A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. Specified on blind rivet nut studs it determines the corrosion behaviour (superior, including marine and chloride environments) 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 A4 Stainless Steel for Blind Rivet Nut Studs
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For blind rivet nut studs, this matters when superior, including marine and chloride environments is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior, including marine and chloride environments |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A4 (316) adds 2–3% molybdenum to the A2 (304) composition, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-pitting corrosion. For Blind Rivet Nut Studs in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless blind rivet nut studs: (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
Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so with an electrolyte present — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. Area ratio decides how bad it gets: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint gets wet, isolate the metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of Blind Rivet Nut Studs Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Head diameter (mm) | Overall length (mm) | Recommended hole diameter (mm) | Body type | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | 6 | 12 | 6.10 | splined small-head blind body + projecting stud | steel |
| M5 | 7 | 11.5 | 7.10 | splined small-head blind body + projecting stud | steel |
| M6 | 9 | 15.5 | 9.10 | splined small-head blind body + projecting stud | steel |
| M8 | 11 | 17 | 11.10 | splined small-head blind body + projecting stud | steel |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A4 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this rivet in a grade that is not listed?
A4 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Body diameter, grip range, head form and body/mandrel material combination can all be specified against the joint rather than chosen from a table. Made by cold heading or drawing.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
