There are a variety of types of metal from which screws, bolts, dowel pins and other fasteners are usually made, and it can be difficult to decide which is best for your project. Pattern Fasteners stocks a wide range of different options in metals including:
- High tensile steel
- Aluminium
- Stainless steel
- Brass
- Mild steel
Read on for a guide to help you decide which is best for your project.
High Tensile Steel
This is a heavy duty metal which is treated to ensure that its tensile strength is the strongest possible, making it the perfect choice for industrial fabrication and hard wearing repairs. Usually black in colour – though sometimes zinc-plated – fasteners made from this metal can withstand a great deal more pressure than others. The exact amount of pressure is measured through the use of grading, which usually begins at 8.8 (a tensile strength of 800 MPa minimum) and continues upwards).
Aluminium
Opting for lightweight aluminium fasteners is an excellent idea if it’s important to keep weight to a minimum. This metal is also perfect for the use in projects that are required to be aesthetically pleasing, as it can be highly polished and buffed and is lighter in colour than other materials. It isn’t as strong as steel, and so can take less pressure, but it is extremely easy to work with.
Stainless Steel
One of the most advantageous properties of stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion. It can withstand high temperatures, be used in tougher environments and exposed to the elements for considerable amounts of time without rusting or eroding. It can also be polished, much like aluminium, to give a more attractive finish. This material’s resistance to magnetic fields is considerable, plus, as it is one of the most affordable of all options, it won’t reduce your budget by a great deal.
Brass
Brass is highly resistant to corrosion, making it a popular material for fasteners. Its tensile strength is lower than that of stainless steel, but it is water resistant and offers an attractive alternative look for those who seek a warmer coloured metal. Brass is currently extremely in vogue when it comes to the more detailed elements of design.
Mild Steel
Mild steel is perfect for projects that require greater elasticity and movement in their connections to prevent shattering. Mild steel has a lower tensile strength than other forms of steel but it is tough and resistant to heavy impact. It is also highly affordable and is often used where very large numbers of fasteners are required, in order to keep costs down.
For further information about the materials we use in our fasteners, simply contact the team at Pattern Fasteners today on 0121 330 0854 or email sales@patternfasteners.co.uk. Our friendly team will help you with any enquiry you may have. You’ll be able to get hold of us any time between 7am to 5pm between Monday and Friday.
Visit our main site for more information about our manufacturing processes.
