Regarding fasteners used in harsh environments, two of the most popular options are stainless steel studs and Inconel studs. These studs are favored in aerospace, oil, and gas, and marine industries because they are resistant to corrosion, heat, and extreme pressure. Despite the similarities, there are notable differences between stainless steel studs and Inconel studs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what these differences are.
What are Stainless steel studs?
SS studs are fastening devices composed of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. They can be used in various applications and environments, offering superior strength and durability to alternative materials such as zinc or brass. Due to their resistance to rust and corrosion, SS studs provide increased product lifetime for the components they are securing together. Furthermore, since they don’t require additional protective coatings such as paint or galvanization, they are far more cost-effective than other fasteners.
What are Inconel studs?
Inconel studs are high-temperature fasteners made of nickel-based alloy materials. They offer superior corrosion resistance and strength at extreme temperatures, making them ideal for engines, turbines, chemical processing, and cryogenic equipment applications. Inconel is especially well-suited to highly corrosive environments and provides excellent resistance to stress cracking fatigue.
Stainless Steel Studs vs Inconel Studs: Understanding the Key Differences
Chemical Composition
SS studs are made from iron, carbon, and chromium composite alloy. The chromium element allows the steel to resist rust, stains, and corrosion. Inconel studs, conversely, are made from a family of superalloys consisting of nickel, chromium, and iron. The amount of nickel in Inconel studs provides resistance to corrosion and heat. Both studs contain varying amounts of other elements to strengthen their properties.
Strength and Durability
SS studs are known for their excellent strength and durability. The material is incredibly hard, making it resistant to deformation from high forces. Inconel studs, however, are designed specifically for high-temperature applications, giving them superior strength and toughness. Inconel delivers excellent high-temperature mechanical strength and excellent resistance to oxidation and scaling.
Uses
SS studs are ideal in applications where the equipment will be exposed to low to moderate thermal loads, but corrosion resistance and cost efficiency are critical. They are often used in outdoor constructions, chemical plants, and food manufacturing facilities. Conversely, Inconel studs are designed for extreme environments, including nuclear reactors, jet engines, and rocket engines. Inconel products are the preferred choice when resistance to heat and corrosion is essential.
Price
Stainless steel studs are often less expensive than Inconel studs, making them a more cost-efficient option. Inconel studs are typically more expensive due to their unique chemical composition and properties. While Inconel studs may initially be more expensive than their stainless steel counterparts, there are important cost savings in the long run because they last much longer in harsh conditions.
Conclusion:
Stainless steel and Inconel studs are excellent for use in harsh environments. Choosing which type of stud to use ultimately depends on the application’s requirements, and understanding their differences is important. Stainless steel studs are ideal for their corrosion resistance and are cost-efficient options in low to moderate environments. However, for extreme environments that experience corrosive and high-temperature conditions, Inconel studs are the best choice due to their high-temperature mechanical strength, oxidation resistance and scaling resistance. Knowing these differences will help you make the best decision for your unique application.