What is V2A and V4A stainless steel?
Both V2A and V4A stainless steels fall under the austenitic category, denoting their crystalline structure predominantly consists of austenite phase. The American SAE grade system identifies austenitic stainless steels by numbers beginning with 300. These steels typically comprise a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium, and adequate amounts of nickel and/or manganese to maintain an austenitic structure. Anemo offers a range of SS316 / V4A components with our S-CLAMPS as one of the topselling products.
Industries using SS316 or V4A go from food processing, tunnel construction to windmills.
V4A stainless steel
V4A, a German standard, epitomizes resilience, making it ideal for hostile conditions. Its applications span diverse industries, including infrastructure, where it's employed in tunnels for fixing lights. Tunnels pose unique challenges such as high humidity and acidic atmospheres due to vehicle emissions, where V4A's corrosion resistance shines. Belonging to the 316L family, V4A variants like 1.4404 or 1.4435 offer superior protection against corrosion, thanks to their low carbon content (indicated by "L" designation).
EN standard | Steel name | SAE grade | |
4307 | X2CrNi18-9 | 304L | |
1.4306 | X2CrNi19-11 | 304L | |
1.4311 | X2CrNiN18-10 | 304LN | |
1.4301 | X5CrNi18-10 | 304 | |
1.4948 | X6CrNi18-11 | 304H | |
1.4404 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | 316L | |
1.4401 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 316 | |
1.4406 | X2CrNiMoN17-12-2 | 316LN | |
1.4432 | X2CrNiMo17-12-3 | 316L | |
1.4435 | X2CrNiMo18-14-3 | 316L | |
1.4436 | X3CrNiMo17-13-3 | 316 | |
1.4571 | X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | 316Ti | |
1.4429 | X2CrNiMoN17-13-3 | 316LN |
Referencing the EN standard, various steel names correspond to SAE grades. For instance:
- 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) and 1.4435 (X2CrNiMo18-14-3) signify 316L grade, known for its corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.
- The "L" designation denotes carbon content below 0.03%, crucial for mitigating corrosion risks post-welding.
Despite their divergent compositions, both V2A and V4A exhibit comparable performance, especially in resisting salt spray corrosion. However, nuanced differences exist in their base material compositions, evident in the variations outlined in the steel names.
V2A stainless steel
V2A, akin to 1.4301 or AISI 304, embodies versatility and reliability. While not as impervious as V4A, it finds applications across industries where moderate corrosion resistance suffices. Its composition, akin to 304 grade, ensures durability and longevity, making it a cost-effective solution for numerous applications.
V1A vs 1.4305 or AISI3
V1A is similar to 1.4305 or aisi 303 (see separate blog)
Download Stainless Steel 316 catalogue
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Can't get enough of Stainless Steel components?
Standard clamps available in stainless steel 316:
Another product line we have available in stainless steel 316 (V4A stainless steel), are our Auto Lok Nuts
Examples of available stock: