| Attribute | SS304 Nuts | 7075 Aluminum Nuts |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | Austenitic stainless steel, primarily composed of iron, chromium (18-20%), nickel (8-10.5%), and small amounts of manganese, silicon, and carbon | High-strength aluminum alloy composed primarily of aluminum, zinc (5.6-6.1%), magnesium (2.1-2.5%), and copper (1.2-1.6%) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments such as marine or chemical applications due to the presence of chromium and nickel | Moderate corrosion resistance; prone to galvanic corrosion when in contact with other metals, particularly in saline environments |
| Strength and Hardness | Tensile strength: 505 MPa; Yield strength: 215 MPa; Hardness: ~70 HRB | Tensile strength: 572-640 MPa; Yield strength: 503 MPa; Hardness: ~150 HB |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³, making SS304 nuts significantly heavier than their aluminum counterparts | 2.81 g/cm³, making 7075 aluminum nuts much lighter, ideal for weight-sensitive applications |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K, relatively low thermal conductivity, suitable for high-temperature applications where heat retention is beneficial | 130 W/m·K, high thermal conductivity, making it less suitable for high-temperature environments but ideal for heat dissipation |
| Electrical Conductivity | Poor electrical conductivity, not suitable for applications requiring conductive materials | High electrical conductivity, beneficial for applications where electrical conductivity is necessary |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic in its annealed state, but can become slightly magnetic when cold worked | Non-magnetic, suitable for applications requiring non-magnetic fasteners |
| Machinability | Moderate machinability; requires appropriate tooling and cutting speeds to avoid work hardening | Excellent machinability; easier to machine than stainless steel, but care must be taken to avoid galling |
| Fatigue Resistance | Good fatigue resistance, especially in cyclic loading conditions; less prone to fatigue failure than aluminum | High strength-to-weight ratio but lower fatigue resistance compared to stainless steel, especially in corrosive environments |
| Applications | Widely used in industries requiring high corrosion resistance such as marine, chemical processing, and food production | Commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods where high strength and low weight are critical |
| Temperature Tolerance | Excellent performance at high temperatures; can maintain strength and corrosion resistance up to 870°C | Limited high-temperature performance; strength decreases significantly above 120°C |
| Cost | Generally more expensive due to the cost of alloying elements and processing | Typically less expensive than stainless steel, though cost can vary depending on market fluctuations for aluminum alloys |
| Sustainability | Recyclable, though more energy-intensive to produce than aluminum; longevity often offsets environmental costs | Highly recyclable with lower energy requirements for production, making it more sustainable in the long term |
| Environmental Considerations | Resistant to oxidation and other environmental factors, contributing to longer lifespan in harsh environments | More susceptible to corrosion in certain environments, requiring additional coatings or treatments for protection |
SS304 nuts offer superior corrosion resistance and performance at high temperatures, making them ideal for harsh environments, while 7075 aluminum nuts provide a lightweight, high-strength alternative for applications where weight and electrical conductivity are critical.