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 wave circlips (crescent rings) 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 Wave Circlips (Crescent Rings)
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For wave circlips (crescent rings), 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 Wave Circlips (Crescent Rings) 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
For stainless wave circlips (crescent rings) 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.
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 Wave Circlips (Crescent Rings) Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Form | Fits | What it adds over a flat ring | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| wave ring, external | shaft groove | axial spring preload, removes end float | bearing and gear trains |
| wave ring, internal | bore groove | axial spring preload, removes end float | housings and bearing bores |
| crescent ring, external | shaft groove | low profile, small radial clearance needed | tight radial envelopes |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A2 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this retaining ring in a grade that is not listed?
A2 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Groove dimensions, thickness, material temper and finish decide the part; the ring is made to the groove, so the groove drawing is what is actually needed. Made by stamping.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
