ASTM A242 Weathering steel Product Description
ASTM A242 steel is a standard specification for carbon and low-alloy, high-strength structural steel plates. This specification includes high-strength steel profiles, plates, and bars designed for welded, riveted, or bolted constructions.
It is primarily used to reduce weight or enhance the durability of steel constructions, especially in environments where resistance to atmospheric corrosion is important. Known commonly as Corten steel, ASTM A242 develops a protective rust-like appearance when exposed to weather, which helps protect the steel from further corrosion.
ASTM A242 (COR-TEN® Steel)
ASTM A242 is a high strength low-alloy structural steel specification with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance and higher temperature resistance. This specification is normally applicable to steel plates through one-half inch in thickness.
ASTM A242 is used primarily in the fabrication of:
Industrial air pollution stacks
Air Ducts off pollution control equipment
Water tanks
ASTM A242 can withstand sustained temperatures to 800F.
The atmospheric corrosion resistance of A242 is substantially better than that of carbon steels such as A36 and A572-50 with or without copper addition. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, A242 is suitable for many applications in the unpainted condition.
ASTM A242 has a 50ksi minimum yield strength and a 70ksi minimum tensile strength
Weathering Resistant Steel Product Parameter
|
Product Name |
Weathering Steel |
|
ASTM Standard |
Corten A/Corten B/A588 GR.A /A588 GR.B /A242 |
|
Technique |
Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled |
|
Width |
1000-2000mm |
|
Length |
As your requirements |
|
Finish |
Mill finish / Oxided rust treatment finish |
|
Thickness |
Cold Rolled: 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5mm.etc |
|
Hot Rolled: 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10, 12, 14, 16mm.etc |
|
|
Packing |
standard export packing |
A242 Weathering Steel Chemical Composition: (%)
ASTM A242 Steel Equivalent Material
| ASTM A242 | EN 10025-5:2004 standard | UNI standard | NFA 35-502 standard |
| Astm a242 type 1 | S355J2WP (1.8946) | FE510D1K1 | E36WA4 |
ASTM A242 Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition, % |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | |
| Carbon, max | 0.15 |
| Manganese, max | 1.00 |
| Phosphorus, max | 0.15 |
| Sulfur, max | 0.05 |
| Copper, min | 0.20 |
A242 Steel Mechanical Properties
Plates and BarsA |
Structural Shapes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For thicknesses 3⁄4 in.[20 mm], and under | For thicknesses over3⁄4 to 11⁄2 in. [20 to 40 mm], incl | For thicknesses over11⁄2 to 4 in. [40 to 100 mm], incl | For flange or leg thicknesses 1.5 in. [40 mm] and under | For flange thicknesses over 1.5 in. [40 mm] to 2 in. [50 mm], incl | For flange thicknesses over 2 in. [50 mm] | |
| Tensile strength, min, ksi [MPa] | 70 [480] | 67 [460] | 63 [435] | 70 [485] | 67 [460] | 63 [435] |
| Yield point, min, ksi [MPa] | 50 [345] | 46 [315] | 42 [290] | 50 [345] | 46 [315] | 42 [290] |
| Elongation in 8 in. [200 mm], min, % | 18B,C | 18B,C | 18B,C | 18C | 18 | 18 |
| Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, % | 21C | 21C | 21C | 21 | 21 | 21D |
Note:
A. See the Orientation subsection in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M.
B. Elongation not required to be determined for floor plate.
C. For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm] the elongation requirement is reduced two percentage points. See the Elongation Requirement Adjustments subsection in the Tension Tests section of Specification A6/A6M.
D. For wide flange shapes over 426 lb/ft [634 kg/m], elongation in 2 in. [50 mm] of 18 % minimum applies.
a242 vs a588
There are differences between ASTM A242 and ASTM A588 in multiple aspects. Here is the specific comparison:
Chemical Composition
ASTM A242: It contains a small amount of alloy elements such as copper, chromium, and nickel. These elements can help form a protective oxide film.
ASTM A588: Besides copper, chromium, and nickel, it also contains elements like phosphorus, silicon, and vanadium. These elements enhance the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the steel.
Mechanical Properties
Yield Strength: The minimum yield strength of both is 50,000 psi (345 MPa).
Tensile Strength: ASTM A242 usually has a higher tensile strength. In comparison, the tensile strength of ASTM A588 is relatively lower.
Corrosion Resistance
ASTM A242: It has good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and is suitable for general outdoor environments. However, in marine environments with high humidity and high salinity or in areas with serious industrial pollution, its corrosion resistance may not be as good as that of ASTM A588.
ASTM A588: It has higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion, especially in harsh weather conditions, such as marine environments, coastal areas, and other environments with high humidity and high salinity.
Welding Performance
ASTM A242: Ordinary carbon steel welding electrodes can be used for welding. But it is usually recommended to carry out preheating and post-weld heat treatment to prevent cracks and ensure the structural integrity of the welded joints.
ASTM A588: Because of its higher alloy content, stricter preheating and stress relief treatments may be required during welding to prevent cracking and obtain good welding quality.
Appearance
ASTM A242: Over time, a relatively smooth and uniform rust layer will form on its surface.
ASTM A588: The rust layer formed on its surface tends to be more textured and gives a relatively rough and rustic appearance.
Application Fields
ASTM A242: It is commonly used in general outdoor structures, such as ordinary bridges, building exteriors, power transmission towers, containers, and railway carriages.
ASTM A588: It is more suitable for environments with extremely high requirements for corrosion resistance, such as marine bridges, coastal buildings, and chemical equipment.
Picture Display
ASTM A242 steel Typical Applications:
ASTM A242 steel is widely used in various industries, including:
Construction: Ideal for structural components in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects where durability and aesthetic appeal are desired.
Art and Design: Frequently used in sculptures, landscaping, and architectural features due to its unique weathered appearance.
Transportation: Utilized in the manufacturing of railway cars and shipping containers, where resistance to harsh environmental conditions is crucial.


GNEE Group's Photo Of Receiving Visiting Customers

fAQ About A242 Corten Steel
Why A242 plates called weathering steel plate?
When appropriately exposed to the atmosphere, ASTM A242 steel can develop a natural rust patina that protects the steel from further exposure. This characteristic allows the steel to be used in harsh conditions without the need for any coatings or paints on its surface.
ASTM A242 steel is a type of weathering steel, commonly referred to as Corten A. It is important to note that the A242 specification is limited to steel materials with a thickness of less than 4 inches (100 mm).
In summary, ASTM A242 steel is highly valued for its strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities, making it a favored option for both functional and decorative applications in outdoor environments.
What is ASTM A242 material?
ASTM A242 Steel is a standard for low-alloy structural steels that makes them better at resisting corrosion and higher temperatures. This Corten A Steel specification is usually met by steel plates that are up to half an inch thick. Most of the time, A242 is used to make structural steel.
What is the ASTM A242 equivalent to?
ASTM A242 type1 steel sheet Equivalent grades : ASTM A242 type1 steel sheet is the Equivalent grades as S355J2WP (1.8946) steel in EN 10025 - 5 : 2004 standard and FE510D1K1 steel in UNI standard and also E36WA4 steel in NFA 35-502 standard.
The superior ASTM A242 steel properties allow this steel to be used in different applications. The ASTM A242 steel equivalent grade is bs-6323-5/6, JIS g3445, ASTM A214, ASTM A424 gr 1, din 17177, and EN 10217-1/2.
What is the difference between A588 and A242?
A242 (Corten A): Specifies a minimum tensile strength of 63 ksi (435 MPa) for Grades 1 & 3, and 70 ksi (485 MPa) for Grade K (a newer, stronger variant). A588 (Corten B): Specifies a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (485 MPa) for all grades. This is the most significant mechanical difference.
What is the yield strength of ASTM A242 steel?
50ksi
ASTM A242 has a 50ksi minimum yield strength and a 70ksi minimum tensile strength.
Hot Tags: a242 corten steel, China a242 corten steel manufacturers, suppliers, factory, CortenA Weathering Steel, A871 Gr 60 A871 Gr 65 Corten Steel Plate, A588 Corten Steel, CortenB Corten Weathering Steel, corten steel sheet, SA588Gr A SA588Gr B Corten Steel Material











