Products Description
ASTM A588 Steel
A588 is known for its high strength and good corrosion resistance. It's often used in heavy structures like bridges and buildings. The steel holds up well in tough weather and high-load environments.
It has a yield strength of around 50,000 psi and a tensile strength of about 70,000 psi. A588 is mostly sold in plates, beams and channels. It works well in places that need both toughness, and durability like highway signs and load bearing frames.
ASTM A606 Steel (Type 4)
A606 Type 4 is made for sheet and coil form. It's not for heavy structures, but it's great for roofing, siding, and shipping containers.
This grade forms well and looks good. It's popular in design work where the steel needs to bend or shape easily. Though not as strong as A588, it is ideal for light-gauge uses that still need good weathering.
Comparison of ASTM A588 and A606
| Feature | ASTM A588 | ASTM A606 Type 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | ~50,000 psi (~345 MPa) | ~50,000 psi (~345 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | ~70,000 psi (~485 MPa) | ~70,000 psi (~485 MPa) |
| Common Forms | Plates, beams, channels | Sheets, coils |
| Weather Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Formability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Moderate | High |
| Structural Use | Load-bearing | Non-load-bearing |
| Typical Applications | Bridges, signs, platforms | Roofs, containers, fences, cladding |
| Cost | Moderate | Low |
What is the difference between ASTM A588 and A606
ASTM A588 steel plate is a high-strength, low-alloy weathering steel with a thickness up to 200 mm. It features a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa, tensile strength ranging from 485 to 620 MPa, and excellent impact toughness, making it suitable for thick plate structures and load-bearing components.
It is commonly used in bridge girders, steel trusses, bridge decks, high-rise building frames, steel roof structures, and facade supports. Additionally, it serves industrial applications such as heavy machinery frames, conveyor equipment, and transmission towers.
Due to its ability to form a protective oxide layer on the surface, A588 plate requires no additional painting for long-term outdoor exposure, making it ideal for projects demanding high structural strength and weather resistance.
ASTM A606 (Type 2 / Type 4) steel plate is a high-strength weathering steel available in thicknesses ranging from 2–460 mm. It offers a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa and tensile strength of 485–620 MPa, making it suitable for structural components in thin plates or medium-thick plates where atmospheric corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal are emphasized.
It is widely used in architectural exteriors such as curtain walls, roofs, and eaves, as well as public installations like planters, sculptures, and railings. It is also suitable for lightweight structural components including bridge decks, pedestrian bridges, and pipe supports.
A606 steel plates form a protective rust-colored oxide layer, offering corrosion resistance up to four times that of ordinary carbon steel. They maintain structural integrity and decorative appeal during long-term outdoor use, making them ideal for engineering and landscape projects emphasizing corrosion resistance and lightweight construction.
