The material for keyed threaded inserts needs to be selected based on the operating environment (temperature, corrosion, load). Core materials are categorized into metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials, as detailed below. Metallic materials are the mainstream choice, including carbon steel (such as Q235, 45#), which possesses good strength and machinability, suitable for static or light vibration connections under normal operating conditions; stainless steel (such as 304, 316L), which has excellent corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance, suitable for humid and corrosive environments (such as outdoor equipment, chemical scenarios); and alloy steel (such as chromium-molybdenum steel), which has high strength and high temperature resistance, suitable for high temperature, high pressure, and heavy load conditions (such as engine components, construction machinery).
Non-metallic materials are mainly nylon and plastic, often used in the embedding layer of lock nuts, utilizing their elastic deformation to achieve locking. Suitable for normal temperature and light load scenarios, they are lower in cost, but have poor high-temperature resistance. Composite materials combine the advantages of both metals and non-metals.
For example, a metal latch body paired with a nylon locking ring and a metal washer with an anti-slip coating balances strength and locking performance, making it suitable for most common working conditions. In some special applications, copper alloys are used due to their excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for electrical equipment connections.
