How to prevent galvanic corrosion: the battery that destroys your joint.

When two different metals come into contact in the presence of moisture or water, a frequently underestimated phenomenon can occur: galvanic corrosion. It is the same principle as a battery, but applied to your joint — one of the metals becomes the anode and corrodes more rapidly, protecting the more noble metal.

This effect is particularly critical in aggressive environments, such as coastal areas, saline atmospheres, or outdoor applications. If the joint material and the rivet/insert material are too far apart in the galvanic series, the risk of accelerated corrosion increases significantly.

To reduce the problem, it is good practice to:**

• Use metal pairings that are as similar as possible or close in galvanic potential.

• Apply coatings or insulating materials to prevent direct contact between surfaces.

• Avoid geometries that promote water or moisture stagnation around the fastening.

Selecting the correct material combination at the design stage is far more effective than any corrective action taken later.