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Aluminum to Stainless

Aluminum to Stainless

Aluminum to Stainless

(OP)
Is there any problem with galvanic action when I connect aluminum directly to stainless steel?

RE: Aluminum to Stainless

jike,

I always use stainless fasteners whenever I am connecting to aluminum. I worked well for me. Let me suggest that you use a good grade stainless such as 315 or 316 instead of 304. This does not really say if there is not galvanic action (you need to ask a corrosion engineer).

On a recent project, I designed steel frame, hot dip galvanized, to support stainless steel cooling tower. The tower was rather large.

I learned that galvanized and stainless platform well under dry conditions. However, the minute any water or moisture is introduced, it will create galvanic action. My advice is to use neoprene separators or thick coats of paint between the two materials is you ever encounter such situation.
Regards,

Lutfi

RE: Aluminum to Stainless

Aluminum and Austentic Stainless Steel are at oppposite ends of the Galvaniuz Series chart see FAQ338-78

Generally the corroions rate of the more active couple is proportional to the ratio of the noble to active material, in  your situation the (area of the stainless steel)/(area of the aluminum).

Lutfi - re Stainless to Galvanizing couple.  A form of corrosion called solid metal embrittlement (SME) might occur when zinc and Austentic Stainless Steel are coupled, becomes more of a problem as temperatures increase.  This could result in a catastrophic failure.

Vita sine litteris mors est.

RE: Aluminum to Stainless

(OP)
Rich2001:

I am a little unsure of what you said, but you seem to indicate that it is not good to have stainless and aluminum together. Is this correct? Would galvanized steel and aluminum be a better match?

Lufti:

Unfortunately, I don't have access to a corrosion engineer.

RE: Aluminum to Stainless

For galvanic action to occur, the two dis-similar metals have to be in the presence of an electrolytic fluid.  Will the joint you describe stay wet with a fluid that will conduct electricity (like salt water, road spray, etc.)?

If not, you probably don't have a problem.

rmw

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