Fasteners serve an important role in industrial processes, and picking the best is ever-important. Take a look at two of the primary materials used to create industrial fasteners and the pros and cons of each. 

Stainless Steel Fasteners

Stainless steel is perhaps the most common material used to manufacture industrial fasteners, and it is one of the oldest types that has been used. You will find fasteners made out of stainless steel on everything from automotive parts to outdoor furniture and household goods. Many manufacturers prefer stainless steel because of its qualities, but it is also a material that allows a wide array of styles to be created because of its malleability during production. 

Pros:

• Stainless steel fasteners are resilient to corrosion and work well in outdoor situations.
• These fasteners are widely available in a range of styles and sizes.
• Stainless steel is durable in abrasive applications.
• Stainless steel fasteners have a nice finish for visible applications. 

Cons:

• Some stainless steel fasteners need to be attached along with plastic spacers on metal applications to prevent damage.
• Stainless steel fasteners can be a little more costly than some other varieties. 
• Stainless steel fasteners can break under extreme amounts of pressure. 

Carbon Steel Fasteners 

Carbon steel is manufactured with a higher level of carbon than traditional steel, which makes it stronger. This form of steel is actually considered an alloy steel by some fastener manufacturers because they classify carbon additives as an alloy, just like aluminum or chromium. You can find carbon steel fasteners on applications in which the fasteners will be exposed to high temperatures, such as boiler systems or heat-producing industrial equipment. The material is commonly used to produce tools because of its durability, so fasteners on tools made of carbon steel also tend to be the same type of material.

Pros:

• Carbon steel is incredibly strong when compared to alloys or stainless steel. 
• Carbon steel works well in high-heat applications. 
• Carbon steel does not break down easily. 

Cons:

• Carbon steel is more prone to corrosion, so it is not good for outdoor applications. 
• Carbon steel is more on the expensive side because of the higher level of carbon. 
• Fasteners made of carbon steel are limited in shapes and sizes. 

Choosing the proper kind of fasteners is an arduous process, and it is one that should take ample research and consideration. Reach out to an industrial equipment supplier or go to sites like http://www.commercialhardwaregroup.com to find out more about the different materials used to manufacture fasteners.