ASTM A656 Grade 60 (A656GR60) Carbon
ASTM A656 Grade 60 (A656GR60) Carbon and Low-Alloy High-Strength Steel Plate
Comprehensive material data for ASTM A656 Grade 60 (A656GR60) high-strength low-alloy steel plate with improved formability, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines.
Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, cutting, bending, punching
- Phone : +8618037372205
- Email : [email protected]
- WhatsApp: Contact via Whtsapp
- WeChat: +8618037372205
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Introduction
ASTM A656 Grade 60 is a hot-rolled, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel plate with improved formability, specified under ASTM A656/A656M. It offers a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa) and an excellent balance of strength, weldability, and cold formability. The steel achieves its properties through controlled rolling with optional microalloying elements such as niobium, vanadium, or titanium. It is typically supplied in the as-rolled or normalized condition. Grade 60 is widely used in structural and transport applications where weight savings and good toughness are required. Typical thicknesses range up to 2 in. (50 mm).
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A656 Grade 60 is designed to provide a combination of high strength, good formability, and weldability. Maximum limits are specified for key elements. Microalloying additions of niobium, vanadium, or titanium may be used for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening, though their exact amounts are not mandated by the standard. The table below shows the standard maximum values required for ASTM A656 Grade 60.
| Element | Standard Value (max, %) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.18 | Maximum, heat analysis |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.60 | Maximum, heat analysis |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 | Maximum |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 | Maximum |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.60 | Maximum |
| Other microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti, etc.) | Not specified | Added as needed for grain refinement and strengthening |
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
The physical properties listed below are typical for carbon–manganese low-alloy steels and provide a general guide for thermal and electrical behavior. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition and manufacturing process. These reference data are not part of the ASTM standard but are useful for engineering calculations involving ASTM A656 Grade 60.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | 205 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.3 | - | Room temperature |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) | 12.0 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 50 | W/(m·K) | Room temperature |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 460 | J/(kg·K) | Room temperature |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.15 | µΩ·m | Room temperature |
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties of ASTM A656 Grade 60 are determined by tensile and bend tests. The values vary with thickness. Yield strength is specified as a minimum, while tensile strength has an upper and lower range. Elongation requirements depend on test specimen gage length. Cold bend tests ensure formability. The properties below follow ASTM A656/A656M. For thicknesses greater than 2 in. (50 mm), mechanical properties must be agreed upon between the producer and purchaser. No impact test is required unless separately specified.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition / Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥415 (≥60) | MPa (ksi) | All thicknesses up to 50 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 480 – 655 (70 – 95) | MPa (ksi) | Thickness ≤40 mm (1.5 in.) |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 460 – 655 (67 – 95) | MPa (ksi) | Thickness >40 to 50 mm (>1.5 to 2 in.) |
| Elongation (A) | ≥17 | % | Gauge length 200 mm (8 in.) |
| Elongation (A) | ≥21 | % | Gauge length 50 mm (2 in.) |
| Bend Test (Mandrel Diameter) | 3t | - | Thickness ≤12.5 mm (0.5 in.), 180° bend |
| Bend Test (Mandrel Diameter) | 4t | - | Thickness >12.5 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 in.), 180° bend |
| Bend Test (Mandrel Diameter) | 5t | - | Thickness >25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 in.), 180° bend |
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Directly Equivalent Standards and Substitute Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | ISO 6930-1 | S420MC | Thermo-mechanical rolled high-yield strength steel for cold forming; yield 420 MPa min, tensile 480–620 MPa, similar formability. |
| Europe | EN 10149-2 | S420MC | Same as ISO grade; widely used in automotive and structural applications. |
| Japan | JIS G3135 | SPFC 590 | High-strength cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel for forming; tensile ≥590 MPa, yield typically ≥420 MPa; chemical limits differ slightly. |
| China | GB/T 1591 | Q420B | Low-alloy high-strength structural steel; yield ≥420 MPa, tensile 520–680 MPa, elongation ≥19%. Not identical in formability specification but often a substitute. |
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Application Introduction
ASTM A656 Grade 60 steel is designed for structural and engineering applications that demand high strength, good weldability, and improved cold formability. It allows weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity. Typical uses span construction, heavy machinery, and transportation. It can be formed into complex shapes without compromising ductility, making it suitable for components requiring bending, drawing, and moderate stretching.
Product Applications: Structural beams and columns, Truck chassis frames and cross members, Crane booms and outrigger boxes, Agricultural tillage equipment, Cold-formed profile sections (C, Z, and U channels), Storage rack uprights and beams
Processed into products: Welded built-up beams, Boom sections and extension arms, Chassis reinforcement brackets, Trailer side rails, Hitche and towing components, Punched and formed plates for machinery frames, Scaffolding and shoring towers
Application industries: Construction and infrastructure, Automotive and heavy truck manufacturing, Crane and lifting equipment, Agricultural machinery, Railcar and trailer manufacturing, Mining and earthmoving equipment
ASTM A656 Grade 60 Carbon Similar or Comparable Materials for Alternative Selection
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A572/A572M | Grade 60 [415] | High-strength low-alloy structural steel; min yield 60 ksi, tensile min 75 ksi, but formability not guaranteed as per A656. |
| USA | SAE J1392 | 045XLK | High-strength low-alloy hot-rolled sheet steel; typical yield ~ 450 MPa, good formability; similar strength level but different product form. |
| USA | ASTM A607 (withdrawn) | Grade 60 | Former HSLA standard; replaced by other specifications; similar strength/formability concept. |
| International | EN 10149-2 | S500MC | Higher strength grade with yield ≥500 MPa; can be a direct upgrade if higher strength and still good formability are required. |
Notes:
Welding: ASTM A656 Grade 60 possesses good weldability with low carbon equivalent. Preheating may be required for thick sections or when high restraint is present. Common welding methods (SMAW, GMAW, SAW) are applicable.
Forming: The steel is intended for cold bending and moderate drawing operations. Minimum bend radii should follow the guidelines in the mechanical properties table. Hot forming is possible but may alter mechanical properties.
Corrosion protection: As a carbon steel, it requires protective coatings (painting, galvanizing) when exposed to corrosive environments. The material is not inherently resistant to atmospheric corrosion.
- Share
