SA36 steel is a general-purpose carbon structural steel specification defined by ASTM International, widely used for riveted, bolted, or welded construction of bridges, buildings, and general structural purposes.
The "SA" prefix specifically indicates that the material conforms to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) version of the ASTM specification, meaning it is accepted for use in pressure vessel and boiler construction. For all practical mechanical and chemical properties, SA36 is identical to the more commonly referenced ASTM A36 steel.
Key Characteristics Of SA36/A36:
Type: Low-carbon, mild steel.
Yield Strength: Minimum 36,000 psi (250 MPa).
Tensile Strength: 58,000 - 80,000 psi (400 - 550 MPa).
Key Feature: It is a "strength-only" grade. Unlike many European grades (e.g., S355J2), it has no mandatory impact toughness (Charpy) requirements in its base specification.
Weldability: Excellent, due to its low carbon content.
Common Forms: Plates, bars, structural shapes (beams, angles, channels).
Typical Applications:
Building frames and industrial structures.
Base plates, machine parts, and brackets.
Non-critical components of bridges.
General fabrication where high strength or low-temperature toughness is not a primary concern.
Components in ASME-coded pressure vessels (when specified as SA36).
Is A36 the same as carbon steel?
No, A36 is not the same as "carbon steel" in a general sense. Instead, A36 is a specific type of carbon steel.
"Carbon steel" is a broad category (like "SUV").
A36 is a specific grade and specification within that category (like "Ford Explorer").
Detailed Explanation:
1. What is "Carbon Steel"?
"Carbon steel" is a family of steels where the main alloying element is carbon, with only limited amounts of other elements (like manganese, silicon, and copper). It is typically divided into three sub-groups:
Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel): ~0.05–0.25% carbon. Most common, ductile, easily formed and welded. A36 falls here.
Medium Carbon Steel: ~0.25–0.60% carbon. Stronger but less ductile, used for shafts, gears.
High Carbon Steel: ~0.60–1.0% carbon. Very hard and strong, used for springs, cutting tools.
Analogy: Beverages
Carbon Steel = "Soda"
A36 Steel = "Coca-Cola"
1040 Steel (a medium carbon steel) = "Ginger Ale"
A516-70 (a carbon steel for pressure vessels) = "Diet Coke"
They're all soda, but they are different specific products with different recipes and purposes.
Summary Table
| Feature | Carbon Steel (General) | ASTM A36 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A broad category of steel alloyed primarily with carbon. | A specific standard for a structural-grade low carbon steel. |
| Relationship | The umbrella category. | A specific member of that category. |
| Variety | Includes hundreds of grades (1018, 1045, A53, A500, A516, etc.). | One single, well-defined grade. |
| Key Identifier | Defined by carbon content range. | Defined by ASTM Standard A36, which sets exact chemical and mechanical property limits. |
Conclusion: Calling A36 "carbon steel" is correct, but calling all carbon steel "A36" is incorrect. A36 is one of the most common and widely available specific types of structural carbon steel.
►Universal's stock in A36 / SA36 material follows specifications per the chart below.
|
Grade |
Condition |
Thickness |
Width |
Length |
|
A 36 |
As Rolled |
3/16" to 12-1/2" |
60", 72", 96"& 120" |
240" & 480" |
►Mechnical property for A36 mild steel angles:
| Thickness (mm) | Yield strength (≥Mpa) | Tensile strength (Mpa) | Elongation in ≥,% | |
| T≤200 | 250 | 400-550 | 200mm | 50mm |
| 200<T | 220 | 400-550 | 20 | 23 |
►Chemical composition for A36 carbon steel angles (Heat Analysis Max%)
| Main chemical elements composition of A36 | ||||||
| Thickness(mm) | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cu (Min.) Cooper steel |
| T≤20 | 0.25 | 0.40 | ... | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.20 |
| 20<T≤40 | 0.80-1.20 | |||||
| 40<T≤65 | 0.26 | 0.15-0.40 | ||||
| 65<T≤100 | 0.27 | 0.85-1.20 | ||||
| 100<T | 0.29 | |||||
1. What Is SA36 Steel?
SA36 is a carbon structural steel specification from ASTM International, commonly used for general construction, bolted or welded structures, and miscellaneous steel parts.
2. What Is The Yield Strength Of SA36?
The minimum yield strength of SA36 steel is 36,000 psi (250 MPa) for plates and bars up to 8 inches (200 mm) thick.
3. Is SA36 Weldable?
Yes, SA36 steel has good weldability using most common methods (SMAW, GMAW, etc.), as it is a low-carbon steel with no mandatory impact toughness requirements.
4. What Is The Difference Between SA36 And A36?
There is no technical difference. A36 is the standard specification for structural steel, while SA36 is the prefix used when the material is included in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Their mechanical and chemical properties are identical.
5. Can SA36 Be Galvanized?
Yes, SA36 is an excellent candidate for hot-dip galvanizing due to its simple carbon-silicon composition, which reacts predictably with molten zinc to form a protective coating.
6. What Are The Mechanical Properties Of SA36?
Key properties include a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (250 MPa), minimum tensile strength of 58-80 ksi (400-550 MPa), and a minimum elongation of 20% (in 8 inches). Impact testing is not required.
7. What Is SA36 Steel Equivalent To?
SA36/A36 is commonly considered equivalent to European grades like S235 (structural steel) and EN 10025-2 S235JR, based on similar yield strength and general application.
8. Where Is SA36 Steel Used?
It is widely used in general construction (building frames, platforms), industrial fabrication, base plates, truck frames, and non-critical components of bridges and structures.
9. What Is The Chemical Composition Of SA36?
It is a low-carbon steel with maximum limits of: Carbon (0.26%), Manganese (0.80-1.20%), Phosphorus (0.04%), and Sulfur (0.05%). It may contain copper for corrosion resistance.
10. Is SA36 A High-Strength Steel?
No, SA36 is considered a mild steel or general-purpose structural steel. Its 36 ksi yield strength is relatively low compared to high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels like A572 Grade 50 (50 ksi yield).
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
