For aerospace corner self-locking nutplates in A2 Stainless Steel, the controlling selection factors are corrosion exposure, strength requirement and service temperature. The grade data for A2 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70) is summarized below together with every size supplied.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Aerospace Corner Self-Locking Nutplates
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For aerospace corner self-locking nutplates, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A2 (304) gives excellent atmospheric and most-water corrosion resistance and is the most common stainless for Aerospace Corner Self-Locking Nutplates in indoor and general outdoor service. In chloride-bearing environments (marine air, road salt, swimming pools) consider stepping up to A4 (316).
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless aerospace corner self-locking nutplates: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so in the presence of an electrolyte — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. The effect is driven by the area ratio: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, while a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint is wet, isolate the two metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of Aerospace Corner Self-Locking Nutplates Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Overall length A (in) | Mounting-hole spacing J (in) | Width C (in) | Nut height (in) | Material options | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-32 | 0.637 | 0.486 | 0.344 | 0.171 | cadmium-plated alloy steel or stainless steel | MS21055 and NASM25027 |
| 8-32 | 0.637~0.852 | 0.486~0.707 | 0.344~0.500 | 0.171~0.281 | cadmium-plated alloy steel or stainless steel | MS21055 and NASM25027 |
| 10-32 | 0.637~0.852 | 0.486~0.707 | 0.344~0.500 | 0.171~0.281 | cadmium-plated alloy steel or stainless steel | MS21055 and NASM25027 |
| 1/4-28 | 0.637~0.852 | 0.486~0.707 | 0.344~0.500 | 0.171~0.281 | cadmium-plated alloy steel or stainless steel | MS21055 and NASM25027 |
