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Aluminium Rivets on Stainless Steel Door Hinges [Singapore] 

September 1, 2009

I have been manufacturing a door system for years and only recently did somebody request me to change the aluminum riverts I use to stainless steel.
The aluminium rivets are used to hold the hinges (s/s grade 304) in place and the door is frame is made of Powder-coated/ Anodised Aluminium (grade 6063-T5
I did a search and realised that there is a possibility of galvanising corrosion. Honestly,there is not much cost difference but I am deeply disturbed. My first batch of doors are coming to 10 years old and I know that they are still functioning well. Hence I DO NOT think there is anything wrong with my method. I also believe that many other factories are employing the same method.

I need an experts' opinion on this. Appreciate all feedbacks.
Thank you.

Yuji Lim
door manufacturing - Singapore

Since you have two dissimilar metals in contact, galvanic corrosion is possible. However, you still need a circuit for it to occur. This could be caused by condensation of moisture on the hinges due to the environment.

If these doors are installed in a controlled environment (say inside a house or commercial building but not in a humid environment), then I could seem them lasting for years without any problems.

If, however, they are installed in a humid environment, you may have just not been notified of any problems....or they haven't grown to the point that people notice them. How often do people look at hinges unless they fail?

If it's not much cost and has been requested by the customer for a reason*, I don't see why you wouldn't want to do it.

* Reasons could include "do it or we don't buy it"...that's a good reason!

Christian M. Restifo
- Pittsburgh, PA

Hi Yuji,

Stainless steel screws, fasteners, or rivets are always recommended in aluminium door/window fabrication.
Moreover, your experience on your first batch of doors gives you enough evidence. Isn't it?

Good luck

S. Basu

Srimay Basu
- Dubai, U. A. E.