Stainless Steel Fasteners
Fasteners made of stainless steel are high strength, corrosion resistant tools used in the automotive, electronic, medical, marine and construction industries. Stainless steel alloys are iron-based metals containing at least 10% chromium and other metals, which provide added corrosion and heat resistance. They do not require a protective coating, and are able to perform well in a wide range of conditions and temperatures. Stainless steel fastener materials are identified as the B8 class of stainless steel alloys. These fasteners come in a wide range of head styles, shoulder forms, thread forms and point styles.
Stainless steel fasteners are manufactured by two different processes-machining and cold heading. Machining is the preferred method for larger fasteners in smaller production runs. This procedure is older and creates a weaker product with less fatigue resistance. Cold heading forms stainless steel wire into different shapes by forcing it through die and punch cavities. This method is fast and takes fewer steps in the process. After the fasteners have been machined or cold worked, they are threaded if necessary. This is done by cold forming as well. Stainless steel fasteners are often precipitation hardened, a form of aging that combines low temperature aging treatments and cold working.