Stainless steel is probably the most preferred fastener material in the world, and rightly so! Stainless steel comes with several advantages which make it unique as well as durable. While the general term given to corrosion-resistant steel alloys is stainless steel, small variations in the constituents of the alloy can drastically change the component’s electrical and mechanical characteristics. The core of a stainless steel alloy can be chromium, nickel, copper, tungsten, and molybdenum, to name a few. By understanding the advantages of using stainless steel fasteners, you can learn so much more about the components you are providing your clients with, in the long term.

While a lot has been said about the right ways to use fasteners, we give you a handy guide to help you navigate through the common mistakes you can make while using fasteners and how you can avoid them.

Stainless Steel 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.

Please note, however, that while stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, it is definitely NOT corrosion-proof. If the fastener is not installed properly, or if its exposure to oxygen is insufficient (which prevents the chromium oxide layer from forming), or if, during the manufacturing of the fastener, excess steel particles are left on the components, the chances of the fasteners corroding are significantly high compared to perfectly manufactured stainless steel fasteners.

Stainless Steel Fasteners have a Long Life

Since the material offers excellent durability, stainless steel fasteners can be used in extreme temperatures and also underwater. No other material can offer such long-lasting benefits, or at any rate not unless you spend a fortune on it! While the original cost of stainless steel fasteners can be on the higher side, they are more cost-effective in the long term. You will definitely save more over time, as replacement of stainless steel fasteners needs to be carried out only once in a few decades.

Stainless Steel Fasteners Look Better

The visual appeal that stainless steel brings to any construction is undeniable. Its rugged yet sleek look has even prompted builders, manufacturers and automobile manufacturers to let the fasteners show where they are being used! If you compare the aesthetics of equipment built using stainless steel fasteners with that of equipment built using fasteners made of other materials, you will notice that due to its anti-corrosion properties, the components built with stainless steel fasteners are much better to look at.

Apart from everything else, perhaps the most tempting advantage of stainless steel fasteners is convenience! They're extremely easily available, including at ITA Fasteners.

At ITA Fasteners, we manufacture and stock fasteners made of various materials, including stainless steel. Our company is ISO certified, meaning all our fasteners, including the stainless steel variants like stainless steel nuts and bolts, 304 stainless steel bolts, 316 stainless steel bolts, a4 stainless steel bolts, metric stainless steel bolts, a2 stainless steel bolts, grade 8 stainless steel bolts, m6 stainless steel bolts, marine grade stainless steel bolts, m8 stainless steel bolts, 10mm stainless steel bolts, dome head stainless steel bolts, 6mm stainless steel bolts, 8mm stainless steel bolts, m10 stainless steel bolts, 12mm stainless steel bolts, 316 stainless steel lag bolts etc, are conform to the most stringent quality checks. You can check out our vast array of fasteners in our website and place orders directly and easily from there. In addition to that, you can place custom orders by getting in touch with us at sales@itafasteners.com

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