Products Description
Corten weathering steel / Weather resistant steel
| ASTM A588 | Grade A, Grade C |
| ASTM A633 | Grade E |
| JIS G3125 | SPA-H |
Corten weathering steel - is made of ordinary carbon steel with a small amount of corrosion-resistant elements such as copper and nickel.
weather resistant steel - is mainly used for steel structures exposed to the atmosphere for a long time, such as railways, vehicles, bridges, towers, photovoltaics, and high-speed projects. Used in the manufacture of containers, railway vehicles, oil derricks, seaport buildings, oil production platforms, and containers containing hydrogen sulfide corrosive media in chemical and petroleum equipment.
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 |



FAQ
1. Is A588 the same as Corten?
ASTM A588 is also referred to as Corten® and covers structural shapes, plate, and bar. This alloy is made up of copper, chromium, nickel, and other elements that give it its weathering resistance properties.
2. What is the ASTM standard for corten steel?
The ASTM specifications include A588, A242, A606-4, A847, A871-65, and A709-50W, with Cor-ten® standing out as the primary trademarked product. These specifications set the standards for weathering steel, ensuring its resilience against the elements and long-lasting corrosion resistance.
3. What is ASTM A588 steel grade?
ASTM A588 Grade A, also known as "weathering steel", is specifically designed to achieve excellent performance with respect to atmospheric corrosion resistance. Over time, a layer of protective iron oxidizes onto the surface, and it is common to use unpainted.
4. What is ASTM A588 Grade A equivalent to?
The ASTM A588 grade A plate is equivalent to Corten A steel plate. ASTM A242 plate is equivalent to Corten B. Compared with common low alloy high strength steel such as A572 Grade 50, ASTM A588 and ASTM A242 has advantages of weathering resistant performances.
5. What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B A588?
Choose Grade A if the design prioritizes weldability and higher silicon content is acceptable. Choose Grade B for slightly thicker sections or when higher manganese content might improve formability or impact toughness.

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.




