In the industrial supply sector, precision is everything. When choosing hose clamps and clips, understanding the W1, W2, W4, and W5 designations is the first step toward ensuring the safety and durability of your system.
These codes, regulated by the DIN 3017 standard, classify the materials used and determine their corrosion resistance. At Atlantic Man., backed by our expertise in manufacturing clamping systems since 1982, we know that every application requires the right steel grade to avoid waste or dangerous failures.
Here is the definitive guide to navigating the different classes.
Resistance Classes: A Guide to Materials
W1: The limit of galvanization
This is the most cost-effective solution, intended for applications where long-term durability is not a priority.
- Composition: Entirely made of galvanized carbon steel (screw, band, and housing).
- Application limits: Galvanization is subject to rapid degradation in uncontrolled environments. The resulting oxidation can block the tightening mechanism and compromise the structural integrity of the clamp over time.
- Ideal Use: Light carpentry or dry indoor environments.
W2: The industrial compromise (Stainless Steel + Galvanized)
The W2 class is among the most widely used because it combines the resistance of a stainless steel band with the practicality of a galvanized screw.
- Composition: Band and housing in AISI 430 stainless steel, screw in galvanized steel.
- Ideal use: It provides reliable protection against humidity. It is the typical choice for the agricultural sector and common industrial machinery.
W4: AISI 304 Stainless Steel (A2)
Here, the entire clamp is made of high-quality stainless steel.
- Composition: All components are made of AISI 304 stainless steel.
- Ideal use: Food industry, recreational marine applications, and installations permanently exposed to the elements. Ensures hygiene and rust-free performance over time.
W5: AISI 316 Stainless Steel (A4)
The highest level of protection for critical conditions.
- Composition: Entirely made of AISI 316 stainless steel, an alloy enriched with molybdenum.
- Ideal use: Offshore platforms, chemical industry, and environments with high salinity. It is the class designed to withstand chlorides and the most aggressive acids.
Quick Comparison Table
Code |
Screw |
Band and Housing |
Corrosion Resistance |
Ideal Environment |
W1 |
Galvanized Steel |
Galvanized Steel |
Low |
Indoor / Automotive |
W2 |
Galvanized Steel |
Stainless Steel AISI 430 |
Medium |
Agriculture / Industry |
W4 |
Stainless Steel AISI 304 |
Stainless Steel AISI 304 |
High |
Food / Outdoor |
W5 |
Stainless Steel AISI 316 |
Stainless Steel AISI 316 |
Excellent |
Marine / Chemical |
Why choose Atlantic Man. products?
Our philosophy is based on maximum clamping reliability. For this reason, we have chosen to start production from W2 class, eliminating W1 in order to guarantee our customers higher quality standards right from the entry-level product.
Our attention to raw material selection is certified: every supply is accompanied by 3.1 Certification (according to EN 10204 standard). This document ensures full material traceability and confirms that the tests carried out on production batches strictly comply with the required technical specifications. Choosing Atlantic Man. means having the certainty of tested, safe steel that meets the highest industrial requirements.
The Clamping Engineering of Atlantic Man.
Three-Point Housing Welding
The housing (where the screw is seated) is the area subjected to the highest mechanical stress. While standard production uses simple welds, we apply a three-point welding process that increases tensile strength. This prevents the housing from deforming or detaching under load, ensuring superior structural stability.
Anti-Loosening Geometry and Dynamic Stability
Mechanical vibrations are the number one enemy of any clamping system. We have optimized the geometry of the thread and housing to create a natural “braking” effect. This ensures that the screw remains locked in the desired position even in the presence of continuous vibrations, reducing maintenance interventions and the risk of loosening.
Conclusion: which one to choose?
Choosing the correct class means optimizing costs and eliminating technical risks. Using a W1 product in an aggressive environment would lead to early oxidation, while a W5 for securing a hose in a dry environment would represent a disproportionate investment.
Since 1982, Atlantic Man. has been producing clamping solutions in Castelnovo di Sotto that meet the most demanding challenges of the global market. Our headquarters in the heart of Emilia is the center of know-how that we export all over the world.
