ASTM A656 Steel Foil/Strip, grade 2

ASTM A656 Steel Foil, grade 2 Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: ASTM A656 Steel Foil, grade 2 Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

ASTM A656 Steel, grade 2 Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: ASTM A656 / A656M High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Plate, Grade 2** ## **1. Overview & International Standard** **ASTM A656/A656M** is a standard specification for **hot-rolled, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel plates** produced through **Thermomechanical Controlled Processing (TMCP)**. Grade 2 represents one of the strength grades within this multi-grade standard. **Primary Standard:** **ASTM A656/A656M** - *Standard Specification for Hot-Rolled Structural Steel, High-Strength Low-Alloy Plate with Improved Formability.* **Key International Equivalents & References:** * **EN 10149-2: S500MC / S550MC** (European standard for thermomechanically rolled steels of similar strength and application). * **JIS G 3136: SHY685** (Japanese standard for high yield strength steel plates). * **ISO 4950** (High yield strength flat steel products). * It is widely recognized and specified in North American and international construction and heavy equipment codes. **Core Manufacturing Process: Thermomechanical Controlled Processing (TMCP)** Unlike conventional normalized or quenched & tempered steels, ASTM A656 Grade 2 achieves its properties through precise control of rolling temperature and cooling rate. This refines the grain structure at a microscopic level, resulting in an excellent combination of **high strength, good toughness, and improved weldability** without the need for expensive alloying additions or subsequent heat treatment. --- ## **2. Chemical Composition (Weight %, Ladle Analysis)** The chemistry is carefully balanced to facilitate TMCP and ensure weldability. Carbon and carbon equivalent (CE) are kept low. | Element | Composition (%) - Grade 2 | | :--- | :--- | | Carbon (C) | 0.18 max | | Manganese (Mn) | 1.60 max | | Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 max | | Sulfur (S) | 0.025 max | | Silicon (Si) | 0.40 max | | Niobium (Nb) / Columbium (Cb) | 0.01 - 0.10 | | Vanadium (V) | 0.01 - 0.10 | | Nitrogen (N) | 0.015 max | | **Carbon Equivalent (CEv)** | **0.42 max** (Typical) | *Note:* Microalloying elements like **Niobium (Nb)** and **Vanadium (V)** are key. They form fine carbonitride precipitates during TMCP, which inhibit grain growth and provide precipitation strengthening, contributing significantly to the high strength. The low CEv ensures excellent weldability. --- ## **3. Mechanical & Physical Properties** ### **A. Mandatory Mechanical Properties (as-rolled/TMCP condition):** | Property | Value - Grade 2 | | :--- | :--- | | **Yield Strength (min)** | 65 ksi (450 MPa) | | **Tensile Strength** | 70 - 85 ksi (485 - 585 MPa) | | **Elongation in 2-in (50 mm) (min)** | 18% | | **Charpy V-Notch Impact Toughness** | Typically tested at **0°F (-18°C)**. Minimum average energy absorption is often specified (e.g., 20 ft-lbf / 27 J) for structural applications. | ### **B. Key Features & Advantages:** * **High Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Enables lighter, more efficient structures. * **Excellent Weldability:** Low carbon equivalent minimizes preheat requirements and reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and cold cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). * **Good Formability:** Suitable for moderate cold bending and forming operations. * **As-Rolled Condition:** Plates are ready for fabrication directly from the mill, eliminating cost and time for heat treatment. ### **C. Typical Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 0.284 lb/in³ (7,850 kg/m³) * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 29 x 10⁶ psi (200 GPa) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 6.5 x 10⁻⁶/°F (11.7 x 10⁻⁶/°C) * **Poisson's Ratio:** 0.29 --- ## **4. Product Forms & Availability** * **Form:** Hot-rolled steel plates. * **Thickness Range:** Commonly available from about 0.25 inches (6 mm) up to 1.5 inches (40 mm) or more, depending on the mill's capabilities. * **Condition:** Supplied in the **as-rolled/TMCP condition**. No further heat treatment is required or recommended, as it can degrade the TMCP-enhanced properties. --- ## **5. Primary Applications** ASTM A656 Grade 2 is favored in applications where weight reduction, weldability, and high strength are critical. Key sectors include: * **Heavy-Duty Truck & Trailer Manufacturing:** * Main frames (chassis rails) * Cross members * Suspension components * **Mobile Crane & Construction Equipment:** * Boom sections * Carrier frames * Outrigger boxes * **Mining & Earthmoving Equipment:** * Chassis for large haul trucks * Loader arms and buckets * Support structures * **Structural & Material Handling:** * High-stress members in warehouses * Lifting beams and crane runways * **Agricultural Equipment:** * Frames for large combines and tractors --- ## **6. Fabrication Considerations** * **Welding:** Standard arc welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW) are applicable. Use of low-hydrogen practices and consumables matched to the strength level (e.g., AWS E70XX or E80XX series) is recommended. Preheat may be required for thicker sections or stringent applications. * **Cutting:** Can be cut by plasma, oxy-fuel, laser, or waterjet. Shearability is good for thinner gauges. * **Forming:** Cold bending is possible. Minimum bend radii are larger than for mild steel due to the higher strength; consult mill recommendations. * **Machining:** Machinability is fair. It is harder and stronger than mild steel, requiring appropriate tooling and feeds/speeds. --- ## **Summary** **ASTM A656 Grade 2** is a premier **thermomechanically processed (TMCP) HSLA steel** that delivers an optimal balance of **high strength (65 ksi min yield), excellent weldability, and good formability.** Its as-rolled condition and cost-effective production make it a **superior alternative to traditional normalized or quenched & tempered steels of similar strength** for a wide range of demanding structural and mobile equipment applications where performance, weight savings, and fabrication efficiency are paramount. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: ASTM A656 Steel, grade 2 Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <4508 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: ASTM A656 Steel, grade 2 Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of ASTM A656 Steel Foil, grade 2 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers ASTM A656 Steel Foil, grade 2 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of ASTM A656 Steel Foil/Strip, grade 2 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Foil/Strip drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 979 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition