Choosing a Non-Magnetic Fastener

Non-magnetic fasteners play a crucial role in various applications where avoiding magnetic interference is essential. Common examples include cryogenic environments and medical fields like MRI machines. This newsletter delves into some specialty metal fasteners designed specifically for non-magnetic requirements.

Inconel Bolts
Non-magnetic fasteners offering corrosion resistance, high strength, and high-temperature performance
Inconel 625 and 718 bolts each possess unique attributes tailored for non-magnetic applications. Inconel 625 screws exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance—almost on par with Hastelloy—and boast impressive strength, with a tensile strength of 144 ksi and a maximum operating temperature of 1800°F. Meanwhile, Inconel 718 bolts are celebrated for their extraordinary high strength—about twice as strong as Inconel 625—and outstanding creep-rupture strength up to 1300°F, with an operational limit of 1800°F.

Titanium Bolts
Non-magnetic fasteners providing lightweight strength and chloride/saltwater resistance
A Grade 2 titanium screw excels in resisting chlorides and saltwater, making it suitable for both dynamic and static seawater environments, even surviving in ocean depths exceeding a mile for decades. Additionally, Grade 5 titanium bolts are renowned for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio—four times stronger than 316 stainless steel while being nearly half the weight. Their versatility extends beyond marine applications to medical and military uses.

Aluminum 7075
An economical option for a strong, lightweight non-magnetic fastener
Widely utilized in aerospace applications, Aluminum 7075 bolts are favored for their high strength-to-weight ratio. These bolts provide strength comparable to many steel grades but weigh significantly less. Furthermore, Aluminum 7075 bolts can be heat-treated to meet diverse strength specifications.

How Does Stainless Steel Fit into the Picture?

Common Non-Magnetic Applications

• Aircraft Maintenance & Overhaul
• Aluminum & Other Metal Smelting
• Applications Requiring Cryogenic Temperatures
• Electronics Manufacturers (Clean Room Maintenance)
• Hospitals & Clinics Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI - Maintenance on or near)
• Mine Sweepers
• Nuclear Products & Testing Machines
• Precision Magnetic Equipment (Compasses & Electronics - Maintenance on or near)
• Public Utilities: Gas, Electric & Telecommunication
• Radar Transmission Centers