Industrial Equipment: Now and Later

Industrial Equipment: Now and Later

Six Things You Need To Know About Stainless Steel Industrial Fasteners

Laurie Washington

Stainless steel is commonly used in the fabrication of industrial fasteners. However, there are certain things you should be aware of if you are supplying your industrial facility with stainless steel fasteners.

It is important to protect stainless steel fasteners from contact with other metals.

If stainless steel fasteners come into contact with other metals, a process known as galvanic corrosion can occur. Galvanic corrosion can occur when stainless steel comes into contact with metals such as copper or lead.

It is important to prevent contamination between metals when using stainless steel fasteners. Make sure your equipment setup won't allow metal contact to occur in order to prevent galvanic corrosion. 

Lubrication can keep stainless steel fasteners in better shape.

Another possible cause of damage to stainless steel fasteners that can be prevented by proper maintenance is galling. Galling occurs when stainless steel threads lock up. Fortunately, this can be prevented by lubrication.

Routine lubrication should be part of the routine maintenance you perform on equipment that includes stainless steel fasteners. 

Keeping stainless steel fasteners as dry as possible is important.

If stainless steel fasteners are exposed to moisture because of rainwater, corrosion becomes more likely. Both moisture itself and the impurities that rainwater may contain can potentially lead to corrosion. That is why it is important to shelter stainless steel fasteners from moisture exposure whenever possible. 

Stainless steel industrial fasteners are available with corrosion-resistant surface finishes.

Because corrosion is a significant cause of damage to stainless steel fasteners, it is important to use fasteners at your facility that feature a corrosion-resistant surface finish.

Smooth surface finishes are likely to prevent corrosion while corrosion is more likely with finishes that are brushed or rough. 

Electropolishing can reduce corrosion risks.

Electropolishing is a process that can be done during the manufacture of stainless steel industrial fasteners. This process helps to make the chromium oxide layer on the surface of stainless steel thicker. Electropolishing is similar to passivating.  

Stainless steel fasteners should be cleaned periodically.

Cleaning stainless steel fasteners is a good way to keep them in better shape and minimize the risks of corrosion development. That is why you must establish a regular cleaning schedule for stainless steel fasteners at your facility.

Cleanings prevent corrosion by helping to remove salt that can build up on the surface of fasteners and speed up corrosion development significantly. For more information, check out this website http://www.commercialhardwaregroup.com or similar sites.


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Industrial Equipment: Now and Later

Take a look around at the industrial equipment in your facility. Hopefully it is all working and in good shape. If you want to keep it that way, you will need to provide it with the proper care. Every machine has somewhat different maintenance requirements, but in most cases, some lubrication and an annual inspection by a qualified repair professional will go a long way. Here's the thing: you can't be in this industry without the right equipment. So rather than spending more on new equipment, it is wise to care for the stuff you've got. Read more on this and related topics right here on this website about industrial equipment.

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