Achieving Superior Corrosion Resistance With A20 Stainless Steel Washers

A20 stainless steel washers are made from an exceptionally enduring alloy. A20 stainless steel provides many advantages over similar alloys. Washers stamped from this material can be used in applications that call for uniquely tough spacers and extra enduring fastener assemblies.

A20 stainless steel belongs to a family of austenitic stainless steel, which contains iron, chromium, and carbon, along with manganese, nickel, molybdenum, copper, silicon, and niobium. This material is non-magnetic and notably resistant to specific corrosive circumstances. It was developed specifically for resistance to sulfuric acids but it can also endure exposure to other substances.

A20 stainless steel washers are used in chemical processing and wastewater treatment applications. The presence of copper in A20 gives it unique endurance properties and notable resistance to acids and many highly corrosive, caustic substances. This makes these washers useful in all types of processing, containment, and transporting equipment used by chemical, fuel, transportation, and sanitation industries.

A20 stainless steel washers are also used in structural applications. They will stand up to potential pitting and chloride-caused oxidation that sometimes affects 304 stainless steel washers, especially in extreme environments.

A20 stainless steel washers can be used in many marine, power generators, and petrochemical processing settings where A4 or 316L stainless steel washers are often used. A20 stainless steel provides extended resistance to stress corrosion and cracking over 316L and A4 stainless steel.

The most common types of A20 stainless steel washers are flat washers. Their main purposes are spacing and load distribution. They serve as a buffer between fastener heads, or nuts, and the material where they are installed, which provides many indispensable advantages.

On installation, a flat washer makes it easier to achieve the correct tension—enough to ensure the joint is secured while also ensuring easy adjustments and disassembly can be completed as needed.

Flat washers add support to materials, particularly those that are more malleable than the fasteners themselves. They will prevent warping, wear, and damage and will prevent the assembly from loosening over time. This safeguard is especially important for machinery and parts that may be subject to vibration or movement.

A20 stainless steel washers can include other washer varieties, such as lock washers, slotted washers, and fender washers, as well as shims, spacers, and other small stampings. They may be identified under ASTM material specs ASTM B729, ASTM B464, ASTM B473, and ASTM B462, or under various trademark and industry names.

Due to their use in very specific applications, A20 washers may not be as widely available from conventional suppliers as other types of stainless steel spacing devices. They are more easily acquired from a dedicated stamping manufacturer. Washer manufacturers will typically offer a broader selection of specialized products and can provide better material assurances, testing, and traceability, which is important when a high-performance washer is required.

Are A20 Stainless Steel Washers Better Than 316L Stainless Steel Washers?

Washers made from A20 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel can provide similar performance in many of the same applications. Both alloys are resistant to corrosion caused by certain corrosive substances, including chloride.

This makes them suitable for many marine applications and equipment used in certain types of chemical processing. Both of these alloys contain nickel, molybdenum, and silicon. A20 stainless steel does include a small amount of copper, which is better for resisting corrosion caused by sulfuric acid.

If stress cracking or pitting may occur, A20 stainless steel washers will provide better resistance compared to 316L stainless steel washers.

Are A20 Stainless Steel Washers Magnetic?

A20 stainless steel is austenitic stainless steel and is therefore non-magnetic. Austenitic stainless steels will not respond to magnetic forces because of their crystalline structure. Washers, shims, and other components stamped from A20 and similar alloys are also non-magnetic.