What are the differences between F593 and A193 stainless steel headed bolts?
There are many differences between these two specifications. In order to understand these dissimilarities there are overviews of each specification below followed by a short summary of these variances. For the purposes of this FAQ we will be focusing on A193 Grades B8 (Type 304) and B8M (Type 316) versus F593 Alloy Group 1 (Type 304) and Alloy Group 2 (Type 316).
ASTM A193
The fasteners under the ASTM A193 specification are designed to be used in high temperature or high pressure service, often in flanges and piping systems. Headed fasteners in this specification require a heavy hex pattern head unless otherwise specified. Also, threads above 1” in diameter are specified as 8 threads per inch (8UN).
Hot-forged headed stainless steel bolts under the A193 specification require solution annealing after forging to restore full corrosion-resistant properties. If a scale-free bright finish is required, this must be specified in the purchase order. A193 bolts require ASTM A194 heavy hex nuts in the matching stainless steel type.
A193 Marking Requirements include grade symbol and manufacturer’s identifier.
 |
A193/A320 Grade B8 Class 1 |
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A193/A320 Grade B8M |
The mechanical properties are listed below.
| Grade | Size | Tensile ksi, min | Yield, ksi, min | Elong, %, min | RA % min | HBW | Rockwell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B7 | Up to 2-1/2 | 125 | 105 | 16 | 50 | 321 max | 35 HRC max |
| 2-5/8 - 4 | 115 | 95 | 16 | 50 | |||
| 4-1/8 - 7 | 100 | 75 | 18 | 50 | |||
| B8 Class 1 | All | 75 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 223 max | 96 HRB max |
| B8M Class 1 | All | 75 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 223 max | 96 HRB max |
| B8 Class 2 | Up to 3/4 | 125 | 100 | 12 | 35 | 321 max | 35 HRC max |
| 7/8 - 1 | 115 | 80 | 15 | 35 | |||
| 1-1/8 - 1-1/4 | 105 | 65 | 20 | 35 | |||
| 1-3/8 - 1-1/2 | 100 | 50 | 28 | 45 | |||
| B8M Class 2 | Up to 3/4 | 110 | 95 | 15 | 45 | 321 max | 35 HRC max |
| 7/8 - 1 | 100 | 80 | 20 | 45 | |||
| 1-1/8 - 1-1/4 | 95 | 65 | 25 | 45 | |||
| 1-3/8 - 1-1/2 | 90 | 50 | 30 | 45 |
ASTM F593
The F593 specification is more of a general purpose stainless steel specification used in all different applications. The headed bolts in the F593 specification require a standard hex head pattern (as opposed to heavy hex) unless otherwise specified. Diameters above 1” require Unified National Coarse (UNC) threads unless otherwise specified.
Hot-forged headed stainless steel bolts under the F593 specification are manufactured to either Condition A or Condition CW which both require solution annealing after forging to restore full corrosion-resistant properties. F593 bolts require ASTM F594 hex nuts in the matching stainless steel type.
One primary difference between A193 and F593 hot-forged bolts is that F593 requires an additional test for susceptibility to intergranular corrosion, which the A193 specification does not. This test adds to both the cost and lead time to produce this grade of stainless headed bolt.
F593 Marking requirements include grade symbol and manufacturer’s identifier. The mechanical properties for these two alloy groups are listed below.
| Alloy Group | Condition | Marking | Diameter Range | Tensile, ksi | Yield, ksi min | Rockwell Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AF | F593A | 1/4 to 1-1/2 | 65 to 85 | 20 | B85 max |
| A | F593B | 1/4 to 1-1/2 | 75 to 100 | 30 | B65 to 95 | |
| CW1 | F593C | 1/4 to 5/8 | 100 to 150 | 65 | B95 to C32 | |
| CW2 | F593D | 3/4 to 1-1/2 | 85 to 140 | 45 | B80 to C32 | |
| 2 | AF | F593E | 1/4 to 1-1/2 | 65 to 85 | 20 | B85 max |
| A | F593F | 1/4 to 1-1/2 | 75 to 100 | 30 | B65 to 95 | |
| CW1 | F593G | 1/4 to 5/8 | 100 to 150 | 65 | B95 to C32 | |
| CW2 | F593H | 3/4 to 1-1/2 | 85 to 140 | 45 | B80 to C32 |
Summary
There are multiple differences between these two specifications. The A193 specification is designed for use in high-temperature, high-pressure applications whereas F593 is used as more of a generic, all-purpose use fastener. There are varying mechanical properties between the two specifications along with configuration differences for headed bolts and varying thread pitch requirements. There are also additional testing requirements for F593 which are not required under the A193 specification.
Do you have a job that requires A193 or F593 stainless steel fasteners? Give Portland Bolt a call – our experts are standing by to assist you with all of your stainless steel fastener needs.
I am looking for someone who can supply the following:
F593G Bolt 1/2-13 x 2.5” long partially threaded OK, 316ss We need 75 pieces.
@Paul- One of our salespeople will contact you regarding this.
Is it possible to get a 3/4″ diameter capscrew in 316 SS, Group 2, CW1?
@Jim- Per F593, CW1 is for diameters up to 5/8, and CW2 is for bolts 3/4″ and up. We can supply CW2 bolts in 3/4″ diameter.
Don’t forget to use never sieze! If you friction weld the threads only a torch will save you.
Does the F593 have to be stamped on the fattener ? Is it ok, common to use the commercial 18-8 stainless steel for the f593 spec.
@Steve- Yes, the fastener must be stamped per the F593 requirements in order to certify to F593. Additionally, F593 has specific mechanical properties that may not be met by commercial grade 18-8 fasteners.