ASTM A588 Carbon Steel Coil: Weather-Resistant High-Strength Steel for Outdoor Structures
Product Overview
ASTM A588 carbon steel coil is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel available in Grades A, B, C, and K, compliant with ASTM A588, EN 10025-5 S355J0WP, and JIS G3114 SMA570. Designed for bridges, transmission towers, and architectural façades, this steel delivers 345–485 MPa tensile strength and 18–21% elongation while offering 4× higher atmospheric corrosion resistance than standard carbon steel. Its copper-chromium-nickel alloy forms a protective patina, eliminating the need for paint in most environments.
Key Technical Specifications
1. Production & Dimensions
- Process:
- Hot-rolled: 2.75–200mm thickness (±1.5% tolerance)
- Cold-rolled: 0.2–3mm thickness (±0.5% tolerance)
- Width: 45–2,200mm (ideal for CNC cutting or stamping)
- Surface: Self-healing patina (50–80µm), wire-drawn (Ra 3.2µm), or laminated film (UV-resistant)
2. Chemical Composition
Grade | C (≤) | Mn | Cr | Cu (≥) | Ni | P (≤) | S (≤) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 0.19% | 0.80–1.25% | 0.40–0.65% | 0.20% | ≤0.40% | 0.04% | 0.05% |
B | 0.20% | 0.75–1.35% | 0.40–0.70% | 0.20% | ≤0.50% | 0.04% | 0.05% |
K | 0.17% | 0.50–1.20% | 0.40–0.70% | 0.25% | ≤0.40% | 0.04% | 0.05% |
Trace elements: V ≤0.06%, Si 0.15–0.65%
Mechanical Properties
Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
---|---|---|---|
≤100 | 345 | 485 | 18 |
100–125 | 315 | 460 | 21 |
125–200 | 290 | 435 | 21 |
Tested per ASTM A370 (longitudinal specimens)
Performance Advantages
- Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance:
- Patina formation: Achieves 0.015 mm/year corrosion rate in rural atmospheres (ISO 9223).
- Salt spray resistance: 1,500 hours without red rust (ASTM B117).
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio:
- 25% lighter than A36 steel at equal load capacity (Grade B, 10mm thickness).
- Bend radius: 2× thickness (ASTM A6/A6M for cold-forming).
- Weldability & Fabrication:
- Carbon Equivalent (CEV): 0.35–0.45 (IIW formula) for minimal preheating.
- Recommended welding: GMAW (ER70S-6 wire) or FCAW (AWS A5.29).
- Thermal Stability:
- Thermal conductivity: 43 W/m·K (20°C)
- Coefficient of expansion: 12.3 µm/m°C (20–150°C)
Applications by Grade
Grade | Industry | Use Case |
---|---|---|
A | Civil Eng. | Highway bridges, railway gusset plates |
B | Energy | Solar farm mounting systems, transmission towers |
K | Architecture | Sculptural façades, uncoated building cladding |
Global Equivalents
ASTM A588 | EN 10025 | JIS G3114 | GB/T 4171 |
---|---|---|---|
Grade A | S355J0WP | SMA570 | Q355NH |
Grade K | S355K2W | – | Q295GNH |
Sustainability & Compliance
- Recycled Content: 88% (mill-certified)
- RoHS Compliance: Lead <0.01%, Hexavalent chromium-free
- CE Marking: EN 1090-1 (Execution Class 2)