ASTM A606 Sheet and Strip
ASTM A606 is a specification for hot-rolled and cold-rolled high-strength, low-alloy sheet and strip with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, which is also referred to as weathering steel. This specification outlines three types: Type 2 and Type 4 have the most basic requirements, with each having unique requirements for carbon, manganese, sulfur, and copper.
Type 5 has additional requirements for seven more elements, including the microalloys, and includes a normalizing requirement – indicating that Type 5 is furnished as heat treated plate.
Available Designations
- High-Strength, Low-Alloy (HSLA): furnished to a chemical composition and defined mechanical properties. HSLA steels contain strengthening microalloys (niobium, vanadium, titanium) singly or in combination.
Listed Designations
Hot Rolled Steel
- Grade 50AB
- Commercial Steel (CS)
Cold Rolled Steel
- Grade 45AB
- Commercial Steel (CS)
A Yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation guaranteed in the longitudinal direction
B HSLA steel (Grade 50 for hot rolled, Grade 45 for cold rolled) shall be supplied if no designation is given on the purchase order)
ASTM A606 Characteristics
Increased carbon content is associated with increased hardenability, leading to the risk of cracking after welding. In this specification, Types 2 and 4 have a maximum carbon limit of 0.22%, which is similar to HSLA grades specifications such as ASTM A572 or ASTM A656.
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 A606 does not have thickness limits for its specified hot rolled or cold rolled products.
Laser and plasma cutting is similar to weldability in terms of the heated cut edge hardening and cracking.
ASTM A606 has a suggested minimum inside bend radius of 2.5t for both hot rolled and cold rolled products.
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 A606 discusses a “minimum 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.
Explore Our Available Steel Products & Grades
Our knowledge and experience give nearly 100% accurate delivery of High Carbon, Low Carbon, Stainless Steel products processed and packaged to your exact specifications.
Have a Question?
Our experts can help
Give us a call at 800-348-2529 or leave us a message.