Q: I’ve been using Monel 400 for a saltwater application but I’m having issues with bolts notwithstanding the application pressure. Is there a saltwater resistant fastener that can give me higher strength?
A: Yes for higher strength saltwater resistance you have two options. Monel K500 bolts are an age hardened sister alloy to Monel 400. These bolts have undergone a precipitation hardening process which makes them almost 2x’s stronger: Monel 400 bolts 83ksi vs Monel K500 bolts 160ksi Ultimate Tensile Strength. Another option would be titanium grade 5 bolts. Titanium grade 5 is almost 4 times stronger than stainless steel and offers 148ksi of tensile strength. Titanium grade 5 bolts are among the most resistant to saltwater environments, experiencing virtually no corrosion even after years in mile deep seawater.