ASTM A588 Plates, Shapes, and Bars
ASTM A588 is a specification for high-strength, low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance, which is also referred to as weathering steel. This specification outlines three grades: A, B, and K. The different grades have different chemical limits, but all grades have a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi for thicknesses less than four inches.
Available Designations
- High-strength, low-alloy structural steel: furnished to a chemical composition and defined mechanical properties. HSLA steels contain strengthening microalloys (niobium, vanadium, titanium) singly or in combination.
Listed Designations
HSLA Structural SteelA
- Grade 50
A Yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation guaranteed in the transverse direction
ASTM A588 Characteristics
Increased carbon content is associated with increased hardenability, leading to the risk of cracking after welding. ASTM A588 has slightly lower carbon limits than ASTM A606, a similar weathering steel specification for sheet and strip.
Steel Warehouse can limit carbon contents to improve thermal cutting, formability, and welding performance.
Welding, thermal cutting, and basic forming can usually be accomplished without difficulty.
ASTM A588 defines plates and bars up to eight inches thick.
Laser and plasma cutting is similar to weldability in terms of the heated cut edge hardening and cracking.
ASTM A588 refers to ASTM A6 for bending guarantees.
Available Customizations
- Pickling
- Slitting
- Temper Passing
- Shearing
- Blanking
- Laser Cutting
Notes from the Technical Group
- Weathering steel develops a sort of patina on the surface that has protective characteristics. Weathering steel is not rust-proof; in the presence of water, either through standing water, high humidity, contact with soil, etc., it will corrode.
- ASTM A588 discusses a “atmospheric corrosion-resistance index.” This can be found in ASTM G101, the Standard Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Low-Alloy Steel. Two methods are outlined for estimating the atmospheric corrosion resistance of weathering steels, with the basis being either short-term test results or chemical composition.
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