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Stainless Steel ScrewsScrews made of stainless steel are high strength, corrosion resistant fasteners 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 screw materials are identified as the B8 class of stainless steel alloys. They are either sold individually or by pound. Screws are composed of an externally threaded shaft and a head, which usually has slits for screw drivers. Stainless steel screws 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 screws have been machined or cold worked, they are almost always threaded. This is done by cold forming as well. Stainless steel screws are often precipitation hardened, a form of aging that combines low temperature aging treatments and cold working.
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