We rely entirely on stainless steel as the material for our products. You will often find references to material 1.4301 or V4A stainless steel on our products. But what do these designations mean and what are the differences?
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and other metals, widely used due to its corrosion resistance and strength. Two common types of stainless steel are V4A and V2A, which differ primarily in their chromium and nickel content.
V2A stainless steel
V2A stainless steel, also known as AISI 304, consists of approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This gives it good resistance to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for indoor use or in environments with moderate humidity. V2A stainless steel is often used for household appliances, kitchen utensils, and rustproof screws.
V4A stainless steel
V4A stainless steel, also known as AISI 316, contains approximately 17% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum. The increased molybdenum content gives V4A stainless steel even better corrosion resistance, especially against chlorine-containing media such as seawater or chemical cleaning agents. Therefore, V4A stainless steel is often used in environments exposed to high humidity or aggressive substances, such as in the chemical industry, offshore applications, or marine environments.
Summary
The main difference between V4A and V2A stainless steel lies in their corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. While V2A stainless steel is sufficient for general indoor use, V4A stainless steel offers improved corrosion resistance and strength, making it ideal for more demanding environments. When selecting the appropriate stainless steel, the specific requirements of the application and the environmental conditions should be taken into account.
