Aluminum - Steel Contact Considerations
Aluminum - Steel Contact Considerations
(OP)
I was always taught to avoid contact between aluminum and steel in that they would initiate rusting due to their differences in the galvanic scale. (http ://www.cor rosion-doc tors.org/D efinitions /galvanic- series.htm)
In dealing with conditions with aluminum and steel, we've called out thin gaskets between the materials and specified stainless steel fasteners.
However, in looking at the scale, I see that stainless steel is typically farther away from aluminum than plain steel is. This suggests that rusting is MORE likely between aluminum and stainless when compared with aluminum and mild steel.
What do you typically do with this situation?
In dealing with conditions with aluminum and steel, we've called out thin gaskets between the materials and specified stainless steel fasteners.
However, in looking at the scale, I see that stainless steel is typically farther away from aluminum than plain steel is. This suggests that rusting is MORE likely between aluminum and stainless when compared with aluminum and mild steel.
What do you typically do with this situation?






RE: Aluminum - Steel Contact Considerations
If you want to see a good example of this, look at the cast aluminum accessories on a chain link fence gate. The carbon steel screws will be corroded while the adjacent aluminum only has a dull gray surface.
Typically stainless steel and aluminum fair alright together. Some alloys of stainless will start to discolor and corrode.
I deal with aluminum structures routinely and use the same technique you described when contact is necessary.
RE: Aluminum - Steel Contact Considerations
RE: Aluminum - Steel Contact Considerations
For a less aggressive environment, perhaps the material separation in the table is less dramatic.
Here is a nice summary of Ron's and SEIT points:
http://e
Note that this paper states that the Aluminum Association approves of stainless steel fasteners for use with structures (see page 4).
www.SlideRuleEra.net![[idea] idea](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/idea.gif)
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Aluminum - Steel Contact Considerations