ASTM A656 Steel Plates
ASTM A656 is a specification for high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steel plates with improved formability. There are three types, Types 3, 7, and 8, that outline a defined chemical composition, and those types are available as five strength grades. Coils may not be specified to ASTM A656 until they have been cut into individual lengths.
Available Designations
- High-Strength Low Alloy Steel with Improved Formability (HSLAS-F): furnished to a chemical composition and defined mechanical properties. HSLA steels contain strengthening microalloys (niobium, vanadium, titanium) singly or in combination.
Listed Designations
HSLAS-F SteelA
- Grade 50
- Grade 60
- Grade 70
- Grade 80
- Grade 100
A Yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation guaranteed in the transverse direction
ASTM A656 Characteristics
Increased carbon content is associated with increased hardenability, leading to the risk of cracking after welding. In this specification, all available types have a maximum carbon content of 0.18%. This is lower than the maximum carbon content of similar ASTM specifications such as ASTM A572.
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 extra precautions for the grades outlined in ASTM A656. Grades 80 and 100 will require more finesse than the softer grades in this specification.
ASTM A656 defines sizes by grade.
Grade 50, 2 inches maximum thickness
Grade 60, 1.5 inches maximum thickness
Grade 70, 1 inch maximum thickness
Grade 80, 1 inch maximum thickness
Grade 100, ½ inch maximum thickness
Laser and plasma cutting is similar to weldability in terms of the heated cut edge hardening and cracking.
ASTM A656 refers to ASTM A6 for bending guarantees.
Available Customizations
- Pickling
- Slitting
- Temper Passing
- Shearing
- Blanking
- Laser Cutting
Notes from the Technical Group
- ASTM A656 is a popular specification for hot-rolled HSLA steel. It works in conjunction with coil-only specifications such as ASTM A1018, as leveled plates cannot be certified to A1018 just as coils cannot be certified to A656.
- Ordering highly utilized grades facilities sourcing; grades 60 and 70 may come with longer lead times and increased pricing as they are not as frequent produced at the steel mills.
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.