Products Description
ASTM A588 weathering steel is particularly suitable for outdoor structures and harsh environments due to its longer service life and superior strength-to-weight ratio.
This steel boasts a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a minimum tensile strength of 485 MPa (70 ksi), offering approximately 40% greater load-bearing capacity compared to ordinary carbon steel (such as ASTM A36, with a yield strength of only around 250 MPa).
Additionally, its unique alloy composition-containing 0.25–0.40% copper, 0.40–0.65% chromium, and 0.25–0.50% nickel-grants ASTM A588 atmospheric corrosion resistance 4–8 times greater than ordinary carbon steel. This enables a service life exceeding 50 years without coating.
Our experienced team rigorously controls production and inspection processes to ensure every steel plate complies with international standards such as ASTM, ASME, and JIS. Whether used in bridges, building facades, or transmission towers, A588 steel delivers a comprehensive guarantee of high strength, low maintenance costs, and reliable durability.
Features of ASTM A588 Steel
Exceptional Durability: ASTM A588 weathering steel contains alloying elements such as 0.25–0.40% copper, 0.40–0.65% chromium, and 0.25–0.50% nickel.
When exposed to the environment, it forms a stable protective oxide layer, making its atmospheric corrosion resistance 4–8 times higher than that of ordinary carbon steel (such as ASTM A36). In most uncoated applications, it can achieve a service life exceeding 50 years.
High Strength Properties: ASTM A588 steel plates exhibit a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a minimum tensile strength of 485 MPa (70 ksi).
Compared to A36 steel (yield strength approximately 250 MPa), this represents a 40% increase in load-bearing capacity, effectively ensuring the safety and structural integrity of bridges, buildings, and vehicles.
Visual Appeal: Over 6–36 months of natural weathering, its surface develops a protective rust layer ranging from reddish-brown to deep brown, exhibiting a distinctive patina. This natural color evolution not only enhances aesthetics but also harmonizes with architectural and landscape environments.
Applications and Economics: ASTM A588 weathering steel plates are extensively used in bridges, building facades, rail vehicles, transmission towers, and outdoor sculptures. Offering low maintenance costs and a long service life, it delivers long-term economic benefits to owners, making it an ideal material that balances strength and aesthetics.
Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A588 / A588M / ASME SA 588 |
| Material | Corten A, Corten B, S355J0WP, S355J0W, S355J2W, A588 Grade A, A588 Grade B, A588 Grade C, A242 Type 1, A588 Grade K, |
| A242 Type 2, IRSM-41, SA588 Grade A, SA588 Grade B, SA588 Grade C | |
| Thickness | 0.3 – 500 mm |
| Width | 1000 – 3500 mm |
| Length | 1000 – 12000 mm |
| Production | Hot-Rolled (HR), Cold-Rolled (CR) |
| Surface | Black painted, PE coated, Galvanized, color coated, anti-rust varnished, anti-rust oiled, checkered, etc. |
ASTM A588 Chemical Composition
| Grade | C % | Si % | Mn % | P % | S % | Cr % | V % | Ni % | Cu % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A588 Gr A | 0.19 | 0.30-0.65 | 0.80-1.25 | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.40-0.65 | 0.02-0.10 | 0.40 | 0.25-0.5 |
| A588 Gr B | ≤0.20 | 0.15-0.50 | 0.75-1.35 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.40-0.70 | 0.01-0.10 | ≤0.50 | 0.20-0.40 |
| A588 Gr C | 0.20 | 0.15-0.50 | 0.75-1.35 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.40-0.70 | 0.01-0.10 | 0.50 | 0.20-0.40 |
Steel Properties
| Grade | Thickness | Yield Strength ReH[N/mm2]transv.min |
TensileStrength Rm[N/mm2]transv |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A588 | 0mm-100mm | 340 MPa | 480 MPa |
| 102mm-127mm | 320 MPa | 460 MPa | |
| 127mm-203mm | 290 MPa | 430 MPa |
Equivalent
| BRITISH STANDARD | JAPANESEJIS | GERMAN DIN |
AMERICAN ASTM |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS-6323-5 BS-6323-6 |
JIS G 3445 | DIN 17177 EN 10217-1 AND 2 EN 10305-2 AND 3 |
ASTM A423 GR.1 ASTM A214 |
Applications of ASTM A588 Plates
Strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, ASTM A588 Corten Steel Plates are flexible materials extensively employed in many different sectors:
- Pharmaceutical Equipment
- Chemical Equipment
- Sea Water Equipment
- Heat Exchangers
- Condensers
- Pulp and Paper Industry
- Off-Shore Oil Drilling Companies
- Power Generation
- Petrochemicals
- Gas Processing
- Specialty Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
A588 Corten Steel Plates are top choice for long-lasting, low-maintenance projects because of their unique patina, which accentuates both functionality and visual attractiveness.
FAQ
Q: Is ASTM A588 the Same as Weathering Steel?
A: ASTM A588 is a standard specification for weathering steel established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It primarily defines the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and performance of steel in atmospheric corrosion environments. Steels under this specification typically contain 0.25–0.40% copper, 0.40–0.65% chromium, 0.25–0.50% nickel, and trace amounts of phosphorus and other alloying elements. with a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a minimum tensile strength of 485 MPa (70 ksi). Its corrosion resistance is 4–8 times higher than that of ordinary carbon steel, making it widely used in structures exposed to outdoor environments for extended periods, such as bridges, building facades, transmission towers, and rail vehicles.
Q: What is the Lifespan of ASTM A588 Steel?
A: With proper maintenance, ASTM A588 steel plates can last over 50 years even in harsh environments. Studies indicate their average annual corrosion rate is only 0.01–0.03 mm/year, significantly lower than ordinary carbon steel (0.1 mm/year or more). In marine climates or industrial pollution environments, A588 steel typically achieves a service life of 40–60 years; in standard urban or rural settings, its lifespan can even exceed 70 years. Consequently, A588 steel is extensively used in structures requiring long-term atmospheric exposure, such as bridges, building facades, transmission towers, and rail vehicles.
