What is the difference between A572 steel and A588 steel?

Aug 20, 2025 Leave a message

ASTM-A572-A572M.pdf

A572 and A588 are both high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel grades used in structural applications, but they differ in their specific compositions and  uses.

 

A572 Steel

 

info-247-189Composition

A572: ASTM A572 is a standard specification for high-strength, low-alloy columbium-vanadium structural steel. It typically contains elements like carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, copper, niobium, and vanadium.

Properties

A572 grades offer excellent strength, toughness, and weldability, making them suitable for structural applications in bridges, buildings, construction equipment, and other heavy-duty structures.

Grades

Various grades within the A572 specification (e.g., A572 Grade 50, A572 Grade 60) offer different levels of strength and other mechanical properties to suit specific application requirements.

 

A588 Steel

 

info-178-182Composition

A588: ASTM A588 is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel with added atmospheric corrosion resistance. It typically contains elements like copper, chromium, nickel, and phosphorus.

Properties

A588 steel is designed for outdoor environments and structures exposed to harsh weather conditions. It forms a protective layer of rust when exposed to the atmosphere, providing corrosion resistance without the need for painting.

Applications

A588 steel is commonly used in architectural features, bridges, transmission towers, freight cars, and other structural applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance.

 

Differences

 

Corrosion Resistance

A572 does not have the same level of corrosion resistance as A588 due to the additional elements in A588 that provide atmospheric corrosion resistance.

 

info-191-177Intended Use

A572 is primarily used for structural applications requiring high strength, while A588 is specifically designed for outdoor structures subject to atmospheric corrosion.

 

Weathering Properties

A588 develops a protective patina over time when exposed to the environment, enhancing its resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

 

When selecting between A572 and A588, consider factors such as the project's location, exposure to atmospheric conditions, desired mechanical properties, and the need for corrosion resistance to determine the most suitable material for the application at hand.

 

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FAQ

Q: What is A572 grade steel?

A: A572 Grade 42, 50, 55, 60, 65 Steel Plates - ASTM A572 Steel ...
ASTM A572 steel plate is a popular grade of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel that is typically used in structural applications. A572 steel contains chemical alloys that enhance the material's hardness and ability to bear weight, and this material is lightweight relative to steel grades with similar compositions.

Q: Is A572 the same as 50W?

A: 44W/50W/50WT are commodity mild steels under the Canadian engineering specification CSA G40. 21. These grades are sometimes known by their metric equivalents 300W/350W/350WT. The HS 50W category may also include ASTM A572-50 (up to 4"), with minimum yield strength of 50ksi.

Q: Is A572 steel corrosion resistant?

A: To create A572 carbon steel, iron is combined with trace amounts of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. The steel becomes stronger, tougher, and more corrosion-resistant after the addition of these alloying components.

Q: What is A588 steel equivalent to?

A: Corten A steel plate
From chemical composition ASTM A242 has lower carbon, phosphorus, and Sulfur contet, it has only one type, and A588 have three types, A588 GRADE A, B, K. The ASTM A588 grade A plate is equivalent to Corten A steel plate.

Q: What is ASTM A588 material?

A: A588 is a type of weathering steel that's renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance. With its unique ability to form a protective rust-like surface, it eliminates the need for additional coatings, reducing maintenance costs. ASTM A588 is also referred to as Corten® and covers structural shapes, plate, and bar.

Q: What is the difference between A572 and A588?

A: A588 develops a protective rust layer (patina) when exposed to the elements, making it suitable for unpainted outdoor applications, whereas A572 generally requires painting or other protective coatings for similar environments.

Q: What is the difference between A36 and A588?

A: Chemical Composition: A36 is a carbon steel that typically contains up to 0.29% carbon, while A588 is a low-alloy steel that contains additional alloying elements such as copper, chromium, and nickel. The exact chemical composition may vary depending on specific product specifications.

 

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