Stainless steel is a metal that is widely used and appreciated for its resistance to corrosion. Did you know that stainless steel can actually corrode? It's not even that difficult to do. Before you buy your fasteners, here are five facts about stainless steel that you need to know before purchasing fasteners.
1. Stainless steel is a soft metal (more or less)
Stainless steel is considered a soft metal, which means it is not suitable for many high-load applications that require intense strength. However, some classes are hardened to create a stronger version. However, it may affect the corrosion resistance of the fastener. A classic example of this is grade 410 stainless steel.
2. Stainless steel can still corrode
Stainless steel is valued for its resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, many don't know anything about it. Stainless steel comes in different grades, 304, 305 and 316 are just a few examples, and each has its own benefits. For example, if you are 20 miles from the beach, be sure to use 316 stainless steel.
3. Stainless steel is not magnetic
It is important to know that stainless steel is not completely non-magnetic. In situations where the non-magnetic quality of a material is critical, stainless steel is not a recommended choice.
4. Stainless steel has a self-healing invisible outer layer
Stainless metals form an invisible oxide coating that protects them from external factors. This is the main reason why stainless steel is so resistant to corrosion. As long as the material is in an oxygen-rich environment, even if the metal is damaged by removing the oxide layer, it will reform and protect the metal again.
5. Stainless steel reacts negatively with aluminum
Stainless steel and aluminum are two distinct types of metal. One of them is positively charged (anode) and the other is negatively charged (cathode). As these metals are connected and an electrolyte, such as salt water, is introduced, an electron transfer occurs that will ruin the integrity of the materials, resulting in galvanic corrosion. To avoid these situations, use some sort of compromise like a rubber material or simply don't use them together (recommended).
Working with stainless steel
Ultimately, stainless steel can be a little trickier than you thought. Stainless steel fasteners are still an excellent choice for many situations. Just take these 5 things into consideration when purchasing your fasteners to help you choose the right material and quality.
