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. Specified on unthreaded compression limiters it determines the corrosion behaviour (good general corrosion resistance) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint); the dimensions are ours rather than a standard's, and are listed in full below.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Unthreaded Compression Limiters
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For unthreaded compression limiters, 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 |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A2 (304) gives excellent atmospheric and most-water corrosion resistance and is the most common stainless for Unthreaded Compression Limiters in indoor and general outdoor service. In chloride-bearing environments (marine air, road salt, swimming pools) consider stepping up to A4 (316).
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless unthreaded compression limiters: (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.
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 Unthreaded Compression Limiters Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Design family | Bolt range | Parent bolt class example | Material options | Installation | Compression reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL220 / CL200 | M3~M12 and #4~3/8 | 8.8 / SAE Grade 5 | steel / 2024 aluminum / C36000 brass | press-in or molded-in | rated at 2.5% compression |
| CL350 | M3~M12 and #4~3/8 | 10.9 | steel / 2024 aluminum / C36000 brass | press-in or molded-in | rated at 2.5% compression |
| CL400 / CL460 | M3~M12 and #4~3/8 | 8.8 | steel / 2024 aluminum / C36000 brass | press-in or molded-in | rated at 2.5% compression |
| CL500 / CL6000 / CL6100 / CL8000 / CL8100 / CL620 | M3~M12 and #4~3/8 | 8.8 / 10.9 / Grade 5 / Grade 8 | steel / 2024 aluminum / C36000 brass | press-in or molded-in | rated at 2.5% compression |
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.
