What is a Steel Grade?
lolitahe69 > 12-14-2021, 06:12 AM
Steel is a uniquely versatile combination (alloy) of iron and carbon. The iron atoms can organize themselves in several different three-dimensional geometric arrangements (called lattice structures). The carbon atoms can occupy several different locations between the iron atoms. Different heating and cooling paths result in different arrangements of the iron and carbon atoms. Adding other chemical elements changes the mechanical properties of the steel and its response to heat treatment.
A “Steel Grade” is a defined chemistry that has been made and processed in a particular way. (A “Standard” specifies away of doing something. It might be a test method, a packaging method, or a delivery protocol.)
ASTM Grades meet the exacting standards for specific grades of steel developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The standards include mechanical properties and steel chemistries and specify the testing methods to be used. For some grades, additional steelmaking and thermal processing is also specified. You can be confident that these steel plates will meet your customer’s expectations.