PRODUCTS + TOOLS

(chromium-nickel-molybdenum) are the most commonly used, austenitic alloys for making stainless steel fasteners, specifically AISI 303, AISI 304 and AISI 316 – also called grades A1, A2 and A4.

AISI 303 stainless steel

This is a Cr-Ni austenitic, non-hardenable stainless steel, with high resistance to galling due to its high sulphur content, which also gives it better workability in machine tools for chip removal. It displays good resistance to corrosion in the atmosphere, toward foodstuffs, as well as organic chemicals.

AISI 304 stainless steel

This is a Cr-Ni austenitic, non-hardenable stainless steel, the most popular and widely used of the 300 series – containing 18% - 20% chromium and 8% - 12% nickel. It has good resistance to corrosion, including to intercrystalline corrosion, and is used in all industries, from mechanics to design, as well as applications in food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, marine, and aerospace sectors, and in kitchen furnishings, bars, restaurants and butcher shops, to name just a few.

AISI 316 stainless steel

This is a Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic, non-hardenable stainless steel, where the presence of molybdenum is necessary to give the alloy excellent corrosion resistance. Its mechanical properties at high temperatures are also better than molybdenum-free steels. In jargon, it is called ‘marine grade’ naval stainless steel, because of its remarkable resistance to intercrystalline salt corrosion. It comprises 16% - 18% chromium, 10% - 14% nickel and around 2% –3% molybdenum.

Stainless steel – a product emerges

Drawing on its many years of experience in the fastener industry, and its understanding of stainless steel, fastener maker Specialinsert ®, has launched its FAST-CON® system, a patented metal-snap fastening system in stainless steel that allows panels and coverings to be connected simply by pressing. The new system can be used in a variety of applications with excellent results in terms of corrosion, wear, and flame resistance, as well as its long service life, compared to other types of fasteners. For these reasons, this new fastening system, which consists of two male-female elements available in standard and customised versions, is suitable for the marine, transportation, construction, RV, furniture, industrial and design sectors. Its female product code is FC-01-FE.51 in stainless steel 316; code FC-01-FE.53 in stainless steel 301; and its male product code is FC-01-MA.51 in stainless steel 316; code FC-01-MA.50 in stainless steel 303.