ASTM A242 Steel – Corten A

ASTM A242 is the standard specification for carbon and low alloy and high strength structural steel plate. The specification covers high strength steel profiles, plates and bars for welded, riveted, or bolted constructions. It usually been used to save the weight or increase the durability in steel constructions.

ASTM A242 steel has atmospheric corrosion resistance

The steel plate under ASTM A242 standard also called the weathering steel plate, referred to the semi-killed or fully killed steel. It has good atmospheric corrosion resistance so the steel could be used in a lot of working environments.

ASTM A242 weathering steel is substantially better than that of carbon structural steel with or without copper added-in.

Why A242 plates called weathering steel plate

When properly exposed to the atmosphere, it could develops a natural rust patina which can protect the steel from exposure. So this steel can be used in barely conditions which not required any coatings or paintings in surface.

ASTM A242 steel is typical weathering steel which also known by Corten A.

Also it shall be noted that A242 specifications is limited to steel materials thickness under 4 in (100 mm).

Referred standards for ASTM A242 plates

ASTM A6/A6M standard specification for structural steels of hot rolled steel plate, profiles, beams, steel sheet pile, etc.
G101 Instructions for low alloy atmospheric corrosion resistant steels.

In case of welding works for A242 steel, it should follow the specification of A6/A6M appendix X3, the welding processes that suitable for this grade of steel.
Steel products like steel coil and without further heat treatment, should follow the additional requirements, includes testing methods in ASTM A6/A6M.

A242 steel plate chemical composition and mechanical properties

Chemicals:
C Max at 0.15%
Mn Mx at 1.00%
P Mx 0.15%
S Mx 0.05%
Cu Min 0.20%

If using other alloy elements, following elements are to be considered to add as required: Cr, Ni, Si, V, Ti and Zr.

Mechanical properties:
Different thickness has different requirements for tensile strength and yield strength
For tensile strength:
20 mm below: 70 Ksi or 480 Mpa
20 mm to 40 mm: 67 Ksi or 460 Mpa
40 mm to 100 mm: 63 Ksi or 435 Mpa
For yield strength:
345, 315 and 290 Mpa respectively.

Elongation for 50 mm specie is 21% and for 200 mm is 18%.

A242 steels applications

A242 steel plate can be used in the manufacture of vehicles, bridges, towers, construction of tanks, containers, frame structures, with requirements of welding, or bolted.

Test involved

Chemical analysis
Post weld heat treatment of mechanical test simulation
Charpy V-Notch Impact Test
Drop Weight Test (DWT)
Ultrasonic Examination
Measurement of reduction area

Octal provide ASTM A242 low alloy high strength steel plate as follow:
Standard: ASTM A242
Thickness Range: 6 – 100 mm
Width Range: 900 – 4800 mm
Length Range: 3000 – 12000 mm
Steel Cutting Services: Flame Cutting Steel, Laser Cut Steel, Waterjet cutting steel sheet, Plasma Cutting.

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