Difference between A2 and A4 Stainless

chekc Difference Between A4 and A2 Stainless Steel

Both of these are made of austenitic stainless steel. The fundamental distinction between these materials that affects their mechanical qualities and other characteristics is their composition. The composition of the a4 substance includes 10.5 percent nickel, 2 percent molybdenum, and 16 percent chromium. The composition of the a2 substance contains 10.5 percent chromium. Corrosion resistance in the a4 material is substantially higher than in the a2 material. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the a4 grade material is primarily why it is employed in marine grade applications. The addition of molybdenum to the composition gives the a4 material its strong corrosion resistance.

Cold-worked austenitic stainless steel is used to create the materials, which fall into five categories, A1 through A5. A2-70 and A4-80 are two examples of subgrades for each A grade. The specified numbers typically represent the minimum tensile strength in MPa. The minimum tensile strength for the A2-70 is 700 MPa, and the minimum tensile strength for the A4-80 is 800 MPa. Both materials are capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 870 degrees Celsius.

TTemperatures over this range can result in the precipitation of chromium carbide and lessen the materials' ability to resist corrosion. However, by heating and cooling the material using the annealing processes, the materials' hardness might be increased. It can be utilised in applications including food manufacturing, transportation, and other industries since annealing allows it to keep strength, become harder, and resist corrosion.

The a2 grade is a more versatile option that can be utilised in household and broad corrosive service applications. The a4 grade is appropriate for usage in highly corrosive environments, including marine, seawater, food-grade, and medical implants.

How To Identify A4 and A2 Stainess Steel Screws

With the exception of printed markings on the products, visual identification is challenging. Various tests can be used to determine the steel grades A2 and A4. Applying saline solutions and letting the items sit for 24 hours would be a straightforward test to check for any rust or stain formation. The A4 material would not develop much discoloration as quickly as the A2 material. In addition to that, any metallurgic laboratory can do other laboratory testing.

Stainless Steel A4 Vs A2 Strength

These materials have comparable strengths. The A4 grade has a minimum yield strength of 600MPa and a minimum tensile strength of 800MPa. The minimum yield strength and tensile strength for the A2 grade are both 450 MPa. These materials could not be heat treated to increase their strength.

 

A2 Stainless Steel Fasteners Chemical Composition
GRADE C MN P S SI CR NI CU
A2-70 Min - - - - - 15.0
Max 0.1 2.0 0.05 0.03 1.0 20.0 19.0 4.0
304 Min - - - - - 18.0 8.0
Max 0.08 2.0 0.045 0.03 0.75 20.0 10.5
304L Min - - - - - 18.0 8.0
Max 0.03 2.0 0.045 0.03 0.75 20.0 12.0
304H Min 0.04 - - - - 18.0 8.0
Max 0.10 2.0 0.045 0.03 0.75 20.0 10.5

Please Note:
  1. If the chromium (cr) content is below 17%, the min nickel (ni) content should be 12%
  2. If the carbon content is a max of 0.03%, nitrogen may be present to a max of 0.2%

 

Most Common Types of A2 and A4 grade Stainless Steel fasteners

Stainless Steel A4 Bolts

  • A2 stainless steel Flange Bolts
  • A4-80 stainless steel Hex Head Bolts
  • A2-70 stainless steel Hex Bolts
  • A2-80 stainless steel U Bolts
  • SS A2-70 Countersunk Bolts
  • A4 Stainless Steel Eye Bolts
  • grade a2-70 IS 1367 Heavy hex Bolts

Stainless steel grade a2-80 Screws

  • Stainless steel grade a2-80 Button Head Socket Screw
  • IS 1367 grade a2-70 machine screw
  • A2-70 stainless steel self tapping screws
  • A2-70 stainless steel hex cap screw
  • A2 stainless steel countersunk slotted screw
  • A4 Stainless Steel allen cap screw
  • A4-80 stainless steel wood screws
  • A2-80 stainless steel Set screws
  • A4-80 stainless steel socket cap screw
  • A2 stainless steel coach screws

stainless steel A2-80 Studs

  • grade a2-70 IS 1367 Tie Rod
  • A2-70 stainless steel Threaded Rod
  • Stainless steel grade a2-80 Weld Studs
  • A2-80 stainless steel Fully Threaded Studs
  • A2 stainless steel Double Ended Studs
  • SS A4-80 Stud Bolt
  • A4 Stainless Steel Unc Stud Bolt

IS 1367 grade a2-70 Nuts and Bolts

  • A2-80 stainless steel Square Nuts
  • Stainless steel grade a2-80 Panel Nuts
  • stainless steel A4-80 Hexagon Nuts
  • A2-70 stainless steel Eye Nuts
  • IS 1367 grade a2-70 Lock Nuts
  • A4 Stainless Steel Jam Nuts
  • A2 stainless steel Heavy Hex Nuts
Stainless Steel A4 and A2 Threaded Rod
  • A4 SS Double End Threaded Studs
  • A4-80 SS M10 Threaded Rod
  • grade a2-70 IS 1367 Threaded Studs
  • SS A2 Fully Threaded Studs
  • SS A2-70 Acme Threaded Rod

Grade A4 Stainless Steel Washer

  • grade a2-70 IS 1367 Spring Washer
  • A2-70 SS Flat Washer
  • Stainless Steel A4 Countersunk Washer
  • A2-80 SS Belleville Washer
  • stainless steel A2 Machined Washer
  • grade a2-80 Stainless steel Spherical Washer
  • stainless steel A4-80 Punched Washer

 

Typical Chemical Property Range SS A4 Fasteners
FASTENERS GRADE SI C P MN S MO CR NI N CU
Max ISO 1.00 0.08 0.045 2.00 0.03 3.0 18.5 14.0 - 1.0
Min A4-70 - - - - - 2.0 16.0 10.5 - -
Max ISO² 1.00 0.03 0.045 2.00 0.03 3.0 18.5 14.0 0.22 1.0
Min A4-70 - - - - - 2.0 16.0 11.5 0.12 -
Max 0.75 0.08 0.045 2.0 0.03 3.00 18.0 14.0 0.10
Min 316 - - 0 - - 2.00 16.0 10.0 -
Max 0.75 0.03 0.045 2.0 0.03 3.00 18.0 14.0 0.10
Min 316L - - - - - 2.00 16.0 10.0 -
Max 0.75 0.10 0.045 0.10 0.03 3.00 18.0 14.0 -
Min 316H 0 0.04 - 0.04 - 2.00 16.0 10.0 -