A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. When countersunk washers (90° seat) are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per Trade series (90° countersunk washer); the material determines corrosion behavior (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). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Countersunk Washers (90° Seat)
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For countersunk washers (90° seat), 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 |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For stainless countersunk washers (90° seat) 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 Countersunk Washers (90° Seat), the alternative stainless grade is A2 (304). The practical dividing line is chlorides: A2 (304) is fine until salt is involved, and A4 (316) exists for the cases where it is — coastal, marine and road-salt service. Neither reaches the strength of a plated class 8.8 or 10.9 fastener.
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 Countersunk Washers (90° Seat) Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| For screw size | Inner diameter d1 (mm) | Outer diameter d2 (mm) | Thickness t (mm) | Countersink angle | Material | Finish | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | 4.3 | 11.0 | 2.0 | 90 | Stainless A2 | Passivated | Matches ISO 7046 heads |
| M5 | 5.3 | 13.0 | 2.5 | 90 | Stainless A2 | Passivated | Matches ISO 7046 heads |
| M6 | 6.4 | 16.0 | 3.0 | 90 | Stainless A2 | Passivated | Matches ISO 7046 heads |
| M8 | 8.4 | 20.0 | 3.5 | 90 | Stainless A2 | Passivated | Matches ISO 10642 heads |
| M10 | 10.5 | 24.0 | 4.0 | 90 | Steel | Zinc plated | Matches ISO 10642 heads |
