Today we will not focus on a single alloy but turn to the V4A stainless steel group - several alloys that all share similar material properties. We will reveal how V4A steel is composed, what it is particularly well suited for and how you can order it quickly and conveniently.
Of course, we will also cover the difference between V2A and V4A so that you can make an informed decision for a material. Because processing and machining options also play an important role, we will explain how V4A stainless steel can be worked. With what you read here, you will make good progress with your project.
What is V4A stainless steel?
The umbrella term V4A stainless steel refers to austenitic, rustproof steel. The alloy consists essentially of nickel, chromium and molybdenum. Thanks to its excellent corrosion resistance, V4A stainless steel is ideally suited for outdoor use.
The addition of molybdenum provides great resistance to chlorine-containing media. This is why V4A stainless steel is popular in coastal regions with elevated salt levels in the air.
Chemical composition
Several alloys belong to the V4A stainless steel group. They differ in their exact composition, but the following limits for the individual constituents are always observed. Only a material that neither exceeds nor falls short of these limits is V4A stainless steel:
| Chromium | 17.0 - 19.0% |
| Nickel | 12.5 - 15.0% |
| Molybdenum | 2.5 - 3.0% |
| Manganese | < 2.0% |
| Silicon | < 1.0% |
| Carbon | < 0.03% |
| Phosphorus | < 0.03% |
| Sulphur | < 0.03% |
Mechanical properties
For the use of V4A stainless steel, it is important to know how the material behaves under mechanical stress. The tensile strength Rm of V4A stainless steel lies in the range of 500 to 700 MPa. The yield strength is at least 195 MPa. The Brinell hardness is below 215 HBS.
V4A can be formed well in the cold state, but is not easy to machine: due to work hardening, special tools must be used for processing V4A stainless steel. V4A stainless steel can be welded with all common processes. Subsequent soft annealing with quenching is recommended, however, as this reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion.
Fields of application
Typical applications for V4A steel include swimming pools, where stainless steel parts come into contact with both moisture and chlorine. Various industrial sectors, including the chemical industry and the food sector, also rely on V4A for storage and transport vessels.
| Note: important components on ships and offshore installations for generating electricity or extracting oil are also made of V4A stainless steel. Desalination plants, which form the basis of the water supply in some countries, likewise cannot do without essential parts made of stainless steel from the V4A group. |
Difference between V2A and V4A stainless steel
If you are wondering whether V4A stainless steel is the right material for you, examine carefully which external influences your workpiece will be exposed to. The difference between V2A and V4A lies in the addition of molybdenum to the alloy. This makes V4A stainless steel resistant to chlorine-containing substances as well - a property that V2A does not have.
Even permanent contact with seawater or sea air cannot harm V4A. If you are not sure which loads your workpiece will be exposed to in future, when in doubt choose the more resistant V4A steel, even if it comes at a higher price.
Visual differentiation between V2A and V4A is not possible. Since V2A, unlike V4A stainless steel, can be slightly magnetic, you can try to distinguish the two material groups with the aid of a magnet. But you can only be really certain by bringing the metal into contact with aqua regia. First, the oxide layer must be scraped off. If the metal turns brown, it is V4A steel, because molybdenum reacts with the aqua regia.
Order made-to-measure V4A stainless steel from ESC Burg
Now that we have given you a brief overview of V4A steel, you can decide whether it is the right material for your project. If so, you can order made-to-measure sheets directly from us. We are set up to accept small and large orders and work exclusively to customer order.
We have automated our production as far as possible and invest permanently in our machine park. Although many tasks such as cutting are computer-aided, our employees are our most important asset. We attach great importance to expanding our workforce's know-how through ongoing training, and we are proud to have employed many of our staff for many years. All our customers benefit from this long-standing experience.
Services around V4A stainless steel
We have specialised in processing stainless steel sheets from various alloys to customer order. We have three different production areas, whose services we can offer you individually or as a package.
As we always purchase sheets in large quantities, cutting is our most important production area. Various processes are available, which we can use for cutting to your specifications with millimetre precision.
Should you need a sheet in a particular shape, we can also offer forming into a bent sheet. With our machines, we can supply L-profiles and angle sheet with a perfect edge - always to customer specification.
Depending on what a V4A stainless steel sheet is to be used for, we can prepare the surface accordingly. We offer various processes for grinding, pickling and foil protection.
Get advice without obligation
Before you can order individual sheets of V4A stainless steel from us, you first need to contact our sales team. Our colleagues will advise you free of charge and without obligation. Once you have answered a few important questions, we can present you with an individual quotation immediately.
If you decide to commission us, your job goes into production without delay. We usually need less than 48 hours to produce your sheet or sheets. Securely packaged, your products made of high-quality stainless steel then make their way to you.
You should use the short time between ordering and delivery to prepare for assembling our products for your project.
+49 3921 72-0