Products Description
ASTM A242 HSLA steel and ASTM A588 steel are both classified as iron-based alloys. With the global development trend of the steel industry, we have accelerated the transformation of growth models, promoted structural optimization, and introduced a wide product range including medium and heavy plates.
These products are extensively applied in the fields of automobiles, large-span bridges, railways, machinery, marine engineering, and more. In addition, we also provide advanced processing services for steel materials.
ASTM A242 Weathering Steel
A242 has a yield strength of 50,000 pounds per square inch (340,000 kPa) and an ultimate tensile strength of 70,000 pounds per square inch (480,000 kPa) for light-medium rolled shapes and plates up to 0.75 inches (19 mm) thick. In medium weight rolled shapes and plates from 0.75–1 inch (19–25 mm) thick, it has a yield strength of 46,000 psi (320,000 kPa) and an ultimate strength of 67,000 psi (460,000 kPa).
A rolled section or plate with a thickness between 1.5 and 4 inches (38 and 100 mm) has a yield strength of 42,000 pounds per square inch (290,000 kPa) and an ultimate strength of 63,000 pounds per square inch (430,000 kPa).
ASTM A588 Weathering Steel
All rolled shapes and plate thicknesses up to 4 in (100 mm) thick have a yield strength of 50,000 psi (340,000 kPa) and an ultimate tensile strength of 70,000 psi (480,000 kPa).
The yield strength for plates 4–5 in thick (320,000 kPa) is at least 46,000 PSI, and the ultimate tensile strength of plates 5–8 in (130–200 mm) thick is at least 43,000 PSI.
Chemical Composition
| Element | ASTM A242 (Max %) | ASTM A588 (Max %) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15–0.19 | 0.19 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 | 0.80–1.25 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.15 | 0.04 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25–0.75 | 0.30–0.65 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.50 | 0.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.45–0.65 | 0.40–0.65 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.25–0.55 | 0.25–0.40 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.01 | 0.02–0.10 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | ASTM A242 | ASTM A588 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | - ≤0.75 in (19 mm): 50,000 psi (340 MPa) - 0.75–1 in (19–25 mm): 46,000 psi (320 MPa) - 1.5–4 in (38–100 mm): 42,000 psi (290 MPa) | - ≤4 in (100 mm): 50,000 psi (340 MPa) - 4–5 in (100–130 mm): ≥46,000 psi (320 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | - ≤0.75 in (19 mm): 70,000 psi (480 MPa) - 0.75–1 in (19–25 mm): 67,000 psi (460 MPa) - 1.5–4 in (38–100 mm): 63,000 psi (430 MPa) | - ≤4 in (100 mm): 70,000 psi (480 MPa) - 5–8 in (130–200 mm): ≥43,000 psi (300 MPa) |
| Elongation | 18–21% | 18–21% |
| Hardness (Brinell HB) | 135–170 HB | 135–170 HB |
| Impact Toughness | Good | Good |
The selection of medium and heavy ship plates is crucial to the integrity of a vessel's framework. Compared with ASTM A242, ASTM A588 ship plates deliver higher strength.
Furthermore, since ship plates are used in marine environments, superior corrosion resistance is essential to ensure safety and reliability. Enhanced resistance to seawater corrosion not only reduces risks for end users but also prolongs the service life of the vessel.
Ship plates can be routinely inspected to guarantee safety during navigation. Even if defects occur, high-quality plates help minimize the risk of leakage while sailing.
Low alloy high-strength steel is produced by adding a small proportion of alloying elements to carbon structural steel (carbon content 0.16%–0.2%). Such steel plates feature high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and a low ductile-to-brittle transition temperature.
In comparison between ASTM A588 and ASTM A242, low alloy high-strength steel plates also demonstrate outstanding weldability, plasticity, toughness, and workability.
