A2 Stainless Steel Slam Latches combine the dimensional form of Trade series (push-to-close slam latches) with the material properties of grade ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70: good general corrosion resistance, largely non-magnetic, service range approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint. This page summarizes the grade data, its corrosion behavior in service, the comparable grades, and the sizes supplied.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Slam Latches
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For slam latches, 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
For stainless slam latches the compatibility question is galvanic rather than galling: joined to aluminum or galvanized steel in wet service, stainless drives corrosion of the less-noble metal. Isolate with a coating, sleeve or non-conductive washer where the joint sees moisture. Note also that stainless is softer than hardened carbon steel, so where the part carries a wear or shear duty, check the load against the grade before substituting.
Comparable Grades
For Slam Latches, 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
The galvanic couple here runs the wrong way: aluminum is the less noble metal, so it corrodes and the fastener does not. What governs the rate is the ratio of areas — a large anode and a small cathode is a tolerable combination, the reverse concentrates the attack into thin material around the hole. An isolating washer plus sealant breaks the circuit; where that is impractical, match the fastener to the substrate.
Sizes of Slam Latches Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Form | Closing action | Release | Typical panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| flush slam latch | push to close | key or trigger | enclosure and cabinet doors |
| lever slam latch | push to close | lever | vehicle and equipment doors |
| push-to-close with keylock | push to close | keyed cylinder | secured enclosures |
| adjustable-grip slam latch | push to close | lever or key | doors with gasket compression |
