Coated vs. Uncoated stainless steel cable ties: differences, properties, when do you choose which type?

Stainless steel cable ties are, due to their high resistance against outside influences and due to their high tensile strength, often used for ‘heavy duty’ applications. However, not all stainless steel cable ties are the same: they are available in multiple material types and in two types – coated and uncoated. What are the differences, and when do you choose which type? Read it in this blog!

Material: AISI 304 vs AISI 316L
Cable ties made of stainless steel are available in two material qualities: AISI 304 and AISI 316L. Both of these materials offer high-quality performance: the only difference is the fact that AISI 316L stainless steel contains 2% molybdenum and a high nickel content, making AISI 316L better resistant to acids. With AISI 304, there is a risk or corrosion when this material is used in seawater. AISI 316L is better equipped against corrosion.

Next to the material quality, another difference can be made when looking at stainless steel cable ties: between cable ties with a coating, and cable ties without a coating. What is the function of the coating? Does the coating have an influence on the performance of the cable tie? When do you choose a cable tie with the coating, and when do you choose one without a coating?

The coating
The coating on stainless steel cable ties is made of polyester. The coating protects the cable tie from, for example, environmental influences. This reduces the chances of the cable tie corroding. In addition, the coating protects the user against cuts when using the cable tie. Finally, the coating also protects the cable(s) on which the cable tie is used against cuts from the cable tie – stainless steel cable ties can have sharp edges.

The coating has no negative impact on the performance of the cable tie. The stainless steel cable tie is better protected due to the coating, and therefore has a longer lifespan than uncoated stainless steel cable ties.

When do you choose which type of cable tie?

A cable tie with coating is usually chosen when the cable tie is used outside – the coating offers an extra layer of protection making the cable tie even more resistant to environmental influences. When the cable tie is mostly used indoors, a stainless steel cable tie without coating is sufficient. A cable tie without coating is cheaper than a cable tie with a coating. This can also be of importance when choosing the right type of cable tie.

View our full range of stainless steel cable ties here.