THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS/NUTS


1. DO: Select the right grade.
There are many different grades of stainless steel. The two commonly used grades are 304 and 316, with 316 being more corrosion resistant than 304. The rule of thumb is that if the fastener is in a corrosive environment (e.g. within 5km of the coast), 316 is preferable, particularly if the fastener is to be seen, as 316 is less likley to 'tea-stain' or develop a brown discolouration (see photo of bracket showing tea-staining). Click here to know more about stainless steel hex nuts.
2.DO: Lubricate Threads.
Top stainless fastener engineers recommend that all stainless steel threads should be lubricated before being assembled, to reduce the risk of galling (this is when threads lock up). We have found the most risk of galling is with larger threads (M16 upwards), and also when using nyloc nuts. Click here to know more about stainless steel cage nuts.
3. DO: Select the right surface finish.
The smoother or more polished the finish, the better the corrosion resistance. Some stainless products have a brushed, satin or 'rougher' finish - e.g. sometmes on hinges, fittings, downpipes. This type of finish can trap minute particles (e.g. salt) which damage the protective chromium oxide layer on the stainless steel, causing 'tea-staining', and therefore giving a rusty appearance. This is made worse if the stainless steel is not exposed to rainwater to wash off the particles. Click here to know more about stainless steel flange nuts.
4. DO: Consider electropolishing
Electro-polishing or passivating (forms of acid treatment) improves corrosion resistance by thickening the naturally occuring protective chromium oxide layer that forms on stainless steel.
5. DO: Establish and follow a cleaning schedule
Stainless steel products 'on show' need to be cleaned to remove contaminants (e.g. salt) and therefore maintain the stainless steels appearance. Click here to know more about stainless steel wing nuts.
6. DO: Consider exposure to rainwater
Stainless steel resists corrosion due to its naturally occuring protective layer ('Chromium Oxide'). When contaminants settle on stainless steel, depending on the grade and the surface finish, these can damage this protective layer, allowing oxygen to react with the iron.
In the stainless steel causing it to rust. If the stainless steel is exposed to rainwater, then this should wash these contaminants away, restoring the stainless steel's protective layer.
Therefore if stainless steel is going to be sheltered from the rain, and it is in a corrosive envrionment, then consider options to enhance the corrosion resistance: select a more corrosion resistant grade; a smooth/polished/mirror finish; and electro-polishing. Click here to know more about stainless steel nuts.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HEX NUTS AND ITS SPECIFICATION

Image
v   What are Hex Nuts? One of the most common nuts available are the Hex nuts that are used with anchors, bolts, screws, studs or any other fastener which has machine screw threads. This Nuts are widely used for industrial and commercial use. Hex, as the name suggests, is short-form off Hexagon. Hex nuts have six sides in the shape of a Hexagon. Hex Full Nuts, Finished Hex Nuts are some of the names given to Hex Nuts. Hex Nuts are required for fastening purpose. Though, the design of a hex nuts is simple but they are created to deliver high end efficiency and Performance. The size of hex Nuts, typically varies from ¼” to about 2 ½” and are available in different Strength Grades. The Grades are given on the basis of Strength and cost of the nuts.   Stainless steel hex nuts and bolts/screws used together are susceptible to thread galling and seizing. While it may not be completely preventable, it can be substantially reduced. A thread lubricant is the most ef...
Read more

Manufacturing Process for Fasteners in 7 steps

Image
A fastener is a hardware component used universally for fixing joints with two or more things non-permanently. In general, fasteners are used to create non-permanent joints i.e. joints that can be removed or dismantled without harming or damaging the joining components.  Welding is an example of creating permanent joints. Fastener holds the joints of fixtures form holding the chairs & tables to automobile parts. Applications of fasteners are very diverse in the range from regularly used items like boxes, envelope where fasteners are used for closing them to hi- tech gazebos & special-purpose closing devices like the bread clip etc. Fasteners exporter in Germany will discuss the manufacturing process of fasteners. Step-1: Raw material inspection & storage Raw material for the bolt to be decided upon the designer based upon where it is to be used. Material to be used to be inspected & then proper storage location to be identified in order to avoid r...
Read more

Different types of Fasteners

Image
Bolts : Bolts are used to make a bolted joint. A bolted joint is created by a bolt and a nut together. Where a Nut is used to tighten the grip between the flange or such product where bolt is used. Basically bolts are used for the assembly of two unthreaded components with the help of a nut.  Nuts : Nuts are a type of Fasteners that has a hole in it. The hole in the Nuts is always threaded. The nut is paired with the bolt which is its pairing partner. The Nuts are always used with the pairing Bolts to tighten. Click here to know more about nuts manufacturers in Canada . Screws : Screws is a fastener that is similar to the bolts in many ways. The Screws are made of metals and characterized by helical ridge. Screws is also known as male thread. Screws are used to fasten the materials by digging in and welding into a material. Screws don't require nuts to tighten the screws.  Thread Rods : Threaded Rods is a fastener that is also known as 'Studs'. The Thr...
Read more