ABSTRACT
Selection of exactly the right material for a fastener in a specific application may well appear to be awesome. However, in practice, any engineer with a fundamental knowledge of the properties, capabilities, and the limitations of various materials should not find it too difficult to zero-in on the right choice of base material. For example, if the fastener's main function is to deliver strength, think of steel. If the atmosphere is corrosive, consider steel. with a protective coating. For a particularly severe corrosive environment select stainless steel or one of the non-ferrous alloys. If magnetic permeability is important, by-pass conventional steel and choose austenitic stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or plastic alloy. Where high electrical conductivity is a major requirement, turn to aluminum or copper. When resistivity is the prime consideration give thought to a non-metallic material. For a weight saving task select aluminum. When, however the weight-saving feature is coupled with a need for high strength the clear choice is titanium. And for
the case of high and low temperature service investigate stainless steels and the super alloys.
