Oval-head screws CR Z DIN 7985-stainless A4 M3x14 mm

Stainless steel refers to alloyed or unalloyed steels that contain at least 10.5% chromium and less than 1.2% carbon. Colloquially, stainless steel is also referred to as stainless steel (NiRo), although not all stainless steel is the same as "stainless".

The term plain indicates a completely untreated, merely oiled, smooth surface for all DIN and ISO screws such as wood screws, hexagon head screws, threaded rods, nuts and many types of washers.

A further development of Form H are Pozidriv (PZ) screws, standardized in ISO 8764 (blades) and DIN 7962 (Phillips). With the Pozidriv screws, the flanks of the screw head run parallel to each other in the depth of the screw head. Due to the more precise fit, the direction of force is precisely determined and higher torques are possible because the cam-out effect is prevented.

Stainless steels are defined in DIN EN 10088-1 as iron alloys containing at least 10.5 per cent chromium and no more than 1.2 per cent carbon. The multi-part DIN EN ISO 3506 series of standards applies to mechanical fasteners made from stainless steels. Grade A4 is classified as acid-resistant due to its molybdenum content of 2 per cent to 3 per cent. A4 cannot be heat-treated and achieves its various strength classes through cold working to different degrees.