Q: What is the difference between Nitronic 50 and 60?
A: Both grades of Nitronic offer similar strength which is nearly double the yield strength of 300 series stainless steel (Nitronic 50 100ksi UTS and Nitronic 60 95ksi UTS). The real difference is in the temperature capabilities and the usage focus. Nitronic 50 fasteners are usable to about 1200F. They are mainly used for strength, ductility, and toughness as well as mild corrosion resistance in marine applications. They can also be used for their low magnetic permeability in medical applications. In contrast, Nitronic 60 is typically used for fretting and galling resistance as well as oxidation and carburization at moderate temperatures. Fretting is surface damage that occurs from the wear of two contacting surfaces, whereas galling is friction between two surfaces that actually causes them to fuse together. Nitronic 60 bolts are used to prevent these types of wear.