While stainless steel fasteners are a cost-effective solution with superior anti-corrosion qualities, improper habits practiced by casual operators may sometimes cause a well-maintained structure to fail. It is important to educate oneself on positive habits that will help maintain the stainless steel fasteners' long-lasting features.
1. Proper cleaning schedule
The longevity of stainless steel fasteners is dependent on the manner in which the equipment is cleaned. When exposed to moisture, stainless steel maintains its excellent state for a longer amount of time when combined with a suitable vapor management system.
2. Lubrication of threads
Lubrication of stainless steel fasteners should be performed prior to assembly to avoid wear and tear caused by the sliding surfaces adhering together, a phenomenon known as galling, in which some portion of a material is scratched by the surface in contact and tearing can occur rapidly under the application of excessive force.
3. Proper tools for slotting
To minimise premature fastener wear and tear, it is vital to use appropriate tools for slotting the holes designed to meet the mechanical qualities of stainless steel fasteners.
4. Electrochemical polishing
Electro-polishing is a reversal of the electroplating process that is used to polish, deburr, and passivate fasteners in order to increase the thickness of the protective coating against corrosion. Stainless steel fasteners may also be regularly processed using the same approach.
5. Scheduled monitoring
Occasionally, fasteners lose their grip in certain areas due to a lack of monitoring for equipment wear. If a defect is left uncorrected for an extended period of time, it might result in permanent harm to the whole system.