Fastener Materials Chart
Fastener Materials
Fastener Materials
| Material | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Carbon Steel | Contains less than 0.3% carbon. Inexpensive and easy to form. | Good for general applications where high strength is not required. | Low strength compared to other alloys. Susceptible to corrosion. | General hardware, construction, automotive. |
| Medium Carbon Steel | Contains 0.3% to 0.6% carbon. Stronger and harder than low carbon steel. | Higher strength and hardness compared to low carbon steel. | Less ductile and more prone to brittleness. Susceptible to corrosion. | Automotive parts, machinery, structural components. |
| Alloy Steel | Contains additional alloying elements such as manganese, chromium, or nickel. | High strength, hardness, and wear resistance. | Higher cost compared to carbon steels. May require special heat treatment. | High-stress applications, automotive, aerospace. |
| Stainless Steel | Contains chromium (usually at least 10.5%) to resist corrosion. | Excellent corrosion resistance, even at high temperatures. | Higher cost than carbon steels. Not as strong as carbon or alloy steels. | Marine environments, food processing, medical devices. |
| Brass | Alloy of copper and zinc. | Excellent corrosion resistance. Good electrical conductivity. | Relatively low strength. Higher cost compared to steel. | Decorative hardware, electrical components, plumbing. |
| Aluminum | Lightweight metal with good corrosion resistance. | Low density, good thermal conductivity. | Lower strength compared to steel. Susceptible to galvanic corrosion. | Aerospace, automotive, construction. |
| Titanium | Lightweight, high-strength metal with excellent corrosion resistance. | High strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible. | Expensive, difficult to machine. | Aerospace, medical implants, marine. |
| Nickel Alloys | Contains nickel with other elements such as chromium, molybdenum, or iron. | High strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. | Higher cost, can be difficult to machine. | Aerospace, chemical processing, marine. |
| Copper | Soft, malleable metal with excellent electrical conductivity. | Good corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity. | Low strength, prone to tarnishing. | Electrical wiring, plumbing, decorative applications. |
| Plastics | Various synthetic materials with a wide range of properties. | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, non-conductive. | Low strength compared to metals. Can degrade over time. | Electronics, automotive, medical devices. |