Quality Practices

For many of us, the default is to try to reuse materials from previous projects to save on costs and because we already have those materials around. However, is it safe to reuse screws?

Check out this video for some quick rules on when you should or should not reuse screws:

As the video said, do NOT reuse screws if

• They have exceeded the yield point
• They have wear and tear from external loads
• They will be used in critical applications

You can reuse screws, but if you are worried about the integrity of the screw, it might be best to get new fasteners.

If you have a specific question about a project or situation, reach out to us and we can give you the benefit of our expertise. Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with any questions or concerns about fastener reuse!

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Austenitic Stainless Steel

When picking the fastener for your next project, you are going to want to consider the material it is made of. Many of our options include steel fasteners. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is an alloy that combines carbon grades with chromium and nickel. To be Stainless Steel, the alloy must contain at least 10.5% chromium. Austenitic is a type of Stainless Steel. Let’s take a closer look at Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Austenitic Stainless Steel
Austenitic stainless steel has a chromium content between 15% and 20% and a nickel content between 5% and 19% and offers a higher degree of corrosion resistance than the other two types of stainless. The tensile strength of austenitic stainless steel varies between 72,000 psi and 115,000 psi (500 MPa to 800 MPa). 18-8 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless that contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This group includes AISI grades 302, 303, 304, 304L, and 316.

Consider using Austenitic Stainless Steel in projects that need corrosion resistance or projects that involve exposure to high heat. Do you still have questions about fastener materials? Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com and we can set you up with the fastening solution that will fit just right.

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Stainless Steel

Should I use Stainless Steel for fastening in my next project? That’s a good question. Fasteners come in a variety of materials and it is important to consider your project before you decide what material to use for it.

Many fastening options involve steel. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel. Let’s take a closer look at Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is made up of alloy steels that contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium content. The presence of chromium creates an invisible surface film that resists oxidation and makes the metal corrosion resistant. If the surface is damaged, it rebuilds itself in the presence of oxygen. It is important to understand the self-healing process because stainless steel used in a low oxygen surrounding is susceptible to aggressive influences if the protective surface layer becomes damaged.

Stainless steel is divided into three classes: Austenitic, Martensitic and Ferritic.

Stainless Steel fasteners are a good option when you need a fastener with high corrosion resistance because these fasteners will not easily deteriorate. If you have questions about Stainless Steel fasteners or need help in deciding on a fastener, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. Our experts can help you get the materials you need for a successful project.

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Alloy Steel

There are a lot of fastener options out there. When picking the fastener for your next project, you are going to want to consider the material it is made of. Many of our options include steel fasteners. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Carbon Steel
Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel are all types of Carbon Steel. They are separated into these three groups because the mechanical properties of these fasteners are based on the amount of carbon in the fastener.

The vast majority of fasteners that are manufactured use carbon steel. This is because it is inexpensive, but also because it has a broad range of strength capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at one type of Carbon Steel: Alloy Steel.

Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is carbon steel that contains additives such as boron, manganese, chromium, silicon, etc. Additions of these elements improve the capacity of alloys to be heat treated to a wide range of strength and ductility combinations. However, the higher the strength the great the risk of hydrogen embrittlement if plated.

Alloy steels have a tensile strength in excess of 150,000 psi (1034 MPa).

SAE Grade 8 (metric class 10.9, 12.9) fasteners are made from alloy steel with AISI grades 4137, 4140, 4340, and 5140 falling into this category.

Still have some questions about fastener materials? Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have questions. We are here to make sure your projects go smoothly!

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Medium Carbon Steel

What is the best material to use as a fastening solution for your next project? There are a lot of things to consider when asking yourself that question because you have a lot of options.

Many of our options include steel fasteners. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel. Each of these materials have benefits and drawbacks and certain situations in which they perform best.

Carbon Steel
The vast majority of fasteners that are manufactured use carbon steel. This is because it is inexpensive, but also because it has a broad range of strength capabilities. The mechanical properties of these fasteners are based on the amount of carbon in the fastener; that is why these fasteners are classified into one of three groups: low carbon steel, medium carbon steel or alloy steel. Let’s take a closer look at Medium Carbon Steel.

Medium Carbon Steel
Medium carbon steel has a carbon content between 0.25% and 0.65%. It can be easily heat treated for added strength with very low risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement after plating. It has a tensile strength between 100,000 psi and 120,000 psi (690 MPa to 830 MPa).

SAE Grade 5 (metric class 8.8) is generally made from medium carbon steel with AISI grades 1038, 1040, 1045, 1541, 5132, and 5135 falling into this category.

If you still can’t decide what material you want to use for a fastener, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. If you have any questions about finding the right fastener for your project, reach out because we are here to help!

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Low Carbon Steel

When taking the first step into finding fastening solutions, your biggest consideration will be what type of material will be required for the application. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel. Performance of each type will be dictated by the requirements of the application.

Carbon Steel
Carbon Steel is inexpensive and it has a broad range of capabilities. That is why the majority of fasteners use carbon steel.

The mechanical properties of these fasteners are based on the amount of carbon in the fastener; that is why these fasteners are classified into one of three groups: low carbon steel, medium carbon steel or alloy steel. Let’s take a closer look at Low Carbon Steel.

Low Carbon Steel
Low carbon steel contains less than 0.25% carbon. It is very ductile, easily machined and can be welded. The low percentage of carbon lends itself to lower strength. Tensile strength typically will range from 60,000 psi to 80,000 psi (410 MPa to 550 MPa).

SAE Grade 2 (metric class 4.6, 4.8, 5.8) is usually made from low carbon steel with AISI grades 1006, 1010, 1016, 1018, 1022 and 1035.

Low Carbon Steel is a common material to use in fasteners. There are many advantages to using it. However, there are also other options for fastener materials. Deciding on the perfect fastener can be a challenge, but we’re here to help! Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have any questions about finding the right fastener for your project.