Navigating Confusion: Silicon Bronze Fasteners – Not Silicone

Often I'm in the midst of discussing fasteners with a potential customer, and the terms "silicon" and "silicone" get tossed around interchangeably. A surprising number of our customers find themselves entangled in the web of confusion between silicon and silicone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll not only untangle the linguistic mix-up but also shed light on why silicon bronze fasteners, distinct from silicone, are the go-to solution for projects demanding strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.

Understanding the Terminology:

1. Silicon vs. Silicone:

   • Silicon: Silicon is a chemical element found on the periodic table known for its use in various industrial applications. It's abundant in the Earth's crust and is a crucial component in the production of alloys like silicon bronze.

   • Silicone: Silicone, on the other hand, refers to a synthetic material derived from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It's a flexible, durable polymer commonly used in sealants, adhesives, medical devices, and those floppy spatulas used for getting the last bit of cookie dough out of a bowl!

2. The Role of Silicon in Silicon Bronze:

   

   Silicon bronze is an alloy composed primarily of copper, and 2%-3% silicon. The addition of silicon enhances the alloy's strength, and machinability. These properties make silicon bronze a popular choice for fasteners, particularly in marine and corrosive environments. Without the addition of silicon your nuts, bolts, and screws would just be soft copper. 

   • Strength and Durability: Silicon bronze fasteners are renowned for their exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for applications where reliability is paramount such as on boats!

   • Corrosion Resistance: Being primarily copper, the corrosion resistance of silicon bronze fasteners is excellent and they excel in corrosive environments such as saltwater.

   • Machinability: Silicon bronze is easy to machine, allowing for precise and efficient fabrication of fasteners for various applications.

3. Why Silicone with an "E" just isn't right:

   • Material Composition: Silicone bronze fasteners cannot be made of

     

     silicone. Silicone is a rubber-like polymer, unsuitable for combining with a metal alloy or creating durable fasteners. Silicon bronze, on the other hand, is a metal alloy with superior strength and corrosion resistance.

   • Application: Silicone is commonly used in products like sealants, gaskets, and kitchen utensils, whereas silicon bronze is specifically engineered for heavy-duty applications, including construction, shipbuilding, and infrastructure projects.

   • Performance: The performance requirements for fasteners differ significantly from those of silicone-based products. Silicon bronze fasteners are designed to withstand mechanical stress, temperature variations, and corrosive environments. And let's get straight to the point, a soft rubbery fastener just wouldn't work!

The distinction between silicon and silicone is crucial, especially when it comes to choosing the right materials for your projects. Silicon bronze fasteners, with their unique composition and exceptional properties, are the optimal choice for various applications and make excellent marine fasteners. While we know what is meant when people ask for "Silicone Bronze Fasteners", it's always good to know the proper terminology.

For all your silicon bronze fastener needs, explore our extensive range of products crafted to meet the highest industry standards. Contact us today to experience the difference that precision engineering and quality materials can make in your projects.