| Aspect | 7075-T6 Aluminum Bolts | SS304 Stainless Steel Bolts |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | High-strength aluminum alloy primarily composed of aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and copper. | Austenitic stainless steel primarily composed of iron, chromium, nickel, and manganese. |
| Density | Approximately 2.81 g/cm³, making it lightweight. | Approximately 8.00 g/cm³, making it significantly heavier than aluminum. |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 572 MPa (83,000 psi), offering high strength-to-weight ratio. | 515 MPa (74,700 psi), providing good strength but lower than 7075-T6 aluminum. |
| Yield Strength | 503 MPa (73,000 psi), making it suitable for high-load applications. | 205 MPa (29,700 psi), less yield strength compared to 7075-T6 aluminum. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate corrosion resistance; susceptible to galvanic corrosion when in contact with other metals. | Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric environments and various chemicals. |
| Temperature Resistance | Can maintain mechanical properties up to 120°C (248°F), but properties degrade at higher temperatures. | Can withstand temperatures up to 870°C (1600°F) without losing significant mechanical properties. |
| Machinability | Excellent machinability, allowing for precise and easy fabrication. | Fair machinability; harder to machine than aluminum but offers better surface finish. |
| Fatigue Strength | 159 MPa (23,000 psi), suitable for cyclic loading applications but lower fatigue strength compared to steel. | 241 MPa (35,000 psi), offering higher fatigue strength than 7075-T6 aluminum. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 130 W/m·K, providing good heat dissipation capabilities. | 16.2 W/m·K, significantly lower thermal conductivity, less effective for heat dissipation. |
| Electrical Conductivity | High electrical conductivity (38% IACS), making it suitable for applications requiring conductivity. | Low electrical conductivity (1.4% IACS), generally not used where conductivity is required. |
| Weight Consideration | Lightweight, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and applications where weight savings are critical. | Heavier, contributing to the overall weight of the assembly, suitable for structural applications. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive due to the alloying elements and processing involved. | Typically less expensive than 7075-T6 aluminum, with broader availability and lower raw material costs. |
| Corrosion Protection | Often requires surface treatments like anodizing or coatings for enhanced corrosion resistance. | Inherent corrosion resistance, usually does not require additional coatings. |
| Application Areas | Aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and high-performance applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratio. | Construction, infrastructure, food processing, and marine environments where corrosion resistance is critical. |
| Sustainability and Recycling | Highly recyclable with a lower energy requirement for recycling, making it environmentally friendly. | Also highly recyclable, though with a higher energy requirement compared to aluminum. |
| Environmental Impact | Lower environmental impact due to lightweight and recyclability, though energy-intensive in primary production. | Greater environmental impact due to higher weight and energy-intensive production and recycling processes. |
7075-T6 aluminum bolts are ideal for high-strength, lightweight applications, whereas SS304 stainless steel bolts excel in corrosion resistance and durability in harsh environments.