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Compatibility of aluminum rivets on a stainless steel substrate over time

I have a stainless steel can riveted by mistake with aluminum rivets, and I would like to know what will be the effect of these two components over time if they are used in different environments and conditions, cold, hot, humidity, etc.

Thanks in advance,

Alberto Espinosa
Jefferson Electric, Co. Inc. - Brownsville, Texas
2006

They are incompatible; the stainless steel will cause the aluminum to galvanically corrode. I don't think it's too strong a statement to say the rivets will probably fail in short order in anything but a highly benign environment.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2006

Very much agree, the two metals are far apart (high potential) Al will be gone in no time. Worst condition in salt water, best in cold dry air but it is a problem.

Jim Wood
- Concord, California, USA
2006

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