A2 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70) is the most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. When helical thread inserts are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per DIN 8140; the material determines corrosion behavior (good general corrosion resistance) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Helical Thread Inserts
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For helical thread inserts, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless helical thread inserts: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Comparable Grades
For Helical Thread Inserts, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). A2 (304) covers general indoor and outdoor service. A4 (316) adds molybdenum, which is what buys the chloride resistance for marine and de-icing-salt exposure. Where strength matters more than corrosion, plated alloy steel in class 8.8 or 10.9 is the swap to make.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Expect the aluminum to corrode, not the fastener — stainless sits higher in the galvanic series, so the aluminum is the one that gives up material. A small fastener in a thick section spreads the loss over a large area and is usually fine; a large fastener in thin sheet concentrates it and is not. Keep water out of the joint, or isolate the two metals with a nylon or coated washer and a sealant.
Sizes of Helical Thread Inserts Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Pitch (mm) | Length (mm) | Drill / tap size (mm) | Free coil diameter (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 4.5 | 3.1 (STI tap) | 3.45 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M3 | 0.5 | 6.0 | 3.1 (STI tap) | 3.45 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M4 | 0.7 | 6.0 | 4.2 (STI tap) | 4.57 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M4 | 0.7 | 8.0 | 4.2 (STI tap) | 4.57 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M5 | 0.8 | 7.5 | 5.3 (STI tap) | 5.67 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M5 | 0.8 | 10.0 | 5.3 (STI tap) | 5.67 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M6 | 1.0 | 9.0 | 6.3 (STI tap) | 6.80 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M6 | 1.0 | 12.0 | 6.3 (STI tap) | 6.80 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M8 | 1.25 | 12.0 | 8.4 (STI tap) | 9.01 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M8 | 1.25 | 16.0 | 8.4 (STI tap) | 9.01 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M10 | 1.5 | 15.0 | 10.5 (STI tap) | 11.26 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M10 | 1.5 | 20.0 | 10.5 (STI tap) | 11.26 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M12 | 1.75 | 18.0 | 12.6 (STI tap) | 13.51 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M12 | 1.75 | 24.0 | 12.6 (STI tap) | 13.51 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 2xD length; tang break-off |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 16.5 (STI tap) | 17.71 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 20.5 (STI tap) | 22.07 | DIN 8140 / ISO 10130 | Wire thread insert, 1.5xD length; tang break-off |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A2 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this threaded insert in a grade that is not listed?
A2 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Thread size, body length, knurl or key form and installation method are all variable against the parent material. Made by tapping or knurling.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
