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What is the difference between Grade A and B in A588?

Sep 11, 2025 Leave a message

ASTM A588 steel plate specification

 

Hot Rolled ASTM A588 Gr A Corten Steel Plates

 

Thickness Width Length
5 to 150 mm 900 to 4800 mm 3000 to 12000 mm
Specification Cutting Grade
ASTM A588 flame, waterjet, plasma, laser Grade A, B, K

 

Size chart of corten A588 plate

 

Formats Width Thickness Length
Hot Rolled (Strip Mill) 48″, 60″, 72″ 3/16″ – 1/2″ Any
Cut to Length 84″, 96″ 3/16″ – 1/2″ Any
Coil 48″, 60″, 72″, 84″, 96″ 3/16″ – 1/2″ Any
Discrete (Mill Rolled) 96″ 48″, 60″, 72″ 240″ – 480″

 

A588 steel sheet mechanical properties

 

Grade A CR MN P C S SI NI CO V
0.40-0.65% 0.80 – 1.25% 0.030% 0.19% 0.030% 0.03 – 0.65% 0.40% 0.25-0.40% 0.02-0.10%
Grade B 0.40-0.70% 0.75 – 1.35% 0.030% 0.20% 0.030% 0.15 – 0.50% 0.50% 0.20-0.40% 0.01-0.10%

 

A588 steel sheet mechanical properties

 

Metric Imperial
Tensile Strength, Yield 250 MPa 36,300 PSI
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 400 – 550 MPa 58,000 – 79,800 PSI
Shear Modulus 79.3 GPa 11,500 KSI
Elongation at Break (in 50 mm) 23.0% 23.0%
Elongation at Break (in 200 mm) 20.0% 20.0%
Bulk Modulus (Typical for Steel) 140 GPa 20,300 KSI
Modulus of Elasticity 200 GPa 29,000 KSI
Poissons Ratio 0.260 0.260

 

A588 weathering steel equivalent

 

France AFNOR Europe EN Germany DIN,WNr Italy UNI England BS China GB Russia GOST
S355J2G1W WTSt 52-3 Fe 510 D2K1 WR 50 C

 

 

The difference between ASTM A588 Grade B steel plate and ASTM A588 Grade A steel plate

 

Chemical Composition: ASTM A588 Grade A steel plates and Grade B steel plates have differing chemical compositions. Grade A plates contain approximately 0.20–0.55% copper, while Grade B plates have a higher copper content of about 0.25–0.65%.

 

Additionally, Grade B plates may contain slightly higher levels of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). These variations impact the plates' corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

 

Mechanical Properties: ASTM A588 Grade B steel plate exhibits a yield strength of ≥345–450 MPa and a tensile strength of 485–620 MPa, both exceeding those of Grade A steel plate (yield strength ≥345 MPa, tensile strength 485–620 MPa). This indicates Grade B plates offer superior strength and toughness under heavier loads.

 

Bending Performance: Due to their higher strength characteristics, ASTM A588 Grade B plates typically require preheating for bending operations involving thicknesses >25mm or tight bend radii. Grade A plates, however, require little or no preheating under the same conditions, making them easier to form.

 

Applications: ASTM A588 Grade B steel plate, with its higher strength, is typically used in structural applications demanding superior mechanical properties and wind load resistance, such as bridges (spans exceeding 100 meters), high-rise building exteriors, and towers.

 

ASTM A588 Grade A steel plate is more commonly employed in general structural applications, including warehouses, light-duty structures, and equipment frames.

 

It is important to note that both ASTM A588 Grade A and Grade B steel plates exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, achieving a weathering resistance index of ≥6.0 in ASTM G101 testing, making them suitable for outdoor or exposed environments.

 

When selecting steel plate grades, decisions should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the project's load requirements, thickness, bending processes, and environmental conditions, while adhering to relevant standards and specifications.

 

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Hot Rolled ASTM A588 Gr A Corten Steel Plates

 

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