## Common ground
All options are engineering set screws classified by their base material.
## Options at a glance
**7318.15 – Iron/steel**
- **Defining trait:** Most common and cost-effective material; offers high strength and durability.
- **Typical examples:** Standard machine screws, industrial fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** General-purpose use where strength and low cost are priorities.
**7415.33 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance; non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical connectors, marine applications.
- **Best fit when:** Use in electrical systems or corrosive environments where magnetism must be avoided.
**7508.90 – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** High corrosion and heat resistance; maintains strength at elevated temperatures.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace components, high-temperature machinery.
- **Best fit when:** Exposure to harsh chemicals or high heat.
**7616.10 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight with good corrosion resistance; non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft parts, consumer electronics.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical and moderate strength suffices.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Low melting point; often used for plating rather than structural use.
- **Typical examples:** Galvanized fasteners, sacrificial coatings.
- **Best fit when:** Corrosion protection via coating or low-load applications.
**8101.99 – Tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely high density and melting point; very hard but brittle.
- **Typical examples:** High-wear tools, specialized industrial parts.
- **Best fit when:** Extreme wear resistance needed despite brittleness.
**8102.99 – Molybdenum**
- **Defining trait:** High-temperature strength and thermal stability; resists creep.
- **Typical examples:** Furnace components, aerospace engines.
- **Best fit when:** Operation under extreme heat or sustained stress.
**8104.90 – Magnesium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightest structural metal; flammable when powdered.
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight vehicle parts, drones.
- **Best fit when:** Weight savings are essential and fire risk is managed.
**8108.90 – Titanium**
- **Defining trait:** High strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Medical implants, aerospace fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** Need for lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant performance.
## Key differences
| Material | Strength | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Heat Resistance | Cost |
|----------------|----------|---------|------------------------|------------------|----------|
| Iron/Steel | High | Medium | Low–Medium | Medium | Low |
| Copper | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
| Nickel | High | Medium | Very High | Very High | High |
| Aluminium | Medium | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
| Zinc | Low | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Tungsten | Very High| High | Medium | Extremely High | Very High|
| Molybdenum | High | Medium | High | Extremely High | Very High|
| Magnesium | Low | Very Low| Medium | Low | Medium |
| Titanium | High | Low | Very High | High | High |
## How to choose
- Is the application in a high-temperature environment? → 8102.99 or 8101.99
- Does weight matter most? → 8104.90 or 7616.10
- Is corrosion resistance critical? → 7508.90, 7616.10, or 8108.90
- Is electrical conductivity needed? → 7415.33
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Some materials (e.g., aluminium, titanium) can be used in similar high-performance contexts but differ in weight and cost.
- Zinc is rarely structural; if used as a set screw, it’s likely for coating or sacrificial protection.
- No option clearly dominates—choose based on the product’s **main function**: strength, weight, corrosion, heat, or cost