Scope

ASTM F594 covers the chemical and mechanical requirements for stainless steel nuts in diameters ranging from 1/4″ to 1-1/2″ inclusive and for use with fasteners conforming to ASTM F593. These nuts are for general purpose usage, and are available in seven alloy groups. Below is a basic summary of the common grades within the ASTM F594 specification. A number of other less common grades of ASTM F594 exist, but are not detailed in the description below. The Mechanical table here is limited to Alloy groups 1 and 2, as those are the most common and the Chemical table is only showing the most common alloy grades used for their respective alloy groups. More detailed information can be found in the ASTM F594 standard on the ASTM website.

F594 Alloy Groups

Alloy Group

Alloy Designation

Alloy Type

1

303, 304, 304L, 305, 384, XM1, 18-9LW, 302HQ, 303Se

Austenitic

2

316, 316L

Austenitic

3

321, 347

Austenitic

4

430, 430F

Ferritic

5

410, 416, 416Se

Martensitic

6

431

Martensitic

7

630 (17-4)

Precipitation Hardening

*The selection of an alloy within each group is at the discretion of the manufacturer unless the purchaser requests a specific alloy.

F594 Mechanical Properties / Condition

Alloy Group

Condition

Marking

Diameter Range

Proof Stress, Hex Nuts, ksi

Proof Stress, Heavy Hex Nuts, ksi

Rockwell Hardness

1

AF

F594A

1/4 to 1-1/2

70

76

B85 max

A

F594B

1/4 to 1-1/2

75

81

B65 to 95

CW1

F594C

1/4 to 5/8

100

108

B95 to C32

CW2

F594D

3/4 to 1-1/2

85

92

B80 to C32

2

AF

F594E

1/4 to 1-1/2

70

76

B85 max

A

F594F

1/4 to 1-1/2

75

81

B65 to 95

CW1

F594G

1/4 to 5/8

100

108

B95 to C32

CW2

F594H

3/4 to 1-1/2

85

92

B80 to C32

F594 Chemical Requirements

Element, max except as shown

Alloy Group 1, Type 304

Alloy Group 2, Type 316

Carbon

0.08%

0.08%

Manganese

2.00%

2.00%

Phosphorus

0.045%

0.045%

Sulfur

0.030%

0.030%

Silicon

1.00%

1.00%

Chromium

18.0 to 20.0%

16.0 to 18.0%

Nickel

8.0 to 10.5%

10.0 to 14.0%

Copper

1.00%

Molybdenum

2.00 to 3.00%