Is A4 stainless steel the same as 316?

If you are searching for high-quality stainless steel for industrial, marine, or food-grade applications, you might wonder: Is A4 stainless steel the same as 316? Understanding the differences, specifications, and applications is crucial for making the right purchasing decision.

 

What is A4 Stainless Steel?
A4 stainless steel is a European designation (EN 1.4401 / 316) for an austenitic stainless steel grade that contains chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. It is widely used in environments requiring high corrosion resistance, such as marine, chemical, and medical applications.
Alternative Names: 316 (AISI/ASTM), X5CrNiMo17-12-2 (EN standard)
Material Type: Austenitic stainless steel

Typical Applications: Marine equipment, food processing machinery, chemical piping, architectural structures

 

Is A4 Stainless Steel the Same as 316?

A4 stainless steel is the metric equivalent of 316 stainless steel, and the two are used interchangeably. The primary difference between A4 (316) and its common counterpart, A2 (304), is that A4 contains molybdenum, which significantly increases its resistance to corrosion from chlorides like salt water and chemicals. This makes A4/316 ideal for marine, chemical, and high-chloride environments, while A2/304 is suitable for more general applications.

Property	A4 Stainless Steel	316 Stainless Steel
Standard	EN 1.4401 / 1.4404	ASTM A240 / AISI 316
Carbon Content	≤ 0.07% (1.4401)	≤ 0.08% (316)
Chromium (Cr)	16–18%	16–18%
Nickel (Ni)	10–14%	10–14%
Molybdenum (Mo)	2–3%	2–3%
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Weldability	Excellent	Excellent
Magnetic Properties	Non-magnetic	Non-magnetic (annealed)

 

Is A4 stronger than 304 stainless steel?
A4 / 316 has slightly higher corrosion resistance due to molybdenum, but mechanical strength is similar to 304.

 

Are A4 bolts the same as 316 bolts?
Yes. A4 bolts are typically marine-grade bolts corresponding to 316 stainless steel.

 

Can A4 / 316 stainless steel be magnetic?
It is generally non-magnetic in annealed condition, but slight magnetism may appear after cold working.

 

Is A4 80 the same as 316?
A4-80 Stainless Steel Fastener is recognized by 2 ways, A4 which describe it as being from SS 316 family and 80 which classifies its strength. When we say A4-80 it generally means that the bolt / screw is from SS 316 grade and has an ultimate tensile strength as 80 kg or 800 n/mm2.

 

As a supplier specializing in stainless steel fasteners for 18 years, GNEE provides A4 stainless steel fasteners (AISI 316/316L/1.4401/1.4404) to customers worldwide. Leveraging our comprehensive offering from materials to service, GNEE has become a trusted partner in the industrial sector.

1. All A4 fasteners are made from AISI 316/316L (EN 1.4401/1.4404) with 2-3% molybdenum, strictly complying with DIN/ISO/ANSI standards.
2. We offer a full range of A4 fasteners, including bolts, nuts, screws, and washers, in a full range of metric and imperial specifications (M3-M30, 1/4"-1"), compatible with various industrial equipment interfaces.

3.We support non-standard dimensions (special threads, special head shapes), surface treatments, respond to customer requests within 72 hours, and deliver samples within 15 days.

Common Products in A4 / 316 Stainless Steel

Product Type	Specifications	Surface Finish	Application
316 Stainless Steel Sheets	0.3–14mm thick	2B, BA, No.4	Chemical tanks, marine panels
316 Stainless Steel Plates	10–100mm thick	2B, BA, No.4	Structural components, machinery base
316 Stainless Steel Pipes	OD 6–508mm, thickness 0.5–40mm	Pickled / Polished	Marine pipelines, chemical processing
A4 Stainless Steel Fasteners	M3–M36	Polished / Passivated	Marine hardware, construction
316 Stainless Steel Bars / Rods	6–300mm	Polished / Hot-rolled	Industrial shafts, valves

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