Top Stainless Steel Fasteners Suppliers in UAE
Stainless steel is a popular choice for fasteners. This is mainly because they are corrosive resistant and tarnish easily. They are clean and easy to maintain. Apart from this SS is a strong material.
What type of stainless steel is used for fasteners?
Now let us see the grades of steel that go into manufacturing the fasteners. Preferable grades are 303 and 304 Stainless. These are the standard grade for stainless fasteners. They are corrosion-resistant and durable. Apart from this 316 stainless steel carriage bolts and grade 8 steel hex lag bolts are enormouslypervasive these days.
Over the last decade, the use of stainless steel has become more common. Because it’s not only corrosion-resistant but also preserves its strength even under very high temperatures. Any product made from stainless steel is likely to last very long in most environments regardless of humidity levels or any other factors that might increase the risk of rusting, such as the presence of saline water. Some of the common industries wherestainless-steel fasteners are used include architecture, automotive design as well as electronics design.
The variations of stainless steel you are likely to see whileshopping for stainless steel fasteners are numerous.Understanding each will make it much easier for the customer to determine which one to use for a particular application. The most common varieties like
Type 304: f the most common types of ss in the industry. More than half the stainless steel manufacturedglobally is made of this type. Type 304 stainless steel is usually designed to endure ordinary corrosion, and is designated as austenitic (contains chromium and nickel).
Type 316: Type 316 stainless steel is another austenitic variety. However, it contains an added 2 to 3% of Molybdenum apart from chromium and nickel. It is stronger compared to type 304 ss. The inclusion of Molybdenum in the alloy makes it a bit costly as well.
Type 409: A ferric type of stainless steel. It has plain chromium and is well known for resisting extreme temperatures. Contains the lowest grade of chromium amongst all types of stainless steel.It is the cheapest variation.
Type 410: A martensitic stainless steel, meaning it contains plain chromium. It is a strong variety. It’s also inexpensive and heat treatable, and non-corrosive. Type 410is the most ideal type of steel used in heavy-duty settings.
Type 430: Very common type. A ferritic stainless steel, featuring corrosion resistance. Primarily used for decorative purposes.
What are stainless steel bolts used for?
Stainless steel bolts/fasteners are chieflyused in the automotive industry.It involves stainless steel screws for the construction of structural automotive mechanisms.
As automobiles are exposed to variable weather conditions as well as hazardous contaminants like salt sometimes, stainless steel becomes an excellent fastener option. Oxidation resistance to weather and salt-induced situations. Particularly, for this and some other reasons, stainless steel screws are also applicable in electronics manufacturing, medical products, watercraft building, and construction industries.
Though Stainless-steel alloys are iron-based metals having at least 10% chromium and other metals, providing extra corrosion and heat resistance. No need for a protective coating. Also can perform well in varied conditions and temperatures.
Stainless steel is subdivided into three different types: Austenitic, Martensitic, and Ferritic.
- Austenitic Stainless Steel
(with 15%-20% Chromium, and 5%-19% Nickel) – Austenitic stainless is with the highest degree of corrosion resistance among all. This includes grades: 302, 303, 304, 304L, 316, 32, 347, and 348. They also are with a high tensile strength of 80,000 – 150,000 PSI.
- Martensitic Stainless Steel
(With 12%-18% Chromium) – This steel is considered magnetic steel. To increase its hardness, it undergoes heat treatment and is not recommended for welding. The grades include 410, 416, 420, and 431. Their tensile strength rangesbetween 180,000 and 250,000 PSI.
- Ferritic Stainless Steel
(Between 15%-18% Chromium) – Ferritic stainless steel has a tensile strength of 65,000 – 87,000 PSI. While it is still corrosion-resistant, it is not recommended for areas where corrosion is likely to occur. This material cannot be heat treated. Due to the forming process, it is magnetic and not suitable for welding. Ferritic grades of stainless include 430 and 430F.
Resistance to corrosion – stainless steel does not rust or tarnish giving you a better look and lasts longer. Strength – stainless steel is strong and it will hold up in harsh corrosive environments and it will also hold up in a place withvery high or low temperatures.
SS bolts are available in various types- stainless steel hex bolts,Hex cap screws, Hex Nuts, etc.
How to prevent stainless steel fasteners from galling
Galling is a common form of mechanical wear.The excessive friction between two moving surfaces, particularly metal surfaces is the primary cause. The procedureincludes material being torn up and transferred between the two surfaces when they are under adequate load to compress the surfaces together.
It is vital to consider how galling can be evaded from the outset when designing a particular fastener application.It is to avoid a great deal of rework, maintenance, and pricing further down the line. To diminish galling and its adverse consequences, it is essential to be aware of the concept of galling.Always ensure that only premium stainless-steel fasteners are used in critical applications.
Premium fasteners looksimilar to standard stainless-steel fasteners.They possess superior material properties making all the difference with galling.
Explain to stainless steel fasteners suppliers exactly how the fasteners will be used to safeguardthe galling resistance.
The following preventive measures required to be taken
Besides choosing the precise fasteners, there are other preventive measures to take:
- Precise material selection
Choosing the correct material for the specific application is extremely important. Some variations of stainless steel are more prone to galling due to their atomic structure. Particularly, strain-hardened stainless steels with cold formed offer excellent galling resistance owing to their improved strength and diminished ductility.
- Selecting fasteners with a perfect fit
Galling between metal surfaces that are in sliding contact with each other are common.Premium fasteners are designed to perfectly fit together and can significantly reduce the risk of galling by minimizing movement and friction.
- Lubrication
Lubrication is a vital method to reduce galling by allowing the two materials to slide past each other without causing friction. Premium fastener builders use custom-made wax to safeguard an optimal friction coefficient.
- Avoid the use of damaged fasteners
Damaged threads in the bolts increase the risk of galling. Dirty bolts with debris in the threads can also increase the risk of galling – use only use clean bolts.
Careful installation
The installation also requires care. Calculations for particular applications determine the kind of tools that can be used.
