High-Temperature Fasteners – What Do You Know about Them?

Fasteners are sometimes used for more than the most basic construction projects. Often, they are used with certain types of machines and technologies that expose the fasteners to exceptionally high temperatures. These elevated temperatures would quickly cause structural problems for standard fasteners. However, the fastener material specification of high-temperature fasteners include features that make them withstand extreme temperatures and perform as intended in challenging environments. At Field, we are your source for a wide array of high temperature fasteners designed to support various demanding applications.

The Effect of High Temperatures on Fasteners

Standard metal fasteners will melt when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, often in the range of 1000 °F or greater. At such extreme temperatures, these regular fasteners are susceptible to oxidation, which is an accelerated form or rusting and corrosion.

Exceptionally high heat can also cause metal fasteners to expand. When such a fastener expands is begins imposing pressure on the holes into which it was inserted or driven. If the metal later cools, the fastener will contract and end up in loose condition in the hole, which is a structural problem. This problem can occur when machines operate hot and then cool when shut down or not in use. For these machines, high temperature fasteners are required to resist the effect described above of extreme heating and cooling down.

Alloys Effective Against High Temperatures

The following alloys are strong enough to operate under extreme temperatures without melting, deforming, or losing required structural capability.

Stainless Steel 309 and 310: These alloys have higher chromium levels than other standard fasteners. The 310 alloy provides addition corrosion resistance.

Nickel Alloys: Some fasteners contain nickel alloys such as Inconel 600, 625, and 718. They provide strong resistance to oxidation and can endure extreme temps in the range of 1800 °F to 2000 °F.

A-286 Alloy: As an alloy of nickel, iron, and chrome, A-286 possesses great strength as an age hard enable alloy. It has excellent resistance to oxidation and possesses the capability to endure temperatures as high as 1300 °F.

Stainless Steel 630: Due to undergoing a process of cold working and aging at low temperatures, this stainless steel 630 possesses exceptional hardness. This allow is often used in high temperature fasteners because of its strong ductility, strength, and hardness.

To learn about the various high-temperature fasteners we offer at Field, call our fastener cost saving experts today at 815.637.9002 or use our contact form to send us a message.