Grades of stainless steel A2, A4 in relation to fasteners - Graphskill Ltd

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Firstly though, lets define Stainless Steel: Also known as inox steel from the French inoxydable is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 % chromium.
The chromium helps the alloy to resist staining and corrosion. The main point to make here is that it helps resist corrosion, it does not prevent it.
Perhaps we could say A highly corrosion-resistant grade of steel

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Passivation only occurs if the mixture of chromium is high enough.

Other alloying elements are added to enhance the structure and properties such as formability, strength and cryogenic toughness. These include metals
such as:
Nickel
Molybdenum
Titanium

Non-metal additions are also made, the main ones being:

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Carbon
Nitrogen

The British Stainless Steel Association discuss the discovery of stainless steel here: http://bit.ly/ex4yNI
Stainless steel, when used for fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws etc) have British standards. BSENISO 3506 replaces BS6105. Part 1 covers bolts, screw
and studs, part 2 nuts and part 4 tapping screws.

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To all intents and purposes, when we see type A2 stainless steel, we can also call it Type 304. Likewise A4 grade can be called type 316 but more:
A2 > Type 304 can also be called 18/8 because it approximately contains 18% Chromium and 8 % nickel
http://www.graphskill.com/2011/03/21/grades-of-stainless-steel-a2-a4-in-relation-to-fasteners/[7/21/2014 4:42:58 PM]

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There are a number of different grades of stainless steel, and I want to look at the properties of two, namely A2 and A4 and discuss where they can be
used.

Copper

office@graphskill.co.uk

Posted on March 21, 2011

by graphskill
Posted in General Engineering 6 Comments

Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by the amount of chromium present. Unprotected carbon steel rusts readily when exposed to air and moisture.
This iron oxide film (the rust) accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide. Stainless steels contain sufficient chromium to form a passive film of
chromium oxide, which prevents further surface corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metals internal structure.

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Grades of stainless steel A2, A4 in relation to fasteners - Graphskill Ltd

So, A2 (304, 18/8) is an austenitic steel and is non-magnetic. The chromium provides a corrosion and oxidation resistance, however it can tarnish. It is
immune to foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, most organic chemicals and dyestuffs, also a wide variety of inorganic chemicals. As such it is used
extensively for sinks, tabletops, stoves, refrigerators , pots, pans dairy equipment, brewing industry, fruit industry, food processing plants, dye tanks,
pipelines, and more

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However, for marine conditions you need more resistance to corrosion. Adding molybdenum (2-3%) to the mix provides this extra cover and gives us
the A4 grade
A4 grade then is also austenitic, non magnetic and suitable for all the situations as A2 BUT has the added advantage of being suitable for marine
solutions. Often called Marine Grade stainless steel. The molybdenum increases the corrosion resistance to withstand attack from many industrial
chemicals and solvents and of course, chlorides. Used in the production of inks, photographic chemicals, surgical implants, and the marine environment
Both A2 and A4 grades come in three property classes: 50 (soft) , 70 (cold-worked) & 80 (high-strength) the most common of which is the 70 class
which is cold drawn from bar stock.

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These classes have different mechanical properties. For example A2-70 has a tensile strength of 700 Nmm-2 and 450 Nmm-2 proof stress. The BSAA
has some good comparison details here: http://bit.ly/eXXLZP, and there are more tables of properties here: http://bit.ly/70aDdB
In summary, stainless steel fasteners should be used when you need to minimise the risk from corrosion. A2 is a very good grade for this, but when you
need that little bit more, for example in a marine environment, then it is best to go for A4

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You can see a specification sheet here: DOCUMENTS & BROCHURES: When you get their click Log In As Guest
Extra Reading:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~mquill/stainless.html : A discussion of stainless steel for rigging
http://www.cip.ukcentre.com/rust2.htm: Chloride attack on Stainless Steel

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Grades of stainless steel A2, A4 in relation to fasteners - Graphskill Ltd

6 thoughts on Grades of stainless steel A2, A4 in relation to

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Darren says:

January 9, 2012 at 10:59 pm

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A very good topic on the properties of A2 & A4 stainless steel. Many thanks!
Reply

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simon says:

August 10, 2012 at 2:16 am

How can you find out what the strength of the ss bolts are, and what kind of applications require the different strength bolts?
Ive seen an advert for A2-304 bolts as a replacement bolt set for my motorbike but would like to know if they really are suitable.

Thanks

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admin says:

August 12, 2012 at 8:45 pm

Hi Simon, the strength is in the code 50, 70, 80

See here:

Both A2 and A4 grades come in three property classes: 50 (soft) , 70 (cold-worked) & 80 (highstrength) the most common of which is the 70 class which is cold drawn from bar stock.
These classes have different mechanical properties. For example A2-70 has a tensile strength of 700
Nmm-2 and 450 Nmm-2 proof stress. The BSAA has some good comparison details here:

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galvanized steel or zinc plated steel?
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A2, A4 in relation to fasteners

http://bit.ly/eXXLZP, and there are more tables of properties here: http://bit.ly/70aDdB

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Jamie says:

August 13, 2013 at 3:09 am

http://www.graphskill.com/2011/03/21/grades-of-stainless-steel-a2-a4-in-relation-to-fasteners/[7/21/2014 4:42:58 PM]

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Grades of stainless steel A2, A4 in relation to fasteners - Graphskill Ltd

Great article. Also here is a useful infographic to explain various grades and uses for Stainless Steel as Fasteners:

Uncategorized

http://www.anzor.com.au/which-stainless-steel-should-i-choose-for-my-fastener-infographic

and some strength comparisons as mentioned:

http://www.anzor.com.au/tensile-strength-comparison-chart

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graphskill says:

August 13, 2013 at 7:28 am

Very useful links Jamie thanks

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F. Brejcha says:

September 17, 2013 at 3:30 pm

Thanks for clarifying the situation regarding stainless steel , a concise and clearly written article.
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Grades of stainless steel A2, A4 in relation to fasteners - Graphskill Ltd

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