A242 Corten Steel Plate/Sheet

ASTM A242 is a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel, commonly known as Corten steel, which is prized for its superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion. When properly exposed to the elements, this weathering steel forms a protective rust-like patina, which eliminates the need for painting and makes it ideal for outdoor applications.

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Corten Steek Corrugated Panels

Properties and grades

Chemical Composition For Corten Steel ASTM A242 Type 1 Plate & Sheet

	Corten – A	ASTM 588 Grade A	ASTM 242 TYPE -1	IRSM 41 -97
Carbon, Max	0.12	0.19	0.15	0.10
Manganese	0.20-50	0.80-1.25	1.00	0.25-0.45
Phosphorus	0.07-0.15	0.04	0.15	0.07-0.11
Sulphur, max	0.030	0.05	0.05	0.030
Silicon	0.25-0.75	0.30-0.65	0.25-0.40	0.28-0.72
Nickel, max	0.65	0.40	–	0.20-0.49
Chromium	0.50-1.25	0.40-065	–	0.30-0.50
Molybdenum, max	–	–	–	–
Copper	0.25-0.55	0.25-0.40	0.20 min	0.30-0.39
Vanadium	–	0.02-0.10	–	0.050
Aluminimum	–	…	–	0.030

Mechanical properties of corten steel ASTM A242 Type 1 plates & Sheets

	Tensile Strength	Min. Yield Point	Elongation
CORTEN A	[470 – 630 MPa]	[355 MPa]	20 % min
ASTM 588 GR. A	[485 MPa]	[345 MPa]	21% min
ASTM 242 TYPE -1	[480 MPa]	[345 MPa]	16% min
IRSM 41- 97	[480 MPa]	[340 MPa]	21% min

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Corten Steel Staircase

Common applications

ASTM A242 steel is used across various industries where atmospheric corrosion resistance and high strength are critical. Its distinctive aesthetic also makes it popular for architectural and decorative purposes.

Architectural: Exterior cladding, facades, and other decorative elements.

Construction: Bridges, buildings, and other outdoor structures.

Railroad: Freight cars and railway carriages.

Marine: Cranes and passenger ships due to its high corrosion resistance.

Containers: For container production, where it withstands harsh environmental conditions.

Available forms

Manufacturers and suppliers offer A242 steel in a variety of forms for different applications:

Plates and sheets: Available in various thicknesses for different structural needs.

Pipes: Used in construction and other outdoor applications.

Coils and strips: For manufacturing and industrial processes.

Wire mesh: For use in various construction and decorative projects.

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Corten Steel Screen/Fences

FAQ

01.What is the yield strength of A242 steel?

A242 alloy has a yield strength of 50 ksi (340 MPa) and ultimate tensile strength of 70 ksi (480 MPa) for light-medium rolled shapes and plates up to 0.75 inches (19 mm) thick.

02.How to test if steel is Corten?

This patina starts as an orange hue and gradually darkens to a deep brown or black, giving Corten its characteristic weathered appearance. Additionally, Corten often has a rough and textured surface compared to regular steel, which tends to be smoother.

03.What is the yield stress of corten steel?

The addition of phosphorus makes this grade of Corten steel suitable for gas flue applications and aesthetic facias. The minimum yield strength of Corten A is 345 N/mm² and the minimum tensile strength is 485 N/mm².

04.Why does corten steel rust?

Corten steel is a group of steel alloys developed to form a stable rust-like appearance after exposure to various weather conditions such as rain, wind and sun. The rust patina eliminates the need for painting and additional care.

05.Is corten steel hard to weld?

Despite its benefits, welding corten steel comes with some challenges: Heat-induced distortion or cracking. Loss of corrosion resistance near the heat-affected zone. Difficulty in matching the patina formation post-weld.

Company profile

Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the global trade and processing of Corten steel products.
• We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.
• Compliant with ASTM, EN, and other international standards; third-party inspection supported.
• Exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
• 8 subsidiaries across China and overseas, ensuring global service coverage.
Application Fields: Architecture, landscaping, gardening, cladding, and urban infrastructure.

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