Can Stainless Steel Screws Be Used On Aluminum?
Stainless steel screws are available for use on aluminum profiles.
Both materials, stainless steel and aluminum, are corrosion-resistant, and stainless steel screws are a commonly used fastener in the assembly of aluminum profiles.
When aluminum comes into contact with stainless steel, an electric current is generated and electrochemical corrosion occurs when they are combined in a corrosive electrolyte.
At any time over a long period of time, stainless steel bolts in contact with aluminum profiles around the discoloration will occur, known as “tea staining”.
Despite the negative reaction of aluminum when used together with stainless steel, depending on the actual circumstances of use, such as the use of stainless steel screws on fixing aluminum road railings, the surface area of aluminum is so much larger compared to that of stainless steel bolts with full thread that the risk of serious corrosion is very low.
Specific application environments require additional consideration, particularly the marine environment where severe corrosion can occur when stainless steel boltss come into contact with aluminum profiles.
In a dry, non-corrosive environment, stainless steel screws installed on aluminum profiles will not produce corrosion conditions, so how can we prevent corrosion in the wet and salt water such a situation, or to minimise the production of corrosion.
SS Screws Factory
- Ding Fasteners
- N0.52 Qinfen Rd, Haiyan Zhejiang China
- [email protected]
- 0086-13819377033
- Walter Chou
Attention Of Stainless Steel Screws For Aluminum Applications
Use Aluminum-Compatible Stainless Steel Screws
Stainless steel screws are characterised by high tensile strength and high corrosion resistance. However, in order to prevent galvanic corrosion.
We recommend the use of aluminum-compatible stainless steel fasteners, such as austenitic stainless steel bolts: A2-70 (SS 304) or A4-80 (SS 316).
304 and 316 stainless steel bolts are generally the best choice for use with aluminum profiles and are the most common and readily available stainless steel fasteners on the market.
As long as they are installed correctly, make sure they are tightened properly to prevent damage to the surface of the aluminum profile from movement and vibration and to prevent the potential for corrosion.
Adding An Insulating Layer
Electrolytic corrosion can be prevented by adding an insulating layer at the point of contact between the stainless steel bolt and the aluminum profile.
The best barrier materials include the use of nylon washers, plastic, or a sealant or even paint on the contact surface to protect the joint.
Lubrication Of Stainless Steel Screws
Stainless steel bolts in contact with aluminum profiles, especially when mounted on aluminum without pre-drilled holes, sometimes create a risk of seizing.
Our usual practice is to lubricate the stainless steel screws after they have been degreased and cleaned. The stainless steel fasteners are soaked in a special lubricant and then dried.
This lubrication treatment adds a lubricating film between the stainless steel fastener and the aluminum, which also prevents electrolytic corrosion.
So fasteners such as stainless steel bolts and nuts can be used in aluminum or aluminum alloy structures.
If your project is in a specific environment, such as outdoor, or near the sea, we recommend consulting our experts or engineers. We can make a suitable solution according to your actual construction situation.
Contact the Experts
- Ding Fasteners
- N0.52 Qinfen Rd, Haiyan Zhejiang China
- [email protected]
- +86-573-86221432