ASTM A36 and ASTM A572 are two popular types of structural steel, suitable for use in applications such as bridge and building construction, energy, industrial manufacturing, road plate and more.
Aside from both being widely-used grades, A572 and A36 differ greatly in their strength, machinability and composition. These differences could influence a buyer's decision on which material to use in their project. This article will explore those similarities and differences.
A36 & A572 Material Specifications
Grades
The A572 steel plate specification has five different grades: Grade 42, Grade 50, Grade 55, Grade 60 and Grade 65. Each of these grades have slightly different chemical compositions and mechanical properties. The A36 steel plate specification, on the other hand, does not cover multiple grades.
Chemical Composition
A36 steel plate is considered a low carbon, or mild, steel, meaning it contains a carbon composition of between 0.05% to 0.25%. The low carbon content of A36 plate makes it one of the most ductile – or machinable – types of carbon steel, meaning it is easy to form and machine into a variety of structural shapes.
A572 is also a mild carbon steel, but the greater addition of certain chemical alloys – such as phosphorus, manganese and silicon – makes it a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel, meaning it has higher strength and lower weight relative to mild steel. These properties make A572 plate ideal for use in structural applications that require the ability to withstand high stress, such as bridges and transmission towers.
- Chemical Composition of ASTM A36 Steel
|
Chemical Alloy |
Up to ¾" Thick |
Over ¾" to 1 ½" Thick |
Over 1 ½" to 2 ½" Thick |
Over 2 ½" to 4" Thick |
Over 4" Thick |
|
Carbon Max |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.26% |
0.27% |
0.29% |
|
Manganese |
N/A |
0.80-1.20% |
0.80-1.20% |
0.85-1.20% |
0.85-1.20% |
|
Phosphorus Max |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
|
Sulfur Max |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
|
Silicon |
0.40% MAX |
0.40% MAX |
0.15-0.40% |
0.15-0.40% |
0.15-0.40% |
|
Copper Min |
0.20% |
0.20 % |
0.20% |
0.20% |
0.20% |
- Chemical Composition of ASTM A572 Steel
|
Chemical Alloy |
Grade 42 |
Grade 50 |
Grade 55 |
Grade 60 |
Grade 65 ≥ ½" Thick |
Grade 65 Over ½" to 1 ¼" Thick |
|
Carbon Max |
0.21% |
0.23% |
0.25% |
0.26% |
0.26% |
0.23% |
|
Manganese Max |
1.35% |
1.35% |
1.35% |
1.35% |
1.35% |
1.65% |
|
Phosphorus Max |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
|
Sulfur Max |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
0.030% |
|
Silicon |
0.15-0.40% |
0.15-0.40% |
0.15-0.40% |
0.40% |
0.40% |
0.40% |
Mechanical Properties
Due to differences in the chemical compositions of A36 and A572 steel, these materials differ in their mechanical properties, including yield point, which measures the point at which a material permanently changes shape after experiencing great forces, and tensile strength, which measures the force needed to cause material breakage or failure.
The higher presence of strengthening alloys, such as manganese and silicon, in A572 plate grades give the material greater strength as compared to A36. This higher strength allows A572 steel to bear more weight and withstand greater forces without breaking or failing, which is crucial in structural applications.
- Mechanical Properties of ASTM A36 & ASTM A572 Steel Plate
|
Grade |
Yield Point |
Tensile Strength |
|
A36 |
36 ksi |
58-80 ksi |
|
A572 Grade 42 |
42 ksi |
60 ksi |
|
A572 Grade 50 |
50 ksi |
65 ksi |
|
A572 Grade 55 |
55 ksi |
70 ksi |
|
A572 Grade 60 |
60 ksi |
75 ksi |
|
A572 Grade 65 |
65 ksi |
80 ksi |
Are A36 & A572 Interchangeable?
Both A36 and A572 plate are primarily used in structural applications, which includes bridge and building construction, but they are not interchangeable. As discussed, A572 steel has greater strength and wear resistance than A36 steel, so it may be more suitable for use in heavy weight-bearing applications, such as use in constructing transmission towers or structural pieces enduring great forces.
A36 & A572 Cost Difference
As mentioned earlier, A36 is steel that has a minimum yield strength of 36,000 PSI. This grade derives its strength from a combination of carbon and manganese. On the other hand, A572-50, for example, is a type of steel with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 PSI. Similar to A36, it utilizes carbon and manganese for strength, but it also includes additional alloys such as columbium or vanadium. These extra alloys boost its overall strength, making A572-50 typically priced at around 2.5% - 5% higher than A36.
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FAQ
Q: What is ASTM A572 Grade 50 material?
A: ASTM A572 GR 50 is a high strength low alloy steel. Grade 50 is difficult to form since it contains more alloying elements than plain steel but offers more strength per unit of weight. Owing to its high strength ASTM A572 Grade 50 Plates requires less material to satisfy strength requirements than plain carbon steel.
Q: What is the difference between A36 and A572 gr 50?
A: As mentioned earlier, A36 is steel that has a minimum yield strength of 36,000 PSI. This grade derives its strength from a combination of carbon and manganese. On the other hand, A572-50, for example, is a type of steel with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 PSI.
Q: Is A572 grade 50 carbon steel?
A: Alro stocks A-36/A572-50, a dual-certified carbon hot-rolled steel. It meets the requirements of both ASTM A-36 and ASTM A572-50. A-36/A572-50's strength, form-ability, and excellent welding properties make it suitable for a large variety of different applications.
Q: What is the difference between A709 50 and A572 50?
A: A572 Grade 50 contains more C and slightly higher Mn content. Whereas, the A709 gr50 plates contains additional alloying. A572 Grade 50 is used in general construction and engineering applications. Whereas, ASTM A709 grade 50 plates is used in bridge construction and other structural applications.
Q: What is the difference between ASTM A-36 and A709?
A: ASTM A709 grade 36 steel plate, A709 gr 36 plates supplier India
ASTM A709 grade 36 is a bridge material wherein carbon adds to the strength and hardenability of the steel. A36 has less than0. 30% carbon and thus, do not possess high hardenability. ASTM A709 grade 36 steel plate has improved corrosion resistance and can be used in outdoor applications.
Q: What is A36 plate equivalent to?
A: ASTM A36 steel plates will have a lot of equivalent materials, such as A283C, FE360B, E24-2, Chinese material Q235B, Japan material SS400 and SM400A, European material EN S235JR, Germany material DIN ST37-2, etc.
Q: What is A36 steel in the UK?
A: Steel grade A36 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel designed for the construction of ships and floating structures. It is made in full compliance with GOST 52927.
Q: What is A36 steel plate used for?
A: Superior mechanical and chemical characteristics make A36 structural steel plate a common choice for structural applications in the construction, petrochemical, shipbuilding, marine, oil and gas, automotive, agriculture, and heavy machinery industries. Typical uses include: Base Plates. Machinery Parts.
| Other steel plate | ||||
| Name | Material | Specification (mm) | Tons | Remark |
| Low Alloy | Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, Q345D, Q345E, Q390, Q420, Q460C, ST52-3, S355J2+N, SS400, SA302GrC, S275NL, 35CrMo | 6 - 350 | 5788.56 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| Pressure Vessel Plate | Q245R, Q345R, Q370R, 16MnDR, 09MnNiDR, 15CrMoR, 14Cr1MoR, 12Cr2Mo1R, SA516Gr60, SA516Gr70, SA516Gr485, SA285, SA387Gr11, SA387Gr12, SA387Gr22, P265,P295,P355GH,Q245R(R-HIC),Q345R(R-HIC) | 3 - 300 | 8650 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| High-Strength Plate | WH785D/E,Q960D/E, Q890D/E,WH60D/E,WH70B,Q550D,Q590D,Q690D/E | 8 - 120 | 3086.352 | Quenched and tempered |
| Wear-Resistant Plate | NM360, NM400, NM450, NM500 | 6 - 150 | 3866.297 | Quenched and tempered |
| Bridge Plate | Q235qC, Q345qC, Q370qC, Q420qC, Q345qDNH, Q370qDNH, A709 - 50F - 2, A709 - 50T - 2 | 8 - 200 | 2853.621 | Hot rolling, normalized ,hot rolling controlled rolling, quenched and tempered + toughness and brittleness |
