Materials screws & nuts

Stainless steel fasteners

ISO-designated steel groups

according to ISO 3506

Steel group Austenitic Martensitic Ferritic

Identification of steel A1 A22) A31) A42) A51) C1 C4 C3 F1

grades

Property classes

Screws, nuts type 1

Jam nuts

Studs, setscrews

Tapping screws

soft cold high soft hardened soft hardened hardened soft cold
worked strength and and and worked
tempered tempered tempered

1)
Stabilized against intergranular corrosion through addition of titanum, possibly niobium, tantalum.
2)
Low carbon austenitic stainless steels with carbon content not exceeding 0,03 % may additionally be marked with an «L», e.g. A4L-80.

Descriptions using a letter / figure combination mean the following:

Abbreviation of composition group:

A =  austenitic chromium-nickel steel

Abbreviation of chemical composition:

1  =  free-cutting steel with sulphur additive
2 =  cold-heading steel alloyed with chromium and nickel
A2 – 70 3 =  cold-heading steel alloyed with chromium and nickel stabilised with Ti, Nb, Ta
4 =  cold-heading steel alloyed with chromium, nickel and molybdenum
5 =  cold-heading steel alloyed with chromium, nickel and molybdenum
stabilized with Ti, Nb, Ta

Abbreviation of property class: Thin nuts:

50 =  1/10 of tensile strength (min. 500 N/mm2) 025  =  proof stress min. 250 N/mm2
70 =  1/10 of tensile strength (min. 700 N/mm2) 035 =  proof stress min. 350 N/mm2
80 =  1/10 of tensile strength (min. 800 N/mm2) 040 =  proof stress min. 400 N/mm2

The designation of the steel grade (first block) consists of one of the letters:
– A for austenitic steel Example: A2-70 indicates: austenitic steel, cold worked, min. 700 N/mm2 tensile strength
– C for martensitic steel C4-70 indicates: martensitic steel, hardened and tempered, min. 700 N/mm2 tensile
– F for ferritic steel strength
The designation of the property class consists of two digits representing 1/10 of the
tensile strength of the fasteners respectively 1/10 of the proof load of the nuts.

If fastener elements are classified over the hardness, the hardness class is given according to Vickers by 2 digits standing for 1/10 of
the minimum hardness value. The letter H refers to the hardness.

Designation example of a minimum hardness 250 HV: A4 25 H, austenitic steel, work hardened
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 Materials screws & nuts

Stainless steel fasteners

Chemical composition of austenitic stainless steels

according to ISO 3506

More than 97 % of all fasteners made from stainless steels are Austenitic stainless steels are divided into 5 main groups whose
produced from this steel composition group. They are character­ chemical compositions are as follows:
ised by impressive corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical
properties.
Steel Chemical composition in % Notes
group (maximum values, unless otherwise indicated)
C Si Mn P S Cr Mo Ni Cu
A1 0,12 1,0 6,5 0,200 0,15 – 0,35 16 – 19 0,7 5 – 10 1,75 – 2,25 2) 3) 4)

A2 0,10 1,0 2,0 0,050 0,03 15 – 20 – 8 – 19 4 5) 6)

A3 0,08 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,03 17 – 19 – 9 – 12 1 1) 7)

A4 0,08 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,03 16 – 18,5 2 – 3 10 – 15 4 6) 8)

A5 0,08 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,03 16 – 18,5 2 – 3 10,5 – 14 1 1) 7) 8)

1)
Stabilized against intergranular corrosion through addition of titanium, possibly niobium, tantalum.
2)
Sulfur may be replaced by selenum.
3)
If the nickel content is below 8 %, the min. manganese content shall be 5 %.
4)
There is no min. limit to the copper content, provided that the nickel content is greater than 8 %.
5)
If the chromium content is below 17 %, the min. nickel content should be 12 %.
6)
For austenitic stainless steels having a max. carbon content of 0,03 %, nitrogen may be present to a max. of 0,22 %.
7)
This shall contain titanium ≥ 5 x C up to 0,8 % max. for stabilization and be marked appropriately as specified in this table, or shall contain niobium
(columbium) and / or tantalum ≥ 10 x C up to 1 % maximum for stabilization and be marked approprately as specified in this table.
8)
At the discretion of the manufacturer, the carbon content may be higher where required in order to obtain the specified mechanical properties at larger
diameters, but shall not exceed 0,12 % for austenitic steels.

Chemical composition of corrosion resistant stainless steels

Material Chemical composition, % by mass

number
C Si Mn P S Cr Mo Ni Other
max. max. max. max.
Martensitic steels
1.4006 0,08 to 0,15 1,0 1,5 0,04 0,030 11,0 to 13,5 max. 0,75
1.4034 0,43 to 0,50 1,0 1,0 0,04 0,030 12,5 to 14,5
1.4105 max. 0,08 1,0 1,5 0,04 0,035 16,0 to 18,0 0,20 to 0,60
1.4110 0,48 to 0,60 1,0 1,0 0,04 0,015 13,0 to 15,0 0,50 to 0,80 V max. 0,15
1.4116 0,45 to 0,55 1,0 1,0 0,04 0,030 14,0 to 15,0 0,50 to 0,80 V 0,10 to 0,20
1.4122 0,33 to 0,45 1,0 1,5 0,04 0,030 15,5 to 17,5 0,80 to 1,30 max. 1,0
Austenitic steels
1.4301 max. 0,07 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,030 17,0 to 19,5 8,0 to 10,5 N max. 0,11
1.4305 max. 0,10 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,15 to 0,35 17,0 to 19,0 8,0 to 10,0 Cu max. 1,00 / N max. 0,11
1.4310 0,05 to 0,15 2,0 2,0 0,045 0,015 16,0 to 19,0 max. 0,80 6,0 to 9,5 N max. 0,11
1.4401 max. 0,07 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,030 16,5 to 18,5 2,00 to 2,50 10,0 to 13,0
1.4435 max. 0,03 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,030 17,0 to 19,0 2,50 to 3,00 12,5 to 15,0 N max. 0,11
1.44391) max. 0,03 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,025 16,5 to 18,5 4,00 to 5,00 12,5 to 14,5 N 0,12 to 0,22
1.44621) max. 0,03 1,0 2,0 0,035 0,015 21,0 to 23,0 2,50 to 3,50 4,5 to 6,5 N 0,10 to 0,22
1.4529 1)
max. 0,02 0,5 1,0 0,030 0,010 19,0 to 21,0 6,00 to 7,00 24,0 to 26,0 N 0,15 to 0,25 / Cu 0,5 to 1,5
1.4539 1)
max. 0,02 0,7 2,0 0,030 0,010 19,0 to 21,0 4,00 to 5,00 24,0 to 26,0 N max. 0,15 / Cu 1,2 to 2,0
1.45651) max. 0,03 1,0 7,0 0,030 0,015 24,0 to 26,0 4,00 to 5,00 16,0 to 19,0 N 0,30 to 0,60 / Nb max. 0,150
1.4568 max. 0,09 0,7 1,0 0,040 0,015 16,0 to 18,0 6,5 to 7,8 Al 0,70 to 1,50
1.4571 max. 0,08 1,0 2,0 0,045 0,030 16,5 to 18,5 2,00 to 2,50 10,5 to 13,5 Ti 5xC ≤ 0,70
1)
 ustenitic stainless steels with particular resistance to chloride induced stress corrosion.
A
The risk of failure of bolts, screws and studs by chloride induced stress corrosion can be reduced by using the materials marked in the table. In particular
recommended for indoor swimming pools and proven in practice: 1.4529 and 1.4565.
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 Materials screws & nuts

Stainless steel fasteners

Distinctive properties of stainless steels

Material designation A1 A2 A3 A4 A5
Material number 1.4300 1.4301 1.4541 1.4401 1.4436
1.4305 1.4303 1.4590 1.4435 1.4571
1.4306 1.4550 1.4439 1.4580
Properties for machining Standard quality Highest resistance to corrosion
– rust-resistant to a certain – rust-resistant – rust-resistant
degree
– corrosion-resistant to a certain – acid-resistant – highly acid-resistant
degree
– weldable to a certain degree – weldable to a certain degree – easily weldable
A3, A5 as A2, A4 but stabilised against intergranular corrosion following welding,
annealing or when used at high temperatures.

F
 urther details on the chemical stability of rust-resistant and
acid-resistant steels can be found on
Page F.024

Time-temperature diagram of intergranular c

­ orrosion in austenitic stainless steels

Figure gives the approximate time for austenitic stainless steels,

Note
grade A2 (18/8 steels), with different carbon contents in the tempera­
ture zone between 550 °C and 925 °C before risk of intergranular cor­ With lower carbon contents, the resistance against intergranu­
rosion occours. lar corrosion is improved.
Temperature in C°

Time in minutes
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 Materials screws & nuts

Stainless steel fasteners

Chemical stability
based on information provided by the manufacturer’s

Austenitic steels A1, A2 and A4 obtain their resistance to ISO standard 3506 defines rust and acid-resistant steels. It also
corrosion through a surface protective layer of oxide. If this is contains details of their mechanical properties, chemical compo­
damaged it uses atmospheric oxygen to regenerate itself. If sition and a number of notes on the selection of the right steel for
access to atmospheric oxygen is blocked by an unfavourable high and low temperature applications.
style of construction or through dirt, then even these steels will
corrode!
The reference data with respect to corrosion
General rules: A2 above water, inland climate
resistance
A4 under water, coastal climate
Indications on resistance to corrosion are preferably obtained
A1 this steel contains small particles of sul­
from laboratory and practical trials!
phur, which gives it a good machinability.
Its resistance to corrosion is lower than Ask for information on our «Bossard Analysis» service.
that of A2.
Please avoid: cracks, separation joints, pockets of
water, poor ventilation, layers of dirt
Attention
The resistance to corrosion can be reduced in the presence of a – Martensitic chrome steels (e.g. 1.4110, 1.4116, 1.4112)
coating (prevents access to the air), or chemical blackening or a are normally used for corrosion-resistantretaining rings and
roughening of the surface. washers. The corrosion resistance of these steels is lower
than that of austenitic chrome-nickel steels.
Media containing chlorine can under certain conditions lead to – Recent experience indicates that there is a risk of stress
dangerous inter-crystalline corrosion. This is often very difficult corrosion cracking. In order to reduce this risk the depth of
to see from the outside, and can lead to a sudden failure of the the nuts can be selected so that the fitted rings are not
steel part. subjected to stress. This will reduce their load-bearing capacity.

Technical arguments for the use of fasteners made from rust-resistant austenitic chrome-
nickel steels A1, A2, A4

Advantages Avoidance of potential problems

Bright-finished surface, good appereance Rusty screws create a bad impression. The customer loses trust in the product.
Savety Corrosion reduces the strength and operational reliability of the fasteners.
They become weak points.
No traces of red-rust Red rust can discolour white-coloured plastic components and textiles and make them unusable.
No risk to health Cutting yourself on a rusty part can lead to blood poisoning.
Food grade material Parts made from zinc-coated steel must not be allowed to come into contact with foodstuffs.
Lick-resistant Small children must not be able to get within reach of and lick small, zinc-coated or cadmium-coated parts.
Easy to clean and hygienic Products or efflorescences caused by corrosion can build up on bright-polished or zinc-coated fasteners which
then become difficult to remove.
Austenitic chrome-nickel steel is almost Magnetic fasteners used in the construction of types of apparatus or measuring devices can lead to disruptions.
entirely non-magnetic Magnetic parts attract iron filings. This gives rise to additional problems of corrosion.
Good temperature resistance At temperatures above 80 °C the chromating on zinc-plated and chrome-plated fasteners is destroyed.
The corrosion resistance drops dramatically.
The screw and nuts are bright-polished and If the permissible thickness of the coating on galvanically finished screws is exceeded, the parts jam up when
so always remain workable. being assembled.
No problems during maintenance work Rusty screws or nuts just cannot be unscrewed. In order to disassemble the unit the fasteners have to be
destroyed, and this involves considerable force and effort.
This often results in damage to the parts.
Ecologically-oriented use of austenitic The environmental influences lead to a chemical reaction at galvanized screws with the tannic acid existing in
screw elements into wood the wood. A gray / black coloring which penetrate into the wood can not be eliminated any more.
Due to the time restricted anti-corrosion protection and possible stress corrosion risk, the usage of highstrength
martensitic steel is not recommended.
In all corrosion relevant wood applications use of austenitic steels is recommended.
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 Materials screws & nuts

Stainless steel fasteners

Mechanical properties for fasteners made from austenitic stainless steel

according to ISO 3506

Screws

Steel group Steel Property class Thread diameter range Tensile strength Stress at 0,2 % perma­ Elongation after fracture
grade Rm min1) nent strain Rp 0,2 min1) Amin2)
[N/mm2] [N/mm2] [mm]
Austenitic A1, A2 50 ≤ M39 500 210 0,6 d
A3, A4 70 ≤ M393) 700 450 0,4 d
A5 80 ≤ M393) 800 600 0,3 d
1)
All values are calculated values and refer to the stressed cross-section of the thread.
2)
The elongation after fracture is to be determined for the whole screw and not for unscrewed test pieces.
3)
Strength of the screw is indicated by the head marking and defined by the applicable product standard.

Nuts

Steel group Steel Property class Thread diameter range Stress under proof load SP min [N/mm2]
grade
Nuts Style 1 thin nuts d Nuts Style 1 thin nuts
m ≥ 0,8 d 0,5 d ≤ m < 0,8 d [mm] m ≥ 0,8 d 0,5 d ≤ m < 0,8 d
Austenitic A1, A2 50 025 ≤ M39 500 250
A3, A4 70 035 ≤ M393) 700 350
A5 80 040 ≤ M393) 800 400

m = nut height
d = nominal thread diameter

The commercial quality of steel grades A2 and A4 is property Use of screws of property class 80 is only economically justifiable
class 70 (tensile strength 700 N/mm2). Strength of the screw is if the components are made from stainless steel (high strength).
indicated by the head marking and defined by the applicable
product standard.
We keep a wide range available for you from stock.

Minimum breaking torque MB min for screws made from austenitic steel with threads M1,6 to
M16 (normal thread)
according to ISO 3506
Threads Minimum breaking torque MB min [Nm]
Property class
50 70 80
M1,6 0,15 0,2 0,24
M2 0,3 0,4 0,48
M2,5 0,6 0,9 0,96
M3 1,1 1,6 1,8
M4 2,7 3,8 4,3
M5 5,5 7,8 8,8
M6 9,3 13 15
M8 23 32 37
M10 46 65 74
M12 80 110 130
M16 210 290 330

Reference values for 0,2 % Rp0, 2 at higher temperatures as % of the values at room
t­ emperature
according to ISO 3506
Steel grade1) 0,2 % Rp0,2
For applicability at low temperature see
+ 100 °C + 200 °C + 300 °C + 400 °C Page F.018
A2, A4 85 % 80 % 75 % 70 %
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applies for property classes 70 and 80

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 Materials screws & nuts

Stainless steel fasteners

Marking of screws and nuts

according to ISO 3506

Requirement Nuts
Screws and nuts made from stainless austenitic steels must be Nuts from minimal diameter M5 must be marked with the steel
marked. group, the property class and the manufacturer’s mark.

Caution
Only those fasteners marked to standard will have the desired XYZ
properties. Products not marked to standard will often only XYZ
correspond to property classes A2-50 or A4-50.
A2-70

A2-70
Screws
Hexagon head screws, and hexagon or hexalobular socket head
cap screws from nominal diameter M5 must be marked. The
marking must show the steel group, the property class and the
manufacturer’s mark. Locking screws must be marked on the When the marking is made with grooves and the property class is
shaft or screw end. not indicated, property class 50 or 025 will apply.

Studbolts It is possible that certain nuts would not fulfil the proof load
Bolts from nominal diameter M6 must be marked on the shank or requirements because of fine pitch thread or the geometry of the
the end of the thread with the steel group, the property class and nut. These nuts may be marked with the steel grade, but shall not
the manufacturer’s mark. be marked with the property class.

Alternative groove marking

A2-70

A2
(for steel grades A2 and A4 only)
XYZ

Hexagon screws
Ø>s

manufacturer’s mark
A2 A4
XYZ

Other markings
Other types of bolts and screws can be marked in the same way,
A2-70 where it is possible to do so and on the head portion only. Ad­
ditional marking is allowed, provided it does not cause confusion.
Steel group Property class
Fasteners that do not fulfil the tensile or torsional requirements
because of the geometry may be marked with the steel grade, but
shall not be marked with the property class.
Socket head cap screws
XYZ

A
A2
A A4-80

A4-80

Note
Markings analogous to ISO 898-1 using the «supplementary 0»
(e.g. A2-070) are intended to be included in the next revision
of ISO 3506-1.
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