Grade
A2-70
6/6
This is a specific designation of a polyamide or nylon plastic. This lightweight material doesn't have corrosion problems, is non-magnetic, non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-flammable and non-conductive. It is much weaker than the SAE standard grade 2, yet great in low strength applications where weight is at a premium.
18-8
A general designation for the most common and popular stainless steel, (300 Series) referring to the 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It's strength has a range from the middle to low end of the grade scale. All 300 series stainless steel share the ratio of chromium to nickel with varying other elements improving different properties. It has higher corrosion resistance than the 400 series stainless steels and it is non-magnetic.
316
The second most common stainless steel grade, this material is stronger than grade 2, slightly weaker than grade 5,or generally as strong as medium to low carbon steel. It is on the low middle end of the grade scale. It is used in more severe corrosive environments than 304 stainless steel, as such it is used in more industrial settings, like process chemicals, textiles, bleaches, salt water and rubber. It is also used in surgical implants. The DIN/ISO denotation for a very similar grade is A4-70.
360
This is highly machinable alloy of copper and zinc, yet has good strength and resistance to corrosion. It is near the low end of the grade scale and is good nuts, screws, bolts, nozzles, unions, adapters, screw machine products, pneumatic fittings, plumbing fittings, the musical instrument industry and ornamentally.
400
Commonly known as Monel 400, a nickel-copper alloy. Similar uses to Stainless Steel in terms of corrosion resistance, however this metal has a higher grade. Stronger than SAE grade 2 yet weaker than SAE grade 5
651
This predominantly copper alloy of medium to high strength is superior to medium strength steel. In addition it has excellent hot and cold working characteristics with very good corrosion resistance. Also known as Low Silicon Bronze.
A2-70
A type of the most common stainless steel grade. It is comparable in strength to grade 2 materials, yet slightly weaker and easy to weld. This grade is always metric. The ASTM denotation for very similar grade is 304. The corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication are why this grade is used in food industry machines, appliances, architectural trim and aquatic fasteners.
A4-70
The second most common stainless steel grade, this material is stronger than grade 2 and generally as strong as medium to low carbon steel. It is on the low middle end of the grade scale. This grade is always metric. The ASTM denotation for a very similar grade is 316.
A4-80
Made from the second most common stainless steel grade, this material is stronger than grade 2 and generally as strong as medium to low carbon steel. It is also slightly stronger than its A4-70 relative. It is on the low middle end of the grade scale. This grade is always metric. The ASTM denotation for a very similar grade is 316.
AL4-5-6
This material is made of aluminum alloys containing zinc, magnesium, copper, and silicon. These alloys meet ISO 8839 standards for non ferrous metals.
Class 8.8
This is a metric grading similar to the SAE grade 5 classification, made of medium steel and is of medium strength on the grade scale.
Class 10.9
This is a metric grading similar to the SAE grade 8 classification, which is used in automotive, and structural industries, as well as in high temp applications. Its strength is near the high end of the grade scale, although there are higher grades and strengths for more specialized fasteners.
Class 12.9
This is a very strong metric grading near the top of the grade scale. Similar to grade 9 fasteners it tops out in tensile strength around 180,000 psi., while offering the most strength in a joint. This grade is used in high strength applications.
