What is stronger than A36?

What is Stronger Than A36 Steel?

ASTM A36 steel is a widely used low-carbon structural steel valued for its versatility, weldability, and affordability, making it a staple in construction and industrial applications. However, for projects requiring higher strength, other steel grades surpass A36’s mechanical properties. As a leading ASTM A 36 steel plate supplier, Gangsteel helps clients identify stronger alternatives to ASTM A36/A36M for demanding applications. This article explores steel grades stronger than A36, focusing on their properties, applications, and why they outperform A36 in strength.

Understanding A36 Steel’s Strength

Before identifying stronger steels, let’s review A36’s properties:

• Chemical Composition: Up to 0.26% carbon, 0.60-0.90% manganese, trace phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon.
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Yield Strength: Minimum 36,000 psi (250 MPa).
  • Tensile Strength: 58,000-80,000 psi (400-550 MPa).
  • Elongation: 20-23%, indicating good ductility.
• Applications: Structural components like beams, plates, and angles for buildings, bridges, and general construction, as supplied by Gangsteel as an ASME SA 36 steel plate supplier.
• Production: Hot-rolled, which contributes to its affordability but limits its strength compared to alloyed or heat-treated steels.

A36’s moderate strength is sufficient for many structural uses but inadequate for high-stress or heavy-load applications. Below are steel grades that offer greater strength, categorized by type and application.

Stronger Steel Grades Than A36

1. ASTM A572 (Grades 50, 60, 65)

ASTM A572 is a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel with higher yield and tensile strengths than A36, commonly used in construction and heavy equipment.

• Composition: Includes columbium (niobium) and vanadium for enhanced strength, with carbon content similar to A36 (≤0.23-0.26%).
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Grade 50: Yield strength 50,000 psi (345 MPa); Tensile strength 65,000 psi (450 MPa).
  • Grade 60: Yield strength 60,000 psi (415 MPa); Tensile strength 75,000 psi (520 MPa).
  • Grade 65: Yield strength 65,000 psi (450 MPa); Tensile strength 80,000 psi (550 MPa).
• Why Stronger?: Higher yield strength (38-81% stronger than A36’s 36 ksi) due to alloying and controlled rolling.
• Applications: Bridges, high-rise buildings, heavy machinery, and structural frameworks requiring greater load-bearing capacity.
• Note: A572 Grade 50 is a common alternative to A36, offering a significant strength increase with good weldability.

2. ASTM A516 (Grade 70)

ASTM A516 Grade 70 is a pressure vessel steel with superior strength, designed for moderate- and lower-temperature service.

• Composition: Up to 0.27% carbon, 0.85-1.20% manganese, and small amounts of silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur.
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Yield Strength: 38,000-55,000 psi (260-380 MPa).
  • Tensile Strength: 70,000-90,000 psi (485-620 MPa).
• Why Stronger?: Higher tensile strength (up to 90 ksi vs. A36’s 80 ksi) and improved toughness for pressure vessels.
• Applications: Boilers, storage tanks, and pressure vessels in oil, gas, and chemical industries.
• Note: While yield strength may overlap with A36 in some cases, A516 Grade 70’s higher tensile strength and toughness make it suitable for more demanding environments.

3. SAE-AISI 4140 (Alloy Steel)

SAE-AISI 4140 is a low-alloy steel with significantly higher strength than A36, especially when heat-treated, used in high-stress applications.

• Composition: 0.38-0.43% carbon, 0.75-1.00% manganese, 0.80-1.10% chromium, 0.15-0.25% molybdenum.
• Mechanical Properties(quenched and tempered):
  • Yield Strength: ~415-655 MPa (60,000-95,000 psi).
  • Tensile Strength: ~655-950 MPa (95,000-138,000 psi).
• Why Stronger?: Alloying elements (chromium, molybdenum) and heat treatment increase yield strength (up to 2.6x A36’s 36 ksi) and toughness.
• Applications: Gears, crankshafts, axles, and tool dies requiring high strength and wear resistance.
• Note: More expensive and harder to machine than A36, but ideal for mechanical components.

4. ASTM A514 (Grade B, E, F, H)

ASTM A514 is a high-strength, quenched-and-tempered alloy steel designed for extreme structural applications.

• Composition: Varies by grade, typically 0.12-0.21% carbon, with chromium, molybdenum, and other alloys.
• Mechanical Properties(Grade B):
  • Yield Strength: 100,000 psi (690 MPa).
  • Tensile Strength: 110,000-130,000 psi (760-895 MPa).
• Why Stronger?: Yield strength nearly 3x that of A36, achieved through alloying and heat treatment.
• Applications: Heavy equipment, crane booms, mining equipment, and structural supports under extreme loads.
• Note: Limited weldability and higher cost make A514 suitable only for specialized, high-strength needs.

5. SAE-AISI 1045 (Medium-Carbon Steel)

SAE-AISI 1045 is a medium-carbon steel with higher strength than A36, often used in machinery parts.

• Composition: 0.43-0.50% carbon, 0.60-0.90% manganese.
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Yield Strength: ~310-565 MPa (45,000-82,000 psi, depending on heat treatment).
  • Tensile Strength: ~565-750 MPa (82,000-109,000 psi).
• Why Stronger?: Higher carbon content increases strength and hardness compared to A36’s low-carbon composition.
• Applications: Shafts, bolts, and machinery components requiring moderate strength and toughness.
• Note: Less ductile and weldable than A36, but more affordable than alloy steels like 4140.

Comparison Table

Why Are These Steels Stronger Than A36?

• Higher Carbon Content: Grades like 1045 and 4140 have more carbon (0.38-0.50% vs. A36’s ≤0.26%), increasing strength and hardness.
• Alloying Elements: A572, A514, and 4140 include alloys like columbium, vanadium, chromium, or molybdenum, enhancing strength and toughness.
• Heat Treatment: Quenching and tempering (e.g., in 4140, A514) significantly boost yield and tensile strength compared to A36’s hot-rolled state.
• Controlled Processing: HSLA steels like A572 use controlled rolling to optimize grain structure, improving strength without sacrificing weldability.

Practical Considerations

• Strength vs. Cost: Stronger steels like A514 or 4140 are more expensive than A36 due to alloying and processing. A572 Grade 50 offers a good balance of strength and affordability for structural needs.
• Weldability: A36 is highly weldable, while high-strength steels like A514 or 4140 may require special welding procedures due to their alloy content.
• Application Needs: Choose A572 or A516 for structural upgrades, 4140 or 1045 for mechanical components, or A514 for extreme loads. A36 remains ideal for cost-sensitive, moderate-strength projects.
• Availability: A36 and A572 are widely available through suppliers like Gangsteel, while specialized grades like A514 may have longer lead times.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

At Gangsteel, we specialize in structural steels like ASTM A36/A36M and can guide you toward stronger alternatives like A572 or equivalents (e.g., Q345 in China). Our services include:

• Quality Assurance: Compliance with ASTM, ASME, and international standards.
• Custom Solutions: Plates and shapes tailored to your project.
• Global Supply: Efficient delivery for structural and industrial needs.

Conclusion: Steels like ASTM A572, A516, A514, 4140, and 1045 are stronger than A36, offering higher yield and tensile strengths for demanding applications. The best choice depends on your project’s strength requirements, budget, and processing needs. Contact Gangsteel, a reliable ASME SA 36 steel plate supplier, for high-quality steel solutions and expert guidance.