Two Strong Steel Types Booming in Popularity
According to the World Steel Association, there are more than 3,500 different steel types and grades—each with unique chemical compositions for unique physical and environmental properties. Over 75 percent of those variations were developed within the past 20 years, showcasing the modern mindset and attitude of innovation inside a centuries-old industry. End users, steel suppliers, and fabricators all benefit from being able to select steel grades that are best suited for a customer’s specific final application. Two types of special structural steel grades, ASTM A656 Grade 80 and ASTM A572 Grade 50 have experienced a popularity boom and significant growth across industries thanks to a handful of beneficial properties and conditions.
What is ASTM Steel?
ASTM steel refers to steel materials that adhere to the specifications and standards set by ASTM International. According to the ASTM, comprehensive steel standards “are instrumental in classifying, evaluating, and specifying the material, chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical properties of the different types of steel.” The standards make it easier for fabricators and engineers to ensure compliance with industry standards.
What is the Most Popular ASTM Grade of Steel?
Widely utilized ASTM A36, North America’s most common structural steel grade, has a low carbon content with other properties kept within tight tolerances by adding manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and copper. These elements increase the steel’s ductility, hardness, and corrosion resistance. However, ASTM A656 Grade 80 and ASTM A572 Grade 50 are becoming increasingly popular.
Why ASTM A572 Grade 50 Steel is Gaining Popularity
ASTM A572 steel properties share several similarities with A36—including the same added elements for achieving enhanced strength and hardness. However, the ratios are adjusted for the desired grade and effect. The most common grade of A572, Grade 50, contains slightly less carbon but more manganese for further increased hardness, for example.
Another similarity that A572 steel sheets and plates share with A36, and one driving its increased use, is an economical price point. A572 Grade 50 is a cost-effective solution for many applications with a competitive balance between price and performance, boasting a 50,000-psi yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of 65,300 psi while maintaining good formability and excellent weldability. The steel’s standout strength-to-weight ratio enables bridges, buildings, big trucks, and more to withstand more force while using less material, lowering overall weight while maintaining desired strength and safety.
ASTM A572 Grade 50 steel plates and sheets are well-suited for outdoor applications with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance over carbon steels. They are versatile in terms of fabrication possibilities and applications and are used frequently in pressure valves and boilers, mining machinery, wind turbines, truck frames, bridges, buildings, and across construction projects. It’s a “workhorse” grade relied on in a wide range of products.
Why ASTM A656 Grade 80 Steel is Gaining Popularity
The same collection of common alloys added to create ASTM A572 steel—carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon—are present in ASTM A656, a high-strength and low-alloy steel that can come with added costs. Moreover, ASTM A656 also includes added nitrogen for higher corrosion resistance and vanadium, columbium, and titanium for increased strength.
With a higher yield point (minimum 80 ksi) and tensile strength (minimum 90 ksi), A656 is a perfect choice for load-bearing applications. It is frequently found across truck frames, crane booms, other equipment, transport trailers, agricultural equipment, rail cars, and similar uses in the construction industry.
ASTM A656 Grade 80 steel properties include impressive strength and structural integrity in applications where lighter weight or effective formability are critical. Itis also a heat-treatable, very weldable steel grade, responding well to all common methods. A656 can be shaped and formed into various complex shapes and structures without compromising its fundamental properties, further expanding its manufacturing, machining, and fabrication options before life in heavy-load or high-wear environments.
Supporting the Future of the Steel Industry
Part of the Midwest market for nearly 50 years, Westfield Steel has seen trends come and go while emerging new technology in the steel industry constantly influences consumers’ needs or a project’s demands.
With our finely tuned ear to the ground and finger on the pulse of the steel industry, Westfield Steel maintains a well-stocked and meticulously managed inventory of plates, sheets, and much more in many of the most in-demand grades, including ASTM A656 Grade 80 and A572 Grade 50. Reach out to our team of dedicated steel experts today to find the perfect solutions for your project.
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