## Common ground
All options are types of rivets classified by their base metal material.
## Options at a glance
**7318.23 – Iron/Steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from iron or steel, offering high strength and durability.
- **Typical examples:** Structural steel joints, aircraft frames, heavy machinery.
- **Best fit when:** High tensile strength and load-bearing capacity are required.
**7415.33 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper, valued for electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical connectors, heat exchangers, marine applications.
- **Best fit when:** Conductivity or resistance to oxidation is key.
**7508.90 – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from nickel, known for high corrosion and heat resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace parts, chemical processing equipment.
- **Best fit when:** Exposure to extreme temperatures or corrosive environments.
**7616.10 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Made from aluminium, lightweight with good corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft panels, automotive bodywork, consumer electronics.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical without sacrificing durability.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Made from zinc, often used for sacrificial protection or low-cost fastening.
- **Typical examples:** Galvanized steel joints, low-stress applications.
- **Best fit when:** Corrosion protection via galvanization or cost is a priority.
**8101.99 – Tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Made from tungsten, extremely dense and heat-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** High-temperature aerospace components, specialized industrial tools.
- **Best fit when:** Extreme heat or density is required (rare use).
**8102.99 – Molybdenum**
- **Defining trait:** Made from molybdenum, excellent in high-temperature and high-stress environments.
- **Typical examples:** Rocket nozzles, furnace components.
- **Best fit when:** Operating under extreme thermal stress.
**8104.90 – Magnesium**
- **Defining trait:** Made from magnesium, very light but reactive; used in specialized cases.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace lightweight structures, high-performance racing parts.
- **Best fit when:** Maximum weight savings and moderate strength are needed.
**8108.90 – Titanium**
- **Defining trait:** Made from titanium, strong, lightweight, and highly corrosion-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft engines, medical implants, high-end sports equipment.
- **Best fit when:** Combines light weight with high strength and durability.
## Key differences
| Material | Strength | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Heat Resistance | Common Use Case |
|--------------|----------|----------|------------------------|------------------|----------------------------|
| Iron/Steel | Very High| Medium | Low (unless coated) | Medium | Structural, heavy-duty |
| Copper | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Electrical, marine |
| Nickel | High | Medium | Very High | Very High | Aerospace, chemical plants |
| Aluminium | Medium | Low | High | Medium | Aircraft, electronics |
| Zinc | Low | Medium | High (via coating) | Low | Galvanizing, low-stress |
| Tungsten | Very High| Very High| Medium | Extremely High | Extreme heat applications |
| Molybdenum | High | Medium | High | Extremely High | High-temperature tools |
| Magnesium | Low | Very Low | Low (reactive) | Low | Lightweight, niche uses |
| Titanium | High | Low | Very High | High | Aerospace, medical |
## How to choose
1. Is strength the top priority? → 7318.23 or 8101.99
2. Is weight a major concern? → 7616.10 or 8104.90
3. Is corrosion resistance critical? → 7415.33, 7508.90, or 8108.90
4. Is the environment extremely hot? → 8101.99 or 8102.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Some materials (e.g., titanium, nickel) excel in multiple areas—choose based on **main function**.
- Zinc rivets are often used for galvanization; don’t confuse with pure zinc fasteners.
- Magnesium is reactive—avoid in humid or wet environments unless coated.
- No option clearly prioritizes cost vs. performance; use context to decide