Stainless steel owes its high corrosion resistance to its low carbon steel and chromium content. Fasteners made from stainless steel will not lose their corrosion resistance if scratched during installation or use. When looking for durable and reliable stainless steel fasteners grades on the market, you will find the following types:
• Grade 18-8 – this is also called the 300 series of stainless steel and has approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel content. The 18-8 series includes fasteners which are made of 302, 302HQ, 303, 304, 305, 384, XM7 and similar grade variables with close chemical compositions. Some of the characteristics of the 18-8 series include: hardened by cold working only, non-magnetic and with superior corrosion resistance to the 400 series.
• Grade 304 (18-8) – this basic alloy has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel which is combined with 0.08% maximum carbon. This grade of fastener can resist ordinary rusting and can resist most oxidizing acids. Its immunity to food stuffs, inorganic chemicals and most organic chemicals makes Grade 304 ideal for use in sinks, table tops, urns, stoves and various appliances too. Fasteners of this kind are also used in the brewing and food processing industries.
• Grade 316 – this grade of stainless steel fastener is required in extreme environments. The carbon content is set to 0.8% while the nickel content is increased. These fasteners are non-magnetic, can only be hardened by cold working and are austenitic. Molybdenum up to a maximum of 3% is the distinguishing difference between Grade 304 and Grade 316. Fasteners of this grade can withstand exposure to calcium brines, hypochlorite solutions, sodium, phosphoric acid, sulphurous acids and sulphite liquors. They are typically used in the following industries: marine industry, chemical processing, textiles and more.
Quality Stainless Steel Fasteners Manufactured by Marsh Fasteners
At Marsh Fasteners, Florida, we supply the market with top quality stainless steel and marine grade fasteners. We offer exceptional durability and competitive prices when it comes to 18-8, 304 or 316 grade stainless steel fasteners.
To learn more about the various grades of stainless steel fasteners and to chat to the professional stainless steel fasteners manufacturers, contact us at Marsh Fasteners today.
