A588

General Info About A588 Steel

A588 is a high strength, low alloy steel plate that was developed for use cases demanding higher strength and a longer life cycle. A588 is known for its atmospheric corrosion resistance thanks to a natural patina of rust that forms when exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Advantages/Disadvantages

The biggest advantage to A588 is its atmospheric corrosion resistance for which it was specially formulated. It is substantially better than other structural steels like A36 or A572.

Industries

A588 steel was developed primarily for industries requiring outdoor structural steel solutions, wherever there is a need for a combination of lighter weight, higher durability, and exceptional corrosion resistance.

Applications

You will primarily find A588 steel plate in welded bridges, buildings, and other structures.

Machining

Grades A and B both have good material machinability.

Welding

A588 welds similar to low carbon steels like ASTM A36 and ASTM A572. Due to A588’s specific coloring, you will need to consider color matching when welding.

Advantages/Disadvantages
The biggest advantage to A588 is its atmospheric corrosion resistance for which it was specially formulated. It is substantially better than other structural steels like A36 or A572.
Industries
A588 steel was developed primarily for industries requiring outdoor structural steel solutions, wherever there is a need for a combination of lighter weight, higher durability, and exceptional corrosion resistance.
Applications
You will primarily find A588 steel plate in welded bridges, buildings, and other structures.
Machining
Grades A and B both have good material machinability.
Welding
A588 welds similar to low carbon steels like ASTM A36 and ASTM A572. Due to A588’s specific coloring, you will need to consider color matching when welding.

Typical Standards

	Dimensions Routinely Stocked (Imperial)
Formats	Thickness	Width	Length
Coil	3/16" - 1/2"	48", 60", 72", 84", 96"	Any
Cut to Length	3/16" - 1/2"	84", 96"	Any
Hot Rolled (Strip Mill)	3/16" - 1/2"	48", 60", 72"	Any
Discrete (Mill Rolled)	48", 60", 72"	96"	240" - 480"

Chemical Properties (Grade A)

C	Mn	P	S	Si	Ni	Cr	Co	V
0.19%	0.80 - 1.25%	0.030%	0.030%	0.03 - 0.65%	0.40%	0.40-0.65%	0.25-0.40%	0.02-0.10%

Chemical Properties (Grade B)

C	Mn	P	S	Si	Ni	Cr	Co	V
0.20%	0.75 - 1.35%	0.030%	0.030%	0.15 - 0.50%	0.50%	0.40-0.70%	0.20-0.40%	0.01-0.10%

Chemical Properties (Grade K)

C	Mn	P	S	Si	Ni	Cr	Mo	Co	Nb
0.17%	0.50 - 1.20%	0.030%	0.030%	0.25 - 0.50%	0.40%	0.40-0.70%	0.10%	0.30-0.50%	0.005-0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions About A588

What grades is ASTM A588 available in?

ANSWER:

ASTM A588 is available in 3 grades, A, B, and K.

Is A588 weathering steel?

ANSWER:

With the addition of copper, nickel, and chromium alloys, ASTM A588 is specially designed for projects with high exposure to atmospheric conditions. In fact, its advantage over similar steels like A572 is its weathering ability. For that reason, A588 is also known as a weathering steel. The surface oxidation of weathering steel—what gives it its distinctive rusty appearance when unpainted—typically takes six months, but surface treatments can accelerate the oxidation to as little as a few hours.

Does A588 need to be painted?

ANSWER:

Because of its strong, innate resistance to corrosion, A588 can be used in its bare, or unpainted, condition.

How is A588 related to Cor-Ten®?

ANSWER:

Cor-Ten® is a trade name for atmospheric corrosion resistant steel with the same specifications as A588. As it became more popular over the years, mills began to develop their own versions, at which point ASTM created standard specifications for it, what we now know as A588.

What grades is ASTM A588 available in?
ANSWER:
ASTM A588 is available in 3 grades, A, B, and K.
Is A588 weathering steel?
ANSWER:
With the addition of copper, nickel, and chromium alloys, ASTM A588 is specially designed for projects with high exposure to atmospheric conditions. In fact, its advantage over similar steels like A572 is its weathering ability. For that reason, A588 is also known as a weathering steel. The surface oxidation of weathering steel—what gives it its distinctive rusty appearance when unpainted—typically takes six months, but surface treatments can accelerate the oxidation to as little as a few hours.
Does A588 need to be painted?
ANSWER:
Because of its strong, innate resistance to corrosion, A588 can be used in its bare, or unpainted, condition.
How is A588 related to Cor-Ten®?
ANSWER:
Cor-Ten® is a trade name for atmospheric corrosion resistant steel with the same specifications as A588. As it became more popular over the years, mills began to develop their own versions, at which point ASTM created standard specifications for it, what we now know as A588.