Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42, as-rolled steel

Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 (3/16" to 1-1/2" thick) As-Rolled High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Plate** --- ## **1. Overview** Bethlehem Steel's **ASTM A572 Grade 42** plate is a **high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel** engineered for structural applications requiring a balance of enhanced strength, good weldability, and excellent toughness. Available in the **as-rolled condition** from **3/16" to 1-1/2"** thick, this microalloyed steel provides a **42 ksi (290 MPa) minimum yield strength**, offering a 17% strength increase over standard A36 steel. The "HSLA" designation indicates that its strength is achieved through the addition of small amounts of microalloying elements like Columbium (Niobium) or Vanadium, which refine the grain structure and provide precipitation strengthening. This results in a material that is not only stronger than conventional carbon steel but also possesses superior notch toughness and more favorable welding characteristics. --- ## **2. International Standards** This product conforms to the principal specification for HSLA structural steel shapes, plates, and sheet piling: * **Primary Standard: ASTM A572 / A572M** – Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel. * **Grade Designation:** **42** (indicating 42 ksi minimum yield strength). Other common grades include 50, 55, 60, and 65. * **Key Metallurgical Distinction:** Unlike ASTM A529 (carbon-strengthened), A572 is a **microalloyed steel**, utilizing Columbium (Cb/Nb), Vanadium (V), or a combination to achieve its properties. * **Related Standards:** * **ASTM A992:** Standard for structural shapes (wide-flange beams), which typically have a 50 ksi yield but share similar metallurgical principles. * **ASTM A709:** Bridge steel specification, which includes A572 grades (e.g., Grade 50) with supplemental toughness requirements. --- ## **3. Chemical Composition (Typical, % by Weight)** The chemistry is a carefully balanced low-carbon formula with microalloying additions. | Element | Content (Maximum, per ASTM A572) | Role & Implication | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | **0.21% max** | Kept relatively low to ensure excellent weldability and toughness. Primary strength comes from microalloying. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | **1.35% max** | Provides solid solution strengthening and aids in the microalloying process. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | 0.04% max | Residual; kept low. | | **Sulfur (S)** | 0.05% max | Residual; controlled. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.40% max | Deoxidizer. | | **Columbium (Cb/Nb)** | **0.005% - 0.05%** | **Primary Microalloy.** Refines grain size during rolling and provides precipitation strengthening, enabling higher strength with lower carbon. | | **Vanadium (V)** | **0.01% - 0.10%** | **Microalloy.** Provides potent precipitation strengthening; may be used alone or with Nb. | | **Nitrogen (N)** | 0.015% max | Controlled as it interacts with microalloys. | | **Key Characteristic:** | **Low Carbon Equivalent (CE).** Typical CE is **0.36-0.42**, which is **lower than an A529 Grade 42** of similar strength. This is the core advantage, translating to **superior weldability with lower preheat requirements** and a **tougher heat-affected zone (HAZ)**. | | --- ## **4. Physical & Mechanical Properties (As-Rolled)** The microalloyed, fine-grained structure provides a favorable combination of properties. | Property | ASTM A572 Grade 42 Specification Minimum | Typical Value / Characteristics | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Yield Strength (min)** | **42 ksi (290 MPa)** | Typically 42-50 ksi. | | **Tensile Strength** | **60 ksi min (415 MPa)** | Typically 60-75 ksi. | | **Elongation in 2" (min)** | **20%** (for thickness ≤ 1.5") | Typically 22-28%. Good ductility. | | **Yield-to-Tensile Ratio** | N/A | Typically 0.70 - 0.78. A favorable balance indicating good energy absorption. | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 29,000 ksi (200 GPa) | | | **Notch Toughness** | **Not in base spec, but inherently good.** | The fine-grained ferrite microstructure provides **good impact resistance**, significantly better than as-rolled carbon steels of similar strength. Can often meet supplemental Charpy requirements if specified. | | **Through-Thickness Properties** | Not specified, but generally good due to fine grain and modern steelmaking. | Superior to carbon-strengthened grades, reducing (but not eliminating) the risk of lamellar tearing in thick welded sections. | | **Surface Finish** | Standard hot-rolled mill finish. | | --- ## **5. Key Features & Advantages** * **Enhanced Strength with Excellent Weldability:** The microalloyed, low-carbon chemistry provides high strength while maintaining a low carbon equivalent, simplifying welding and reducing preheat needs. * **Superior Toughness:** The fine-grained microstructure offers better resistance to brittle fracture than carbon-strengthened steels, making it suitable for dynamic or low-temperature service. * **Good Formability:** Maintains good ductility for bending and forming operations. * **Cost-Effective Performance Upgrade:** Offers a better balance of strength, weldability, and toughness than A529 at a competitive price point, making it a preferred choice for modern structural design. * **Weight Savings Potential:** The 42 ksi yield allows for lighter, more efficient sections compared to A36. --- ## **6. Product Applications** ASTM A572 Grade 42 is widely used in structural applications where performance and fabricability are valued: * **Building & Bridge Construction:** Structural members, trusses, built-up sections, gusset plates, and connection elements in commercial buildings and highway bridges. * **Transmission & Communication Towers:** Primary leg and bracing members requiring strength and durability. * **Industrial Equipment:** Frames, supports, and weldments for machinery and material handling systems. * **Storage & Racking Systems:** Structural components for medium-to-heavy-duty industrial storage racks. * **Agricultural & Construction Equipment:** Frames and structural parts for trailers, implements, and mobile equipment. * **General Fabrication:** Any application requiring a reliable 42 ksi yield strength with good all-around fabrication properties. --- ## **7. Fabrication & Processing Notes** * **Cutting:** Excellent for all methods: shearing, plasma, laser, and flame cutting. No special precautions required. * **Forming:** Good cold formability. Minimum bend radii are slightly larger than for mild steel (e.g., 1.5t to 2t). Springback is manageable. * **Welding:** **Highly weldable, a key advantage of this grade.** * **Preheat:** Generally **not required** for thicknesses **under 1 inch** in mild conditions due to low CE. For thicknesses >1" or in cold/restrained conditions, a light preheat of 100-150°F (40-65°C) is good practice. * **Electrodes/Process:** All common processes are suitable (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW). Low-hydrogen electrodes (E7018) are recommended for optimal results but are less critical than with higher CE steels. Matching strength filler metals (70 ksi) are typical. * **Weldability vs. A529:** **Substantially better.** Lower risk of HAZ cracking, less stringent preheat requirements. * **Comparison to A529 Gr. 42:** For welding and toughness, **A572 Gr. 42 is the superior choice.** For pure machinability in simple parts, A529 may have a slight edge. --- ## **8. Modern Perspective & Comparison** * **vs. ASTM A529 Grade 42:** Both are 42 ksi yield. * **A572 (HSLA):** **Microalloyed.** Superior weldability, better toughness, more consistent properties. **The modern, preferred material.** * **A529 (Carbon):** Carbon-strengthened. Higher CE, requires more welding care, lower toughness. **Largely superseded by A572 for performance applications.** * **vs. ASTM A36:** **Stronger (42 vs 36 ksi).** A572 Gr. 42 offers a clear upgrade path with minimal fabrication penalty. * **vs. ASTM A572 Grade 50:** Grade 50 offers higher strength (50 ksi). The choice depends on the specific design load requirements. * **Current Status:** **ASTM A572 Grade 42 is a mainstream, highly specified structural steel.** It is produced by all major mills and is a staple in steel service centers. It represents the optimal blend of performance and fabricability for its strength level and has largely replaced A529 Grade 42 in new designs. --- **Disclaimer:** *This profile describes a modern, high-performance structural steel. Bethlehem Steel is now part of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.* **For procurement and fabrication:** 1. Consult the latest **ASTM A572** specification. 2. Welding can generally follow **AWS D1.1** provisions for similar strength, low-ce steels. 3. A572 Grade 42 is an excellent, forgiving choice for structural applications. It offers a significant advantage over A529 in weldability and toughness. 4. Always review the certified Mill Test Report (MTR) to confirm chemistry and properties. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <4624 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. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bethlehem Steel ASTM A572 Grade 42 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, as-rolled steel plate -:- 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 1095 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