Engineering reference

Engineering Tools

Reference data for specifying and sourcing fasteners correctly — the numbers a procurement or design engineer actually needs.

Properties at elevated temperature

Approximate % of room-temperature tensile strength retained as temperature rises — indicative only, actual curves vary by the specific alloy and heat treatment.

Carbon / alloy steel (e.g. grade 8.8)

Temperature% tensile strength retained
20°C100%
100°C95%
200°C88%
300°C78%
400°C60%
500°C35%

Stainless steel (A2/A4)

Temperature% tensile strength retained
20°C100%
100°C92%
200°C85%
300°C80%
400°C75%
500°C68%

Stainless steel retains strength better at moderate elevated temperatures than plain carbon steel, due to its different metallurgy — worth considering for fasteners near heat sources (exhaust systems, ovens, process equipment).