grade of alloy.
Properties of 316 Stainless Steel fasteners
Due to the advanced characteristics displayed by 316 stainless steel fasteners, they have a wide range of industrial applications and uses for these types of adaptable fastener products.
A few more useful characteristics displayed by any 316 stainless steel fasteners like screws, washers, and nuts are:
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Excellent mechanical properties at high temperature
- Avoids almost all chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking
- Increased stress rupture strength
- Outstanding weldability
- Excellent elevated temperature tensile
Applications of 316 stainless steel fasteners
In many different industries 316 stainless steel fasteners can frequently be used where the following are the requirements:
- Higher stress rupture strength
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Excellent weldability
Applications of 316 stainless steel fasteners also include the following:
- Food preparation equipment
- Laboratory equipment and benches
- Chemical processing equipment
- Heat exchangers
- Plastics, paper, rubber, and pulp machinery
- Boat and valve fittings and also pump trim
- Pollution control equipment
- Textile and pharmaceutical industries
- Evaporators, condensers, and tank
For applications that require high levels of weldability and outstanding levels of corrosion resistance, then 316 stainless steel fasteners offer a cost-effective alternative.
For more information about pricing, get in touch with the supplier or submit a quote request if your application or project calls for 316 stainless steel nuts, washers, or screws.