AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA)

AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: AK Steel ASTM A715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot-Rolled HSLA Steel** **AK Steel ASTM A715 Class 2, Grade 60F** is a premium **hot-rolled, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel sheet and strip** engineered to deliver **exceptional 60 ksi (415 MPa) minimum yield strength** coupled with **enhanced formability characteristics** for demanding manufacturing applications. As part of the "**Formable**" (Class 2) category within the A715 specification, this advanced grade is specifically designed for components that require **both high structural strength and significant cold forming capability**. The "**F**" designation denotes a **formability-enhanced version** of the standard Grade 60, achieved through precise chemistry control and optimized thermomechanical processing. This material represents a technological advancement for manufacturers seeking to push the boundaries of **strength-formability balance** in weight-sensitive, structurally demanding applications. --- ## **International Standard & Key Specifications** * **Primary Standard:** **ASTM A715/A715M** - Standard Specification for Steel Sheet and Strip, High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled, and Cold-Rolled, with Improved Formability. * **Class Distinction:** **Class 2 - Formable**. This classification indicates steel with **superior formability characteristics** relative to conventional HSLA grades of equivalent strength, achieved through specialized chemical and processing controls. * **Grade System:** **Grade 60F** specifies a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa) with **engineered improvements in formability**. * **Related Standards:** * **ASTM A1011/A1011M** - Specification for HSLAS (High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel). * **SAE J1392** - Hot Rolled HSLA and Carbon Steel Sheet and Strip. * **ASTM A370** - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing. * **Key Feature:** Provides **60 ksi yield strength with remarkably improved formability** compared to conventional HSLA steels of similar strength, enabling the manufacturing of more complex, high-strength components. --- ## **Chemical Composition (Weight %, typical)** The chemistry is meticulously optimized to maximize formability while reliably achieving 60 ksi yield strength via advanced microalloying. | Element | Composition (Typical for Class 2, Grade 60F) | Role in Performance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | **0.08 - 0.14 max** | **Very low carbon content** is fundamental to superior formability and excellent weldability at this strength level. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.20 - 1.70 | Provides solid solution strengthening; balanced to support formability. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | 0.025 max | Very tightly controlled impurity to maximize ductility. | | **Sulfur (S)** | **0.010 max** | **Extremely low sulfur** is critical for enhanced through-thickness ductility and resistance to cracking during severe forming. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.10 - 0.40 | Deoxidizer and solid solution strengthener. | | **Columbium (Cb/Nb)** | 0.02 - 0.08 | Key microalloy for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.04 - 0.12 | Essential microalloy for precipitation strengthening, carefully balanced with Nb. | | **Titanium (Ti)** | 0.008 - 0.030 | Often added for additional grain refinement and **sulfide shape control**, directly enhancing formability. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.05 - 0.15 (optional) | May be used to enhance hardenability and strength without significantly increasing carbon equivalent. | | **Carbon Equivalent (CE)** | Typically 0.32 - 0.40 | **Significantly lower than conventional 60 ksi steels**, resulting in excellent weldability and reduced cracking sensitivity. | **Processing Note:** The "Formable" (F) designation is achieved through a **combination of ultra-low carbon and sulfur, optimized microalloying (Nb, V, Ti), and sophisticated thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) or accelerated cooling**. This refines the grain structure and controls precipitation to maximize ductility and forming limits. --- ## **Typical Physical & Mechanical Properties (Hot-Rolled, Class 2, Grade 60F)** | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Tensile Strength** | 550 - 700 MPa (80,000 - 102,000 psi) | | **Yield Strength (min)** | **415 MPa (60,000 ksi)** | | **Elongation in 2-in (50 mm) (min)** | **18% - 22%** (Higher than conventional Grade 60 steels) | | **Yield-to-Tensile Ratio** | Typically 0.75 - 0.80 | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | ~200 GPa (29 x 10⁶ psi) | | **Density** | ~7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³) | | **Formability** | **Excellent (for 60 ksi strength).** Suitable for **moderate bending, roll-forming, and complex stamping.** Minimum bend radius can be as low as **1.5-2.0× material thickness**. Demonstrates a **higher strain hardening exponent (n-value)** and **better plastic strain ratio (r-value)** than standard 60 ksi grades. | | **Weldability** | **Very Good.** Low carbon equivalent allows welding with **reduced preheat requirements** compared to conventional 60 ksi steels. However, **low-hydrogen practices are strongly advised** for optimal results, especially in restrained joints. | | **Surface Quality** | High-quality surface finish, suitable for demanding exposed applications after painting. | | **Through-Thickness Ductility** | Excellent, due to very low sulfur content, reducing risk of lamellar tearing in formed/welded assemblies. | --- ## **Product Applications** AK Steel ASTM A715 Class 2, Grade 60F is designed for high-performance components where maximizing strength cannot come at the expense of manufacturability. **Primary Industries and Products:** 1. **Automotive & Mobility (Advanced Applications):** * **Ultra-high-strength safety cage components** (A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails) requiring forming. * **Chassis reinforcements and subframe parts** with complex geometries. * **Electric vehicle battery enclosure structural components.** * **Severe service truck and off-highway vehicle frame elements.** 2. **Heavy Equipment & Transportation:** * **Cab structures and roll-over protective systems (ROPS/FOPS)** for construction and agricultural machinery. * **Heavy-duty trailer main beams and formed crossmembers.** * **Mining equipment components** requiring a blend of extreme strength and formability for assembly. 3. **Industrial & Material Handling:** * **Critical formed components for heavy-duty lifting equipment** (crane booms, forklift masts). * **High-capacity storage rack systems** with complex formed connectors. * **Safety-critical guards and access structures** in heavy industry. 4. **Energy & Infrastructure:** * **Formed components for renewable energy structures** (wind turbine internals). * **Heavy-duty supports and brackets** in power generation facilities. --- ## **Advantages and Critical Fabrication Considerations** * **Advantages:** * **Breakthrough Strength-Formability Balance:** Achieves 60 ksi yield strength while offering formability previously associated with much lower strength steels. * **Superior Weldability:** Reduced carbon equivalent simplifies welding procedure development and lowers thermal input requirements. * **Weight Reduction & Part Consolidation:** Enables the design of thinner, stronger, and more complex single-piece components, reducing weight and assembly steps. * **Enhanced Manufacturing Flexibility:** Opens new design possibilities by allowing high-strength materials to be used in more complex stamped or roll-formed parts. * **Improved Toughness:** Fine-grained microstructure typically offers good low-temperature impact properties. * **Critical Fabrication Considerations:** * **Material Specification & Certification:** It is crucial to specify **"ASTM A715 Class 2, Grade 60F"** explicitly and review mill certifications to ensure receipt of the enhanced formability grade, not a standard 60 ksi product. * **Tooling & Process Design:** Despite enhanced formability, **springback is still significant** and forming forces are high. Tooling must be robust and designed with appropriate compensation. Advanced simulation is recommended for complex parts. * **Welding Protocols:** While weldable with lower preheat, developing and qualifying a **Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)** using **low-hydrogen consumables** is essential. Matching or slightly under-matching filler metal strength is often acceptable and can improve joint toughness. * **Cost-Benefit Analysis:** This is a premium material. Its use must be justified by performance gains (weight savings, part consolidation, safety improvement) or manufacturing cost reductions (fewer parts, simpler assembly) that offset the higher material cost. * **Not for All Forming:** It is **not a "deep-drawing" steel**. It is for **enhanced formability at high strength**, not unlimited formability. Consult with the supplier for specific forming limit diagrams (FLDs). * **Heat Treatment Awareness:** Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above **~400°C (~750°F)** post-forming if the as-formed strength is critical, to prevent over-aging of the microalloy precipitates. **In summary, AK Steel ASTM A715 Class 2, Grade 60F is a state-of-the-art HSLA steel that redefines the possible relationship between strength and formability. It is engineered for the most demanding applications where 60 ksi strength is required but cannot be achieved with materials that lack sufficient manufacturability. Its successful implementation requires close collaboration between designer, material engineer, and fabricator to fully exploit its unique capabilities in creating lighter, stronger, and more integrated components.** -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <4574 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. -: AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of AK Steel ASTM A 715 Class 2 Formable, Grade 60F Hot Rolled Carbon Steel, Medium/High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) -:- 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 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 1045 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