A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. Specified on wave circlips (crescent rings) 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 Wave Circlips (Crescent Rings)
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For wave circlips (crescent rings), 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 Wave Circlips (Crescent Rings) in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
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
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 Wave Circlips (Crescent Rings) Available in A4 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 A4 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this retaining ring in a grade that is not listed?
A4 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.
