A4 Stainless Steel Micro Spring Lock Washers are supplied to our own published dimensions — this is a trade-series article rather than one covered by a dimensional standard, so confirm the figures against the part you are replacing. The grade provides superior, including marine and chloride environments and is largely non-magnetic; the practical service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Micro Spring Lock Washers
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For micro spring lock washers, 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
Two important notes for stainless micro spring lock washers: (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.
Comparable Grades
For Micro Spring Lock Washers, the alternative stainless grade is A2 (304). 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 Micro Spring Lock Washers Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| For thread size | Washer form | Material options | Application note |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1.0 | compact spring lock washer | steel / stainless steel | precision instruments and electronic devices |
| M1.2 | compact spring lock washer | steel / stainless steel | precision instruments and electronic devices |
| M1.4 | compact spring lock washer | steel / stainless steel | precision instruments and electronic devices |
| M1.7 | compact spring lock washer | steel / stainless steel | precision instruments and electronic devices |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A4 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this washer in a grade that is not listed?
A4 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Bearing area is usually the reason for a special washer: a larger outside diameter to spread load into a softer material, or a thicker section to resist dishing. Made by stamping or punching.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
