Material
The type of metal or alloy used to manufacture the bolt.
Aluminum
Aluminum fasteners are a light weight alternative to steel fasteners. Aluminum is soft, non-magnetic, and corrosion resistant. These fasteners offer good electrical and thermal conductivity, and a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Brass
Brass is a soft, non-magnetic fastener material that offers corrosion resistance, heat and electrical conductivity, and cosmetic appeal. Brass fasteners may be found in electronics, plumbing, and marine applications.
Monel
This 2/3 nickel and 1/3 copper material is an alloy developed by the Special Metals Corporation. It has very good strength and is similar in strength to medium carbon steel, however, due to its strength it has poor machining properties. Its composition also provides it with excellent corrosion resistance in specific highly corrosive environments of sea water, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, alkalines. With the ability to retain its strength at very high and low temperatures it is one of the best materials to resist extreme elemental conditions. Applications include marine fasteners and chemical processing.
Nylon
Nylon is a lightweight, wear resistant, non-magnetic, non-conductive, corrosion resistant fastener material often used in electronics applications. Nylon fasteners are commonly made of nylon 6/6, which is generally able to withstand oils, greases, and solvents. Many nylons melt rather than burn and have the ability to self-extinguish. Nylon fasteners may swell from moisture absorption, degrade under UV exposure, or fail in high strength applications.
Silicon Bronze
Silicone bronze is a high strength fastener material popular in naval and marine environments, and sewage disposal applications. Silicon bronze is known for its high thermal conductivity, non-magnetic properties, and high resistance to corrosion, even in harsh environments such as those where brines or gases are present.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is steel combined with alloying elements, principally chromium, to enhance corrosion resistance and impart other desired properties depending upon the alloying elements in use and their proportions. Many stainless steel fasteners are non-magnetic or less magnetic than regular steel fasteners.
Steel
Steel is the most common fastener material due to its strength properties. Unalloyed steel may be surface treated to enhance corrosion resistance and other desirable properties.
Titanium
Titanium fasteners are strong yet lightweight, highly corrosion resistance, and able to withstand high temperatures. Titanium fasteners are found in marine, aerospace, and chemical processing applications.
