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Stainless Steel Panel Nuts, Stainless Lock Nuts

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Stainless Steel Panel Nuts, Lock Nuts & Specialized Fasteners – Manufacturer & Exporter
Stainless Steel Panel Nuts, Stainless Steel Lock Nuts, 316 and 304 Stainless Steel Nuts

Stainless Steel Panel Nuts, Stainless Steel Lock Nuts, 316 and 304 Stainless Steel Nuts, Hex Lock Nuts, Hex Panel Nuts

We are one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of Stainless Steel Panel Nuts, Lock Nuts, and specialized fasteners from India. We have been supplying high-quality Stainless Steel fasteners to the world market for many decades. Our comprehensive range includes precision-engineered Stainless Steel Panel Nuts, Lock Nuts, Thin Nuts, and custom fasteners manufactured using advanced cold forging, bar turning, and sheet metal stamping processes. With over three decades of manufacturing excellence, we serve diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, marine, construction, electronics, and heavy machinery across global markets. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are equipped with CNC machinery, automated production lines, and advanced quality control systems ensuring consistent product quality and dimensional accuracy. We specialize in both standard and custom specifications, offering UNC, UNEF, and Metric threading options in various material grades including 304, 316, 316L, and specialty alloys to meet specific application requirements.

Product Range Overview

Stainless Steel Panel Nuts are specialized fasteners designed for secure mounting applications where access is limited to one side of the panel. These nuts feature a wide, flat bearing surface that distributes load evenly across thin panels, preventing deformation and ensuring secure attachment. Manufactured through precision cold forging and CNC machining processes, our Panel Nuts offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance. Available in 304 and 316 Stainless Steel grades with UNC, UNEF, and Metric threading, these fasteners are ideal for electronics enclosures, control panels, automotive body panels, marine equipment, and aerospace applications where reliable, vibration-resistant connections are critical.

Stainless Steel Lock Nuts incorporate advanced locking mechanisms to prevent loosening under vibration, thermal cycling, and dynamic loads. Our Lock Nuts feature precision-engineered nylon inserts, deformed threads, or prevailing torque designs that maintain secure connections without compromising ease of installation or removal. Manufactured using cold heading, thread rolling, and secondary operations, these fasteners meet stringent aerospace, automotive, and industrial standards. Available in various configurations including hex nuts, flange nuts, and specialty profiles, our Lock Nuts provide reliable performance in critical applications requiring long-term joint integrity and resistance to backing out.

Stainless Steel Thin Nuts are engineered for applications where space constraints require reduced height while maintaining full thread engagement and load capacity. These low-profile fasteners feature optimized geometry that maximizes strength within minimal dimensions, making them essential for compact assemblies in electronics, instrumentation, and precision equipment. Our Thin Nuts are manufactured through precision bar turning and CNC machining to achieve tight dimensional tolerances and superior surface finishes, ensuring reliable performance in space-critical applications while maintaining full compatibility with standard bolt specifications.

316 Stainless Steel Panel Nuts offer superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties for demanding marine, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical applications. The higher molybdenum content in 316 grade provides exceptional resistance to chloride environments, acids, and elevated temperatures. These Panel Nuts are manufactured using specialized cold forging techniques that enhance grain structure and mechanical properties while maintaining dimensional accuracy. Perfect for saltwater environments, chemical processing equipment, medical devices, and food processing machinery where maximum corrosion resistance and hygiene standards are required.

304 Stainless Steel Lock Nuts combine excellent mechanical properties with cost-effective corrosion resistance for general-purpose industrial applications. The austenitic structure of 304 grade provides superior formability and weldability while maintaining strength and durability across a wide temperature range. Our 304 Lock Nuts feature precision-engineered locking mechanisms that ensure secure connections in automotive, construction, appliance, and general machinery applications where reliable fastening performance is essential without the premium cost of higher alloy grades.

Metric Stainless Steel Lock Nuts are manufactured to ISO and DIN specifications, providing precise dimensional compliance for international applications and equipment compatibility. These fasteners feature metric threading (M3 to M64) with standardized pitch dimensions ensuring universal interchangeability with metric bolts and screws. Our Metric Lock Nuts incorporate advanced locking technologies including nylon inserts, mechanical deformation, and chemical thread-locking compounds to prevent loosening while maintaining international quality standards for global supply chains and equipment manufacturing.

Manufacturing Processes & Technology

Cold Forging Process

Advanced cold heading and forging operations using progressive die systems capable of producing complex geometries with superior grain flow and mechanical properties. Our cold forging equipment includes multi-station headers from Sakamura, Hatebur, and National Machinery, enabling high-volume production of precision fasteners with enhanced strength characteristics and dimensional consistency.

Bar Turning Operations

CNC bar turning centers equipped with live tooling and sub-spindle capabilities for complete machining of complex nut geometries in single setups. Our turning operations utilize Citizen, Tsugami, and Star CNC lathes with advanced tool management systems, ensuring precise dimensional control and superior surface finishes for critical applications requiring tight tolerances.

Sheet Metal Stamping

Progressive stamping and deep drawing operations using high-tonnage presses and precision tooling for manufacturing thin profile nuts and specialized panel fasteners. Our stamping capabilities include transfer presses, progressive dies, and compound tooling systems capable of producing complex geometries with minimal material waste and consistent dimensional accuracy.

Stainless Steel Lock Nuts & Panel Nuts Size Table

UNC (Unified National Coarse) Thread

Lock Nuts (Thin Hex Nuts)

Thread SizeHex Size (A/F)Thickness
#4-401/4″ (6.35mm)0.098″ (2.5mm)
#6-325/16″ (7.94mm)0.114″ (2.9mm)
#8-3211/32″ (8.73mm)0.130″ (3.3mm)
#10-243/8″ (9.53mm)0.146″ (3.7mm)
#12-247/16″ (11.11mm)0.161″ (4.1mm)
1/4″-207/16″ (11.11mm)0.177″ (4.5mm)
5/16″-181/2″ (12.70mm)0.209″ (5.3mm)
3/8″-169/16″ (14.29mm)0.240″ (6.1mm)
7/16″-1411/16″ (17.46mm)0.271″ (6.9mm)
1/2″-133/4″ (19.05mm)0.302″ (7.7mm)
5/8″-1115/16″ (23.81mm)0.365″ (9.3mm)
3/4″-101-1/8″ (28.58mm)0.427″ (10.8mm)

Panel Nuts (Standard Thickness)

Thread SizeHex Size (A/F)Thickness
#4-401/4″ (6.35mm)0.120″ (3.0mm)
#6-325/16″ (7.94mm)0.138″ (3.5mm)
#8-3211/32″ (8.73mm)0.156″ (4.0mm)
#10-243/8″ (9.53mm)0.175″ (4.4mm)
#12-247/16″ (11.11mm)0.193″ (4.9mm)
1/4″-207/16″ (11.11mm)0.212″ (5.4mm)
5/16″-181/2″ (12.70mm)0.251″ (6.4mm)
3/8″-169/16″ (14.29mm)0.289″ (7.3mm)
7/16″-1411/16″ (17.46mm)0.324″ (8.2mm)
1/2″-133/4″ (19.05mm)0.364″ (9.2mm)
5/8″-1115/16″ (23.81mm)0.438″ (11.1mm)
3/4″-101-1/8″ (28.58mm)0.513″ (13.0mm)

Metric Thread (ISO)

Lock Nuts (Thin Hex Nuts)

Thread SizeHex Size (A/F)Thickness
M3×0.55.5mm1.8mm
M4×0.77mm2.2mm
M5×0.88mm2.7mm
M6×1.010mm3.2mm
M8×1.2513mm4.0mm
M10×1.517mm5.0mm
M12×1.7519mm6.0mm
M14×2.022mm7.0mm
M16×2.024mm8.0mm
M18×2.527mm9.0mm
M20×2.530mm10.0mm
M22×2.532mm11.0mm
M24×3.036mm12.0mm

Panel Nuts (Standard Thickness)

Thread SizeHex Size (A/F)Thickness
M3×0.55.5mm2.4mm
M4×0.77mm3.2mm
M5×0.88mm4.0mm
M6×1.010mm5.0mm
M8×1.2513mm6.5mm
M10×1.517mm8.0mm
M12×1.7519mm10.0mm
M14×2.022mm11.0mm
M16×2.024mm13.0mm
M18×2.527mm15.0mm
M20×2.530mm16.0mm
M22×2.532mm18.0mm
M24×3.036mm19.0mm

UNEF (Unified National Extra Fine) Thread

Lock Nuts (Thin Hex Nuts)

Thread SizeHex Size (A/F)Thickness
#10-323/8″ (9.53mm)0.146″ (3.7mm)
#12-287/16″ (11.11mm)0.161″ (4.1mm)
1/4″-287/16″ (11.11mm)0.177″ (4.5mm)
5/16″-241/2″ (12.70mm)0.209″ (5.3mm)
3/8″-249/16″ (14.29mm)0.240″ (6.1mm)
7/16″-2011/16″ (17.46mm)0.271″ (6.9mm)
1/2″-203/4″ (19.05mm)0.302″ (7.7mm)
9/16″-1813/16″ (20.64mm)0.334″ (8.5mm)
5/8″-1815/16″ (23.81mm)0.365″ (9.3mm)
3/4″-161-1/8″ (28.58mm)0.427″ (10.8mm)
7/8″-141-5/16″ (33.34mm)0.490″ (12.4mm)
1″-121-1/2″ (38.10mm)0.552″ (14.0mm)

Panel Nuts (Standard Thickness)

Thread SizeHex Size (A/F)Thickness
#10-323/8″ (9.53mm)0.175″ (4.4mm)
#12-287/16″ (11.11mm)0.193″ (4.9mm)
1/4″-287/16″ (11.11mm)0.212″ (5.4mm)
5/16″-241/2″ (12.70mm)0.251″ (6.4mm)
3/8″-249/16″ (14.29mm)0.289″ (7.3mm)
7/16″-2011/16″ (17.46mm)0.324″ (8.2mm)
1/2″-203/4″ (19.05mm)0.364″ (9.2mm)
9/16″-1813/16″ (20.64mm)0.401″ (10.2mm)
5/8″-1815/16″ (23.81mm)0.438″ (11.1mm)
3/4″-161-1/8″ (28.58mm)0.513″ (13.0mm)
7/8″-141-5/16″ (33.34mm)0.587″ (14.9mm)
1″-121-1/2″ (38.10mm)0.663″ (16.8mm)

Notes

  • A/F = Across Flats (hex wrench size)
  • All dimensions are approximate and may vary slightly by manufacturer
  • Stainless steel grades commonly used: 304, 316, 321, 347
  • Lock nuts (thin nuts) are typically used where space is limited
  • Panel nuts provide more thread engagement and holding power
  • Tolerances typically follow ISO 4032 (metric) and ASME B18.2.2 (unified threads)
  • For critical applications, verify dimensions with specific manufacturer specifications

Material Grades & International Standards

GradeASTMDINJISBSChinese GBISComposition
304A240-3041.4301SUS304304S150Cr18Ni907Cu18Ni918% Cr, 8% Ni
304LA240-304L1.4306SUS304L304S1100Cr18Ni903Cu18Ni918% Cr, 8% Ni, Low Carbon
316A240-3161.4401SUS316316S160Cr17Ni12Mo206Cr17Ni12Mo217% Cr, 12% Ni, 2.5% Mo
316LA240-316L1.4404SUS316L316S1100Cr17Ni12Mo203Cr17Ni12Mo217% Cr, 12% Ni, 2.5% Mo, Low Carbon

Stainless Steel Nut Manufacturing Process Flow

1

Raw Material
Stainless Steel Bar/Wire

→
2

Cold Forging
Shape Formation

→
3

Threading
Precision Cutting

→
4

Quality Control
Testing & Inspection

Material Properties & Performance Characteristics

Property304 Grade316 GradeTest MethodApplications
Tensile Strength515-620 MPa515-620 MPaASTM A370Load-bearing applications
Yield Strength205-310 MPa205-310 MPaASTM A370Structural integrity
Elongation40% min40% minASTM A370Ductility requirements
HardnessHRB 95 maxHRB 95 maxASTM E18Wear resistance
Corrosion ResistanceGood-ExcellentExcellent-SuperiorASTM G48Environmental exposure

Industries & Applications

Our Stainless Steel Panel Nuts and Lock Nuts serve critical applications across diverse industries including Aerospace & Defense where lightweight, high-strength fasteners with vibration resistance are essential for aircraft structures, avionics mounting, and satellite systems. In the Automotive Industry, these fasteners secure body panels, engine components, exhaust systems, and electronic control units requiring reliable connections under extreme temperature variations and road vibrations. Marine & Offshore applications demand superior corrosion resistance for shipbuilding, offshore platforms, desalination plants, and underwater equipment where saltwater exposure is constant.

Electronics & Telecommunications industries utilize our precision fasteners for rack mounting, PCB assembly, enclosure sealing, and antenna installations where electromagnetic compatibility and long-term reliability are critical. Medical Device Manufacturing requires our 316L grade fasteners for surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, prosthetics, and pharmaceutical processing equipment meeting FDA and ISO 13485 standards. Food Processing & Chemical industries benefit from our corrosion-resistant fasteners in processing equipment, storage tanks, piping systems, and cleanroom facilities requiring compliance with sanitary standards and chemical resistance.

Quality Assurance & Tolerances

Our comprehensive quality management system ensures consistent product performance through statistical process control, automated inspection systems, and rigorous testing protocols. Dimensional tolerances are maintained according to ISO 4762, DIN 934, and ASTM F594 standards with thread tolerances of 6g for external threads and 6H for internal threads. Surface finish specifications range from 0.8 to 3.2 Ra depending on application requirements, achieved through controlled machining parameters and post-processing operations.

ParameterStandard TolerancePrecision ToleranceMeasurement Method
Thread Pitch Diameter±0.05mm±0.02mmThread Ring Gauge
Hex Width (Across Flats)±0.1mm±0.05mmCMM Measurement
Overall Height±0.1mm±0.05mmDigital Micrometer
Surface Roughness3.2 Ra max1.6 Ra maxSurface Profiler

Technical Question & Answer Session

Q1: What is the difference between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Panel Nuts in marine applications?
A: 316 Stainless Steel contains 2-3% molybdenum which significantly improves corrosion resistance in chloride environments. For marine applications, 316 grade provides superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance compared to 304 grade, making it the preferred choice for saltwater exposure, boat hardware, and offshore equipment.

Q2: How do cold forged Lock Nuts compare to machined nuts in terms of strength and performance?
A: Cold forged Lock Nuts offer superior grain flow alignment and work hardening effects, resulting in 15-20% higher tensile strength compared to machined nuts. The forging process eliminates material waste and creates uniform density distribution, providing better fatigue resistance and dimensional stability under cyclic loading conditions.

Q3: What locking mechanisms are available for vibration-critical applications?
A: We offer multiple locking solutions including nylon insert lock nuts with temperature resistance up to 120°C, all-metal prevailing torque nuts for high-temperature applications, and deformed thread lock nuts providing permanent locking action. Selection depends on temperature requirements, reusability needs, and vibration severity.

Q4: Can metric threaded Panel Nuts be used with imperial bolts and vice versa?
A: No, metric and imperial threads are not interchangeable due to different pitch specifications and thread angles. Metric threads use 60-degree thread angle with metric pitch measurements, while UNC/UNF threads use 60-degree angles with threads-per-inch specifications. Cross-compatibility requires proper thread matching.

Q5: What is the recommended torque specification for Stainless Steel Lock Nuts?
A: Torque specifications vary by size and application. For M8 Lock Nuts, typical torque ranges from 18-25 Nm, while 1/4″-20 UNC requires 8-12 Nm. Lubrication, surface finish, and thread condition significantly affect torque-tension relationships. Always consult specific engineering drawings and application requirements.

Q6: How do Thin Nuts maintain strength while reducing overall height?
A: Thin Nuts achieve strength through optimized geometry, higher-grade materials, and precision manufacturing. Thread engagement is maintained at minimum 1.5 times the nominal diameter while reducing bearing surface thickness. Advanced cold forging processes create work-hardened surfaces improving load distribution and fatigue life.

Q7: What passivation treatments are available for enhanced corrosion resistance?
A: We offer citric acid passivation per ASTM A967 and nitric acid passivation for maximum corrosion resistance. Electropolishing is available for pharmaceutical and food processing applications requiring ultra-smooth surfaces and enhanced cleanability. All treatments include neutrality testing and water break testing validation.

Q8: Can custom threading specifications be manufactured for special applications?
A: Yes, our engineering team specializes in custom thread specifications including non-standard pitches, left-hand threads, multi-start threads, and proprietary thread forms. Custom tooling development typically requires 4-6 weeks with minimum order quantities depending on complexity and thread cutting requirements.

Q9: What quality certifications and material traceability documentation is provided?
A: Complete material traceability includes mill test certificates, chemical analysis reports, mechanical property test results, and dimensional inspection reports. ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures consistent quality management with statistical process control and batch tracking throughout manufacturing processes.

Q10: How do Panel Nuts prevent pull-through in thin sheet metal applications?
A: Panel Nuts feature enlarged bearing surfaces that distribute loads over larger areas, preventing localized stress concentrations. The wide flange design typically provides 3-4 times the bearing area of standard hex nuts, significantly reducing pull-through risk in thin materials while maintaining secure connections.

Q11: What is the temperature operating range for Stainless Steel Lock Nuts with nylon inserts?
A: Standard nylon insert Lock Nuts operate reliably from -40°C to +120°C. High-temperature nylon inserts extend the range to +200°C for automotive and industrial applications. All-metal lock nuts without polymer inserts can operate continuously at temperatures up to 600°C depending on material grade.

Q12: Are specialty coatings available for extreme environment applications?
A: Yes, specialty coatings include PTFE for chemical resistance and low friction, silver plating for electrical conductivity and anti-galling properties, and ceramic coatings for extreme temperature and wear resistance. Coating selection depends on specific environmental challenges and performance requirements.

Q13: How does bar turning compare to cold forging for precision requirements?
A: Bar turning provides superior dimensional accuracy (±0.02mm) and surface finish control, ideal for precision applications requiring tight tolerances. Cold forging offers better material utilization and strength properties through work hardening. Combination processes optimize both precision and strength characteristics for critical applications.

Q14: What inspection methods ensure thread quality and dimensional accuracy?
A: Thread quality verification includes go/no-go gauging, thread pitch measurement using optical comparators, and thread form analysis with profile projectors. Dimensional inspection utilizes CMM systems, automated vision systems, and statistical sampling protocols ensuring consistent quality across production batches.

Q15: Can Lock Nuts be reused multiple times without losing locking effectiveness?
A: Nylon insert Lock Nuts typically maintain locking torque for 5-10 installation cycles depending on application conditions. All-metal prevailing torque nuts may be reusable up to 3-5 cycles. Deformed thread lock nuts are generally single-use. Reusability depends on torque requirements, environmental exposure, and safety factors.

Why Choose Our Stainless Steel Fasteners?

Three Decades of Manufacturing Excellence: Our 30+ years of experience in precision fastener manufacturing ensures deep technical knowledge, proven processes, and reliable supply chain management. We understand the critical nature of fastener applications and deliver consistent quality that meets the most demanding specifications across aerospace, automotive, marine, and industrial sectors.

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities: State-of-the-art production facilities equipped with the latest CNC machinery, automated inspection systems, and quality control technologies enable us to produce complex geometries with exceptional precision. Our engineering team provides technical support for design optimization, material selection, and custom solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

Global Supply Chain Expertise: Extensive international experience serving customers across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia-Pacific regions with comprehensive logistics support, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules. Our export documentation, packaging, and shipping capabilities ensure seamless global transactions and customer satisfaction.

Customization & Flexibility: Ability to customize products including special threading, non-standard dimensions, unique materials, and proprietary designs with flexible production scheduling to meet urgent delivery requirements. Our technical team collaborates with customers to suggest design improvements, cost optimization, and performance enhancements.

Superior Customer Support: Dedicated customer service team with technical expertise providing rapid response to inquiries, detailed product information, application guidance, and post-delivery support. We maintain close communication throughout the project lifecycle ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.

Customer Testimonials

Linda Lubinsky, Senior Procurement Manager, California, USA:

“We have been sourcing critical fasteners from this manufacturer for over 8 years, and their Stainless Steel Panel Nuts have consistently exceeded our aerospace quality standards. The dimensional accuracy, material traceability, and on-time delivery performance have made them our preferred supplier for high-reliability applications. Their technical team’s expertise in suggesting design optimizations has saved us significant costs while improving product performance. Outstanding quality and service that we can rely on for mission-critical components.”

Sarah Conell, Engineering Manager,   UK:

“The 316 Stainless Steel Lock Nuts supplied for our offshore platform project have performed exceptionally well in harsh marine environments. After 18 months of saltwater exposure, these fasteners show no signs of corrosion or loosening, demonstrating superior material quality and manufacturing precision. The custom packaging with our project labels and the comprehensive documentation package streamlined our inventory management and installation processes. Their global logistics support and technical expertise make them an invaluable partner for our international projects.”

Packaging & Shipping

Professional packaging solutions designed to protect product integrity during international shipping include moisture-resistant barriers, anti-static protection for sensitive applications, and custom labeling with customer specifications. Standard packaging utilizes recyclable materials with options for bulk containers, individual part packaging, and kit assembly according to customer requirements. Custom packaging with customer logos, part numbers, and project identification ensures seamless integration with customer inventory systems.

Global shipping capabilities include air freight for urgent deliveries, ocean freight for cost-effective large volume shipments, and consolidated shipping for mixed orders. Complete export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and material certifications facilitate smooth customs clearance. Typical delivery timeframes range from 4-6 weeks for standard products with expedited options available for critical applications.

Glossary of Technical Terms

Cold Forging: Metal forming process using high pressure at room temperature to shape Stainless Steel fasteners, improving grain structure and mechanical properties compared to machined components.

Panel Nut: Specialized fastener with enlarged bearing surface designed for single-side access installation in thin panels, providing secure mounting without panel deformation.

Lock Nut: Threaded fastener incorporating locking mechanism to prevent loosening under vibration, utilizing nylon inserts, thread deformation, or prevailing torque design.

Passivation: Chemical treatment process that removes free iron and enhances the natural oxide layer on Stainless Steel surfaces, improving corrosion resistance.

Thread Pitch: Distance between adjacent thread crests measured parallel to the fastener axis, determining compatibility between mating threaded components.

Prevailing Torque: Resistance to rotation created by thread interference or deformation in lock nuts, maintaining assembly integrity under dynamic conditions.

Austenitic Stainless Steel: Non-magnetic Stainless Steel family including 304 and 316 grades, characterized by excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and mechanical properties.

Related parts:

Stainless steel hex nuts, marine grade fasteners, vibration resistant nuts, thin profile nuts, metric lock nuts, panel mounting hardware, 316L medical fasteners, automotive lock nuts, aerospace panel nuts, food grade fasteners, chemical resistant nuts, high temperature lock nuts, precision threaded fasteners, custom nut manufacturing, stainless steel hardware suppliers, industrial fastener solutions, corrosion resistant nuts, heavy duty panel nuts, specialty lock mechanisms, thread locking fasteners.

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