ASTM A588 Pressure Vessel Carbon Steel Coil: Weathering Steel for High-Strength & Corrosion-Resistant Structures
A588 Pressure Vessel Carbon Steel Coil Product Overview
ASTM A588 is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel optimized for welded structures exposed to harsh environments. With 345–485 MPa yield strength and 2x better corrosion resistance vs. carbon steel, Grades A, B, and C meet ASTM A6/A6M and EN 10025-5 S355J2W standards. Ideal for bridges, transmission towers, and coastal infrastructure, its copper-chromium alloy forms a protective patina, eliminating painting costs in 80% of atmospheric conditions.
Key Technical Specifications
1. Manufacturing & Dimensions
- Process:
- Hot-rolled: 2.75–200mm (±1.5% thickness tolerance per ASTM A6)
- Cold-rolled: 0.2–3mm (±0.3% tolerance for architectural forming)
- Width: 45–2,200mm (laser/plasma cutting compatible)
- Surface: Mill scale (natural patina) or shot-blasted (SA 3.0)
2. Chemical Composition
| Grade | C (≤%) | Cu (%) | Cr (%) | Mn (%) | Key Alloy Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0.19 | 0.25–0.40 | 0.40–0.65 | 0.80–1.25 | High Mn for weldability |
| B | 0.20 | 0.20–0.40 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.75–1.35 | Enhanced Cu for marine corrosion |
| C | 0.17 | 0.30–0.50 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.50–1.20 | Low C for cold-forming |
Trace elements:
- V: 0.02–0.10% (Grades A/B), Si: 0.15–0.65%, P/S ≤0.03%
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Thickness (mm) | Yield (MPa) | Tensile (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Impact @ -40°C (J) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | <4 | ≥345 | ≥485 | 21 | 50 |
| C | 100–200 | ≥290 | ≥435 | 18 | 30 |
Test standards:
- Tensile: ASTM A370 (strain rate 0.015/min)
- Impact: ASTM E23 (Charpy V-notch, 10x10mm)
- Corrosion: ASTM G101 (predictive index ≤6.0)
Performance Advantages
- Corrosion Resistance:
- Patina formation: 3–6 months in industrial/coastal zones
- Rust rate: 0.002 mm/year vs. 0.005 mm/year for SS400
- Weldability:
- Preheat: 100–150°C (SMAW with E7018 electrode)
- CET: ≤0.43% (Grade C for crack-free welding)
- Weight Savings:
- 25% lighter vs. A36 carbon steel in truss bridges
- 40% lower lifecycle costs due to zero painting
- Fatigue Strength:
- Endurance limit: 260 MPa @ 2×10⁶ cycles (Grade B)
- Stress ratio: 0.85 safe for seismic zones
Applications
| Industry | Use Case | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Highway signposts (C3-C5 zones) | Grade B |
| Energy | Wind turbine towers | Grade C |
| Architecture | Sculptural façades | Grade A |
Global Equivalents
| ASTM A588 | EN 10025 | JIS G3114 | GB/T 4171 | ISO 4952 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | S355J2W | SMA570AW | Q355NH | HSLA 345W |
| Grade C | S355K2W | SMA570CP | Q460NH | HSLA 420W |
Sustainability & Compliance
- Recycled Content: 88% (certified per ISO 14021)
- RoHS Compliance: Lead-free, Hexavalent Cr <0.001%
- Certifications: AWS D1.1/D1.5, NACE SP0108
Packing And Delivery
