FAQs About Fastener Stainless Steel Composition

If you have questions about fastener stainless steel composition, the team at Bossard is your one-stop center for reliable answers. We’ve fielded and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about fastener stainless steel composition. Continue reading to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to Bossard with any additional questions.

What Is Stainless Steel Made Of?  

Stainless steel is a family of reliable, iron-based alloys that are made up of at least 11.5% chromium as well as other elements, including:

• Titanium
• Nickel
• Selenium
• Molybdenum
• Manganese
• Sulfur
• And more

The chromium is primarily responsible for corrosion resistance, while the other alloying elements can be used to bolster certain characteristics regarding fabricability, strength, and heat resistance. 

In total, there are over 60 different types of commercial stainless steel acknowledged by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) as basic varieties. In addition to those, there is a seemingly wide range of exclusive and special analysis stainless steel produced throughout the US. 

How Are Different Stainless Steels Identified?

The majority of AISI stainless steels utilize a system of numbers for identification, such as 400 Series. Simultaneously, they are identified by the United Numbering System. For instance, while AISI’s moniker may be Type 304 stainless steel, the UNS may identify it as Type S30400. All exclusive stainless-steel blends and special analysis blends are identified by trade names.

In general, there are five main groups of stainless steels:

• Duplex stainless steel
• Austenitic stainless steel
• Precipitation hardening stainless steel
• Martensitic stainless steel
• Ferritic stainless steel

What Is the Most Popular Stainless-Steel Composition?

Most austenitic stainless steels are recognized as having excellent corrosion resistance. For instance, Type 304 stainless steels are highly popular and are the most frequently used material that can resist ordinary rusting. At the same time, it’s immune to dyestuffs, most organic chemicals, foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, and a host of other chemicals. 

These stainless steels are used in many industries because they boast the ability to maintain product purity with minimal pollution. Some of the most common industries that use 304 stainless steel include:

• Electronic chip industries
• Food and beverage
• Medicine

How Should I Choose the Best Stainless Steel for My Fastener or Application?

When it comes to choosing the best stainless steel, taking the all-purpose approach rarely works. You can, however, use the following chart to help narrow down your choice of stainless-steel materials based on the usually important dimension of corrosion resistance: 

Above all, it’s imperative to choose your stainless-steel composition based on tests and trials performed under the actual working environment and conditions. 

Contact Bossard today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com for assistance selecting the best stainless steel.