Stainless Steel Screws & Fasteners Made in Taiwan
- Stainless Steel Screws
The usage of stainless steel screws and fasteners is widespread and covers a wide range of material types and applications. In this article we will provide you with an overview of the most common types and applications manufactured by Cheng Hao to help you make the choice of the type of stainless steel screw that is best for you.
Table of Contents
What Types of Stainless Steel are Commonly Used for Screws?
Austenitic Stainless Steels (e.g., 304 and 316): These grades offer excellent corrosion resistance and are suitable for general-purpose applications, including outdoor and marine use.
Martensitic Stainless Steels (e.g., 410): Known for their strength and hardness, these grades are often used in applications requiring high tensile strength and resistance to wear and abrasion.
What are the disadvantages of stainless steel screws and fasteners?
Strength and durability limitations – While stainless steel excels in low-stress situations, it’s not the go-to choice for heavy-duty applications. Explore stronger alternatives for maximum durability
Are stainless steel screws rust proof?
Stainless steel screws are highly resistant to rust, but not completely rust proof. They contain chromium, which reacts with oxygen to form a protective layer that prevents rust. However, this layer can be damaged in certain environments, such as those with high levels of salt or acid.
Stainless Steel Self-Tapping Screws:
Reason for Selection: Stainless steel self-tapping screws are preferred in applications where corrosion resistance is essential. Standard steel self-tapping screws can rust over time when exposed to moisture or the harsh environments that are commonly seen in construction, outdoor and marine environments.
There are a large range of head and thread types available for different types of screws made in stainless steel, please refer to our specifications page for more information on the options available or contact us if you still have questions.
Self tapping screws are used in a variety of application areas throughout the construction industry to deliver corrosion resistance and this table shows the most common types of stainless steel and the materials in which they are normally used.
Types of Stainless Steel Used by Screw Type
The following table is a comprehensive list of the types of screws that Cheng Hao manufactures along with the types of stainless steel that can be used for each screw type. If you would like further information about this or you have special material requirements then please contact us.
When is Stainless Steel Not the Best Choice of Material for Screws?
While stainless steel screws offer excellent corrosion resistance and durability, there are certain types of screws and applications where they may not be the most suitable choice. Here are some examples:
- High-Stress Applications: Stainless steel screws may not be ideal for applications requiring extremely high tensile strength or torque, such as heavy machinery or structural connections. In such cases, high-strength alloy steel screws might be preferred.
- Heat Resistance: Stainless steel screws can lose some of their strength at high temperatures. In applications with consistently elevated temperatures, heat-resistant alloys or specialty fasteners may be required.
- Hardened Materials: When fastening into exceptionally hard materials like hardened steel or certain types of concrete, standard stainless steel screws may not provide the necessary penetration and may risk bending or breaking. Specialized screws or fasteners made from hardened steel might be better suited.
- Electrical Conductivity: Stainless steel is not a good conductor of electricity. For applications where electrical conductivity is essential, such as grounding or electrical connections, alternative materials like brass or copper may be preferred.
- Cost Considerations: Stainless steel screws tend to be more expensive than standard steel screws. In applications where cost is a significant factor and corrosion resistance is not a primary concern, standard steel screws may be a more economical choice.
- Chemically Aggressive Environments: While stainless steel is generally resistant to many chemicals, it may not be suitable for extremely corrosive chemical environments. In such cases, specialized corrosion-resistant fasteners made from materials like Hastelloy or Inconel might be necessary.
- Critical Aerospace Applications: In aerospace applications where weight is a critical factor, titanium screws are often preferred over stainless steel due to their lower density.
Cheng Hao is the leading supplier of custom screws for Export from Taiwan, to let us know about your requirements and to get a rapid quote, please contact us.