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What is the difference between A2 and A4 Stainless Steel?
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless Steel is a metal which is very durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. It can also withstand very high temperatures and is resistant to chemicals due to the addition of chromium which creates a protective layer around the steel.
Material Comparison of A2 and A4 Stainless Steel
| Type of Steel | Composition | Corrosion Resistance | Applications | Magnetic Properties |
| A2 Stainless Steel (304) | A2 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. | A4 stainless steel has a good corrosion resistance for general use however, it is not suitable in environments where there is a high exposure to chloride. | A2 steel is commonly used in kitchen equipment, food processing equipment and automotive parts. | A2 stainless steel is not magnetic. |
| A4 Stainless Steel (316) | A4 stainless steel contains approximately 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum in this steel, gives it a higher resistance. | A4 steel has a superior corrosion resistance compared to A2. This means it is useful in very harsh environments. | A4 steel is commonly used in marine applications, the pharmaceutical industry and chemical processing. | A4 stainless steel is not magnetic. |
Other Common Grades of Stainless Steel Include:
430 Stainless Steel- Commonly used in automotive equipment and kitchen appliances because it is magnetic and has good corrosion resistance.
409 Stainless Steel- Often used in automotive exhaust systems because it has a high temperature resistance and is easy to weld.
201 Stainless Steel- This type of stainless steel is very often used in kitchen utensils and appliances due to its strength and toughness.
321 Stainless Steel- Can be used in extreme temperature environments for example, aerospace technology due to its resistance in these conditions.
If you would like to see our full range of stainless steel products, click HERE.
If you would like to see more information on grades of stainless steel, click HERE.
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Is Stainless Steel better than Aluminium?
Stainless steel is harder and more durable than Aluminium; making it less likely to bend out of shape when under stress. Stainless steel also has less electrical conductivity which makes it more suitable in some applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
A4 stainless steel has the best corrosion resistance and fairs best in salt water compared to other types of steel. Its resistance against rust makes it very useful in conditions where it will be submerged underwater for prolonged periods of time. For example, boat hulls which are constantly underwater.
Yes, all stainless steel does rust. However, some grades of stainless steel are more likely to rust compared to others. The higher chromium content in the metal, the less likely it is to rust and therefore it will last longer.
If you would like a full chart of the corrosion resistance of each stainless steel and find the right grade for you, please click HERE.
Guest Author
This blog was written by Oscar during his work experience in the Technical Team. Oscar spent a week with us learning about the industry, gaining an understanding about our brand and product range and creating content for the website.
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