Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, steel

Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: ## **Product Specification: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7 Thermomechanically Controlled Processed (TMCP) Steel Plate (3/16" to 1-1/2" thick)** ### **Product Overview** Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7 is a premium high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel plate manufactured using the advanced **Thermomechanically Controlled Process (TMCP)**. Representing a higher strength tier within the Type 7 family, this grade delivers a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa) while retaining the exceptional weldability that defines the Type 7 designation. Engineered for applications where significant weight reduction, structural efficiency, and fabrication ease are critical, this plate achieves its superior properties through precise microstructural control during rolling and cooling, eliminating the need for costly post-rolling heat treatment. Its balance of strength, toughness, and weldability makes it ideal for demanding mobile equipment and transportation structures. ### **International Standard Compliance** * **Primary Standard:** **ASTM A656 / A656M** - Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel Plate Produced by Thermomechanical Controlled Processing. * **Grade & Type Designation:** **Grade 60, Type 7**. The Type 7 chemistry is optimized for low carbon equivalent, prioritizing weldability even at this higher strength level. * **International Equivalents (Conceptual/Performance-Based):** * **EN Standard:** EN 10149-2 **S460MC** or **S500MC** (Thermomechanically rolled weldable fine grain steels). These grades share the TMCP production method and application philosophy. * **JIS Standard:** G3136 **SPFH590** or similar (High-tensile strength hot-rolled steel sheets and plates). * **ISO Standard:** ISO 4950-3 (High yield strength weldable steels). * **Key Distinction:** Compared to quenched & tempered (Q&T) grades of similar strength (e.g., A514), A656 Gr 60 Type 7 offers superior weldability with typically lower preheat requirements, though at a potentially lower hardness/maximum strength. --- ### **Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis, Weight %)** The chemistry is meticulously designed to achieve 60 ksi yield strength via micro-alloying and TMCP, while rigorously minimizing carbon and carbon equivalent (CE) to preserve weldability. | Element | ASTM A656 Gr.60 Type 7 Typical Range | Purpose & Metallurgical Role | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.10% max | **Critically low.** Fundamental to achieving the low CE required for Type 7's signature weldability, despite the higher strength target. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.65% max | Primary solid solution strengthener. Level is balanced to contribute strength without excessively raising the CE or promoting banding. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | 0.025% max | Tightly controlled impurity to ensure good toughness. | | **Sulfur (S)** | 0.010% max | **Ultra-low sulfur.** Essential for good through-thickness (Z-direction) properties and to prevent weld hot cracking. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.30% max | Deoxidizer and solid solution strengthener. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.10% max | Key micro-alloying element. Provides significant precipitation strengthening during TMCP cooling. | | **Niobium (Cb/Nb)** | 0.05% max | Potent grain refiner. Suppresses austenite recrystallization during rolling, leading to an ultra-fine final microstructure. | | **Titanium (Ti)** | 0.10% max | Often added in small amounts for grain size control (via TiN pinning) and sulfide shape control. | | **Aluminum (Al)** | 0.010 - 0.060% | Grain refiner (Aluminum-killed steel). | | **Nitrogen (N)** | 0.015% max | Controlled to optimize V/N or Nb/C precipitation kinetics. | | **Carbon Equivalent (CE IIW)** | **Typically ≤ 0.40** | CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15. **Remarkably low for a 60 ksi yield steel.** | | **Pcm (Weld Crack Parameter)** | **Typically ≤ 0.21** | Pcm = C + Si/30 + Mn/20 + Cu/20 + Ni/60 + Cr/20 + Mo/15 + V/10 + 5B. Indicates low cold cracking sensitivity. | **TMCP Process Note:** The plate undergoes controlled rolling in the non-recrystallization austenite region, followed by Accelerated Cooling (ACC). This transforms the deformed austenite into a very fine, strong microstructure of acicular ferrite, bainite, and fine pearlite, directly yielding the 60 ksi properties. --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties** #### **1. Standard Mechanical Properties (As TMCP processed):** * **Yield Strength (min):** 60 ksi (415 MPa) * **Tensile Strength:** 75 - 95 ksi (520 - 655 MPa) * **Yield-to-Tensile Ratio:** 0.75 - 0.85 (typical) * **Elongation in 2" (min):** 20% (for thickness ≤ 3/4") * **Elongation in 8" (min):** 18% (for thickness ≤ 3/4") * **Reduction of Area (typical):** 45 - 60% #### **2. Impact Properties (Commonly Specified):** * **Charpy V-Notch Testing:** Frequently required for structural applications. * **Typical Test Condition:** 20 - 25 ft-lb (27 - 34 J) at 0°F (-18°C) or -20°F (-29°C). * **Typical Performance:** Can achieve 30 - 60 ft-lb (41 - 81 J) at 0°F, demonstrating adequate toughness for many applications. #### **3. Physical Constants:** * **Density:** 0.284 lb/in³ (7.85 g/cm³) * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 29,000 ksi (200 GPa) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 6.5 × 10⁻⁶/°F (11.7 × 10⁻⁶/°C) #### **4. Technological Properties (Key Advantages):** * **Weldability:** **Very Good to Excellent for its strength level.** The low CE allows for less stringent welding procedures compared to other 60 ksi steels (e.g., some A572 Gr. 60 or A588). * **Preheat/Interpass Guidelines:** * ≤ 3/4" thick: Often not required under mild conditions. * 3/4" to 1-1/2" thick: 150-250°F (66-121°C) preheat is commonly recommended to prevent hydrogen cracking, especially in restrained joints. * **Recommended Welding Consumables:** Use low-hydrogen processes (SMAW: E90XX, FCAW: E91T1-K2, SAW: appropriate wire-flux combination). Matching strength (90 ksi tensile) filler metals are typical. * **Machinability:** Fair to Good (approx. 60% of B1112). Requires adequate power and sharp tooling. * **Formability:** Moderate; minimum bend radius of approximately 2.5t to 3t for 90° bending. --- ### **Product Applications** #### **1. Heavy Mobile & Mining Equipment (Primary Market):** * **Excavators & Cranes:** Boom sections, stick arms, major structural frames where weight savings translate directly to increased payload or reach. * **Mining Shovels & Haul Trucks:** Body liners, structural supports, and lifting points. * **Agricultural Machinery:** High-stress frames for large combines and tractors. #### **2. Transportation & Trucking:** * **Heavy-Duty Truck Chassis:** Frame rails and crossmembers for maximum payload capacity. * **Trailer Manufacturing:** Gooseneck, main beams, and side rails for flatbeds and lowboys. * **Logging & Vocational Trucks:** High-stress components in demanding environments. #### **3. Material Handling & Construction:** * **Forklift Masts** and heavy-duty **container handling equipment**. * **Crane Runway Girders** and support structures. * **Advanced structural components** in bridges and buildings where weight optimization is critical. #### **4. Energy & Industrial:** * **Wind Turbine Tower** sections (particularly mid-to-upper sections). * **Support structures** for heavy machinery and presses. ### **Advantages over Conventional 60 ksi Steels** 1. **Superior Weldability:** Lower CE than many equivalent-strength grades reduces preheat needs and cracking risk. 2. **No Heat Treatment:** TMCP process eliminates energy and cost of normalizing or quenching & tempering. 3. **Fine Microstructure:** Provides a good combination of strength and toughness. 4. **Weight Efficiency:** Enables lighter, stronger designs compared to A572 Gr. 50 or A36. ### **Procurement & Fabrication Notes** * **Condition:** Supplied in the **As TMCP Processed** condition. * **Specification:** Clearly state **ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7**, thickness, and any required Charpy impact testing (temperature & energy). * **Fabrication Planning:** Despite good weldability, always develop a **Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)** based on the actual CE/Pcm from the MTR for critical applications. Monitor heat input to preserve HAZ toughness. ### **Disclaimer** This product description is based on the ASTM A656 standard and industry practices. Properties are inherent to the TMCP process and specific mill practices. While weldability is excellent, adherence to proper low-hydrogen welding procedures remains essential. Always consult the certified **Mill Test Report (MTR)** for the specific heat/lot to verify chemistry, mechanical properties, and CE value before fabrication. Compliance with applicable design and welding codes (AWS D1.1, etc.) is mandatory. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <4655 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 A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bethlehem Steel ASTM A656 Grade 60 Type 7, 3/16 to 1-1/2 in. thick, 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 1126 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