Grade
6061-T6
A
This grade is not on the SAE classification, but is similar in strength to Grade 1 or 2 on the SAE scale. This is a low strength grade.
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.
304
The most common stainless steel grade, comparable in strength to grade 2 materials, yet slightly weaker and easy to weld. The DIN/ISO denotation for an extremely similar grade is A2-70. The corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication are why this grade is used in food industry machines, appliances, architectural trim and aquatic fasteners.
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.
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.
6061
The least expensive and most popular aluminum alloy, 6061 has good mechanical properties, good welding properties, and corrosion resistance plus it is the most versatile heat-treated aluminum.
7022-AL5 / 6082-AL4 / 2017A-AL3
These are 3 different specifications for Aluminum Alloys. 2017A (copper alloy)) has high resistance to structural fatigue and is often used in rivets and aircraft components. 6082 (silicon magnesium manganese alloy) is the highest percentage aluminum by weight, which is why it has good resistance to corrosion. It also has good welding properties and is used in hydraulic systems, stairs, scaffoldings and platforms. 7022 (zinc, magnesium, copper alloy) medium strength grade for precision machining and automated machinery parts. ,
A2
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
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.
B7
This chromium molybdenum steel has similar strength to SAE grade 5 fasteners, however, it is specifically used in high temperature and pressure applications. This grade is for fittings, flanges, valves, and pressure vessels. It is also used as threaded rod in concrete and epoxy.
B8 Class 1
304 Stainless Steel, carbide solution treated
B8 Class 2
304 Stainless Steel, carbide solution treated and strain hardened
B8M Class 1
316 Stainless Steel, carbide solution treated
B8M Class 2
316 Stainless Steel, carbide solution treated and strain hardened
Class 4.6
This is a metric grading slightly weaker than the SAE grade 2 classification. It is most similar to the ASTM A307A. Made of low or medium carbon steel, its strength is at the bottom of the grade scale.
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.
