marine stainless steel hardware is a common component on marine vessels, boats and docks. Whether used for structural purposes or as accents, stainless steel components provide an excellent combination of corrosion resistance and durability.
Choosing the right grade of stainless steel is important to ensure optimal performance and long-term service life. Stainless steel 316, for example, is better suited to saltwater environments than 304.
1. Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for marine hardware because it has corrosion resistance. It contains at least 10% chromium, which forms an oxide layer on the surface of the metal to inhibit corrosion.
There are several different types of stainless steel, including 304 and 316. Grade 316 contains more nickel and molybdenum than 304, which increases its corrosion resistance.
Chloride ions in seawater can cause pitting and crevice corrosion in certain stainless steels. Additionally, concentrations of chloride can vary between water splash zones and evaporation areas.
All of these factors are important to consider when selecting a metal for your project, especially if it will be used in a marine environment. You want to choose a material that will be as durable as possible and will hold up to saltwater.
2. Strength
Stainless steel hardware, nuts, bolts and screws have an important role in marine applications, particularly where salty environments accelerate corrosion. Using high strength and corrosion resistant fasteners promotes safety, extends lifespans and reduces maintenance costs.
When choosing stainless steel for marine applications, it is important to consider the tensile strength of the fasteners and their alloy composition. This will determine the holding power of the hardware.
Grade 304 (18-8) is the most popular grade of stainless steel and offers excellent corrosion resistance and a strong tensile strength. It is an 18% chromium/8% nickel alloy with small amounts of other alloying elements.
Type 316 is an alternative to 18-8 and has higher nickel content with small amounts of molybdenum added. This increases the chromium/nickel ratio, which helps improve its corrosion resistance.
BUMAX offers an extensive range of high quality stainless steel hardware to suit any application. Our marine fasteners have been tested and proven to cope with the most demanding of environments, including those on ships, offshore oil rigs and even cable fibre optic connectors in subsea oil and gas wells at up to 3,000m depth.
3. Durability
Stainless steel hardware is a hardy metal that can take the harshest conditions. It’s used in many different applications, from marine platforms to surgical tools.
Unlike standard iron-based metals, stainless steel is a tough and durable material that resists rusting. It’s a type of corrosion-resistant alloy, and it contains an abundance of chromium oxide that forms a protective barrier over its surface.
As with any other metal, stainless steel can corrode when exposed to water. However, marine grade stainless steel is specifically designed to withstand a wide range of saltwater environments.
316 marine grade stainless steel features Molybdenum, which increases its ability to resist corrosive elements like chloride and saline. It’s also more resistant to sulfuric acid, fatty acids and bromides that can damage other types of metal in such environments.
4. Easy Maintenance
Stainless steel is a popular choice for marine applications and components. This is due to its corrosion resistance and the ability to withstand exposure to the elements.
Corrosion can occur in many ways, including chemical and contact corrosion. Both types of corrosion can affect stainless steel, and both types of corrosion can be prevented with regular cleaning.
The best way to prevent chemical corrosion is to not use products that contain chlorides or corrosive chemicals like bleach.
It is also important to wash your hardware after every use. This is especially important if you have exposed the fastener to saltwater or sea spray.
Another way to keep your stainless hardware looking shiny and fresh is to electro-polish it regularly. This process bathes the metal in a mild acid and electric current to remove impurities.