RapidBoltStainless Steel
Austenitic stainless grades delivering outstanding corrosion resistance, cryogenic toughness, and elevated temperature performance for critical service environments.
Material Characteristics
Austenitic stainless steels are the most widely used corrosion-resistant fastener materials in industrial applications. With a minimum of 16% chromium and 8% nickel, these alloys form a passive oxide layer that provides excellent resistance to atmospheric, chemical, and marine corrosion.
The 300-series stainless steels offer a unique combination of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and fabricability. Grade 316 (B8M) adds molybdenum for enhanced pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, while stabilised grades 321 (B8T) and 347 (B8C) incorporate titanium and niobium respectively to prevent sensitisation during high-temperature service.
EMG stocks Class 1 (solution treated) and Class 2 (strain hardened) variants. Class 2 grades deliver significantly higher strength — up to 860 MPa tensile — making them suitable for demanding pressure applications where standard Class 1 strength is insufficient.
Key Properties
Available Grades & Specifications
We stock and supply the following grades. All materials supplied with EN 10204 3.1 mill test reports and full chemical and mechanical certification.
| Designation | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM A193 B8 Cl.1 | 304 SS, Solution Treated |
| ASTM A193 B8 Cl.2 | 304 SS, Strain Hardened |
| ASTM A193 B8M Cl.1 | 316 SS, Solution Treated |
| ASTM A193 B8M Cl.2 | 316 SS, Strain Hardened |
| ASTM A193 B8T | 321 SS, Ti-Stabilised |
| ASTM A193 B8C | 347 SS, Nb-Stabilised |
| ASTM A193 B8MLCuN | 316LN + Cu, Enhanced |
| ASTM A193 B8N | 304N SS, Nitrogen Enhanced |
| ASTM A193 B8MN | 316N SS, Nitrogen Enhanced |
| 304L | Low Carbon 304 |
| 316L | Low Carbon 316 |
Typical Applications
- Chemical and petrochemical processing plants
- Food and pharmaceutical processing equipment
- Marine and coastal infrastructure
- Water and wastewater treatment plants
- Cryogenic LNG piping and vessels
- Heat exchangers and pressure vessels
- Architectural and structural applications
- Nuclear power plant components
- Pulp and paper processing equipment
Available Fastener Types
Class 1 vs Class 2
Class 1 (solution treated) offers maximum corrosion resistance. Class 2 (strain hardened) delivers 2–3× higher yield strength for pressure applications, though both classes retain excellent corrosion performance.
Sensitisation & Stabilisation
In high-temperature welded applications (425–870°C), unstabilised grades risk chromium carbide precipitation. B8T (titanium) and B8C (niobium) grades prevent this intergranular corrosion mechanism.
Marine & Coastal Service
316 grades (B8M) with 2–3% molybdenum are strongly recommended for marine environments. For severe seawater exposure, consider upgrading to Duplex 2205 or Super Duplex 2507.
Standards & Documentation
All stainless steel fasteners are supplied with full documentation, EN 10204 3.1 mill test reports, and compliance with relevant industry standards.
EN 10204 3.1 Certification
Third-party verified material test reports with full chemical and mechanical data.
Heat Number Traceability
Complete material traceability from mill source through to final delivery.
PMI Testing
Positive Material Identification for critical alloy verification.
ISO 9001 Quality
Quality management ensuring consistent product quality and compliance.
Related Materials & Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about stainless steel fasteners, specifications, and applications.
What is the difference between B8 Class 1 and Class 2?
Class 1 (solution treated) provides maximum corrosion resistance with 515 MPa tensile strength. Class 2 (strain hardened) delivers 2–3× higher yield strength (up to 690 MPa for B8M Cl.2), suitable for high-pressure applications while maintaining excellent corrosion performance.
Which stainless steel grade is best for marine environments?
316 (B8M) with 2–3% molybdenum provides the best pitting and crevice corrosion resistance among austenitic grades. For severe seawater immersion, consider upgrading to Duplex 2205 or Super Duplex 2507.
What are stabilised stainless steel grades?
B8T (321, titanium-stabilised) and B8C (347, niobium-stabilised) prevent sensitisation — chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries — during high-temperature service between 425–870°C, protecting against intergranular corrosion in welded assemblies.
Can stainless steel fasteners be used in cryogenic applications?
Yes. Austenitic stainless steels maintain excellent toughness at cryogenic temperatures down to -254°C, making them ideal for LNG piping, cryogenic storage vessels, and liquid nitrogen systems. No impact testing is typically required.
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Phone
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