## Common ground
All options are circlips (snap rings) made from different metallic materials.
## Options at a glance
**7318.24 – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Highest strength and durability; suitable for heavy-duty applications.
- **Typical examples:** Engine shafts, gear assemblies, industrial machinery.
- **Best fit when:** High load-bearing capacity and wear resistance are required.
**7415.33 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Good electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance; non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical connectors, precision instruments, low-current circuits.
- **Best fit when:** Conductivity or non-magnetic properties matter more than strength.
**7508.90 – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Excellent corrosion and heat resistance; maintains performance in harsh environments.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace components, chemical processing equipment.
- **Best fit when:** Exposure to high temperatures or corrosive chemicals is expected.
**7616.10 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight with moderate strength; good corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Automotive parts, consumer electronics, aerospace trim.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical and loads are light to moderate.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Low cost and easy to form; poor strength and prone to corrosion.
- **Typical examples:** Low-cost consumer goods, temporary assemblies.
- **Best fit when:** Budget constraints outweigh performance needs.
**8101.99 – Tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely high density and hardness; used where wear resistance is key.
- **Typical examples:** High-wear industrial parts, specialized tooling.
- **Best fit when:** Maximum wear resistance in extreme conditions is needed.
**8102.99 – Molybdenum**
- **Defining trait:** High melting point and thermal stability; used in high-temp environments.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace, furnace components, high-temperature seals.
- **Best fit when:** Operating temperatures exceed 1000°C.
**8104.90 – Magnesium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightest metal; very low density but reactive and flammable.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace lightweight parts, model aircraft.
- **Best fit when:** Weight is the top priority and environment is controlled.
**8108.90 – Titanium**
- **Defining trait:** High strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Medical implants, aerospace, marine applications.
- **Best fit when:** Need for lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant performance.
## Key differences
| Material | Strength | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Temperature Stability |
|----------------|----------|--------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Iron/Steel | Very High | Medium | Moderate | Good |
| Copper | Low | Medium | High | Moderate |
| Nickel | High | Medium | Very High | Very High |
| Aluminium | Medium | Low | High | Moderate |
| Zinc | Low | Medium | Low | Poor |
| Tungsten | Very High| High | High | Excellent |
| Molybdenum | High | Medium | High | Excellent |
| Magnesium | Low | Very Low | Low | Poor |
| Titanium | High | Low | Very High | High |
## How to choose
- Is strength the top priority? → 7318.24 or 8101.99
- Is weight reduction critical? → 7616.10 or 8104.90
- Is corrosion resistance most important? → 7508.90 or 8108.90
- Is the environment high temperature? → 8102.99 or 8101.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A circlip may fit multiple categories (e.g., titanium is strong, light, and corrosion-resistant). If no context is given, choose based on the product’s **main function**—e.g., strength for mechanical load, weight for aerospace, corrosion resistance for marine use. Do not assume material priority without user input