Corrosion-resistant stainless steels have been available to us for more than 100 years. The most important representatives of these metals are frequently grouped under the terms V2A and V4A. Today we look at the properties of these two metal groups and answer the following question: what is the difference between V2A and V4A?
This difference can be very important when deciding whether V2A or V4A is the right material for your project. After reading this article, you will also know how to tell V2A and V4A apart.
V2A at a glance
The name V2A goes back to the trial designation "Versuchsschmelze 2, Austenit" (trial melt 2, austenite) from 1912. Although the alloy is no longer produced in its original form, V2A has established itself as an umbrella term for a group of corrosion-resistant stainless steels.
For a steel to be classified as V2A, its carbon content must not exceed 0.12%. Chromium must account for between 17 and 19%, and nickel for at least 7 and at most 9%. The most widespread V2A steels are the alloys 1.4301 and 1.4307. These two alloys are characterised by a particularly high nickel content on the one hand and a lower carbon content on the other. V2A accounts for more than 50% of all corrosion-resistant steels.
Where is V2A used?
Thanks to its resistance to corrosion, many everyday objects are made of V2A. Examples we encounter again and again are kitchen sinks, cutlery and railings. Stainless steel screws are also generally made of V2A steels.
V4A at a glance
To achieve resistance to chlorides, a 2% share of molybdenum was added to V2A. It is therefore a chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy. The best-known representative of this material group is 1.4401.
Where particularly high corrosion resistance is required, 1.4571 is used - a stainless steel alloy stabilised with titanium.
Where is V4A used?
Due to their high corrosion resistance, V4A steels are primarily used where they are in permanent contact with liquids. Swimming pools are built from V4A, and it is an important construction material in the chemical industry and in shipping.
What is the difference between V2A and V4A?
Now that we have covered the basics of the two metal types, let us take a closer look at the difference between V2A and V4A stainless steel. What is the difference, and how does it affect you?
First of all, there is a fundamental difference in composition, because V4A always contains molybdenum. But that is probably not the most important point for you. Price will play a bigger role: V2A is significantly cheaper than V4A, which is another reason why it is far more widespread.
The differing material properties are also important. Here it is above all the considerably higher corrosion resistance of V4A that usually tips the scales: this material is resistant even to seawater and chlorides.
How do you tell V2A and V4A apart?
Unfortunately, the difference between V2A and V4A stainless steel cannot be determined visually - unless an identification mark is stamped in, which is rarely the case. In practice, two methods have proven useful for finding out whether a workpiece is made of V2A or V4A. Since V2A, unlike V4A, can be slightly magnetic, you can try to detect this weak magnetic attraction with a strong magnet.
The following procedure is far more reliable: scrape off the oxide layer in one spot and apply aqua regia. If the spot turns brownish, the workpiece contains molybdenum and is therefore a V4A steel. If the spot remains unchanged even after 5 minutes, it is V2A.
Which material is right for my project?
We cannot answer this question in general terms. And we are no fans of always recommending V4A just to be on the safe side. Given the higher costs compared with V2A, that is not always the right solution.
Which alloy is right depends on the environment in which you intend to use the sheets or workpieces. In the vast majority of cases, a V2A steel will be sufficient. However, if your project comes into contact with salt water or chloride-containing substances, V4A is the right choice.
Where can I get the right steel for my project?
Unlike many other materials, high-quality stainless steels are not standard products you can buy in a DIY store - as you have probably already discovered. Even if you are lucky enough to find a 3 mm stainless plate there, you then face the problem of bringing it to the right dimensions professionally - accurate to the millimetre.
A better source of supply is therefore metalworking companies with the right machines for computer-controlled cutting. There is no difference between V2A and V4A to consider here, as the same processes and machines are used for both. However, most of them will target larger customers and regular clients and show little interest in orders from private individuals.
ESC Burg as your supplier of high-quality stainless steel
When we redesigned our production, it was important to us to be able to accept and process both small and large orders efficiently. Thanks to the greatest possible automation, we have achieved this goal. We welcome every order from private and business customers alike - and make no distinction between them.
If you are looking for a stainless steel sheet, let our sales team advise you without obligation. Our colleagues naturally also know the difference between V2A and V4A and can determine the optimum alloy for your project together with you. You will also learn the price immediately, which we calculate individually for each sheet.
When you order from us, we can assure you that your sheet will be manufactured to your specifications with millimetre precision. As a rule, a maximum of 48 hours passes between order receipt and dispatch, so you will not have to wait long for your made-to-measure sheet to reach you. Once you are aware of the difference between V2A and V4A and have decided on a material, do not hesitate to ask us for a quotation. We look forward to your call.
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