Is A2 steel the same as 304?
Oct 30, 2025
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What is A2 Stainless steel?
A2 Stainless Steel is a European / ISO Designation for Austenitic Stainless Steel, commonly used in fasteners such as screws, bolts, and nuts.
What is 304 stainless steel?
304 Stainless Steel is an AISI / ASTM Grade with almost identical chemical composition to A2.In practice, A2 Stainless Steel Fasteners Are Made From 304 Stainless Steel, making their Corrosion Resistance And Mechanical Properties Very Similar.
Is A2 steel the same as 304?
A2 steel is essentially 304 Stainless Steel under a different naming standard. However, A2 does not include molybdenum, unlike A4 stainless steel (316 grade), which provides enhanced chloride resistance.
What is the difference between A2 and A4 stainless steel?
The main difference is that A4 stainless steel offers significantly better corrosion resistance due to its molybdenum content, making it suitable for harsh environments like marine and chemical applications. A2 stainless steel (also known as 304) has good general-purpose corrosion resistance but is less effective in highly corrosive environments and is more affordable for everyday use.
Chemical Composition
| Element | A2 Stainless Steel / ISO 3506 | 304 Stainless Steel / ASTM A240 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.08% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17–19% | 18–20% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8–10% | 8–10.5% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | – | – |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.11% | ≤ 0.10% |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | A2 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 500–700 MPa | 520–720 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 180–250 MPa | 205–215 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness (HB) | 150–200 | 150–200 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (non-marine) | Excellent (non-marine) |
| Temperature Range | -196°C to +870°C | -196°C to +870°C |
Advantages of A2/304 Stainless Steel:
Excellent corrosion resistance: Suitable for indoor, industrial, and mildly corrosive environments. However, prolonged exposure to salt water should be avoided without proper maintenance.
High strength and toughness: Maintains mechanical stability under tension, vibration, and moderate temperatures.
Non-magnetic (annealed): Suitable for applications where magnetism may cause interference.
Easy to process: Can be cut, bent, welded, or machined without special equipment.
As a supplier specializing in stainless steel screws for 18 years, Gnee supplies A2 (AISI 304) stainless steel screws to customers worldwide. Leveraging our comprehensive offering from materials to services, Gnee has become a reliable partner in the industrial sector.
We supply a full range of A4 fasteners, including bolts, nuts, screws and washers, in a variety of specifications and metrics (M3-M30, 1/4"-1"), compatible with various industrial equipment interfaces.
Price Range: Approx. USD 3–6 per kg depending on form (sheet, bar, fastener) and order quantity.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 100–500 kg for sheets, 1000 pcs for fasteners.
Lead Time: 7–15 days for standard stock, longer for custom dimensions.
Certifications: ISO 9001, ASTM / EN compliant; Mill Test Certificates available.
Packaging: PE film protection, wooden crates, or as per customer request.
Email: sales@gneestainless.com
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