ASTM A588 weathering plate overview
ASTM A588/A588M covers high-strength, low-alloy structural steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance for welded, riveted or bolted construction. SHANDONG DAZHI accepts Grade A plate inquiries and reviews the requested specification, dimensions and supply scope before quotation.
The standard covers shapes, plates and bars and limits its scope to material up to 8 inches [200 mm] thick. This is a standard scope limit, not a statement of available stock. ASTM describes the specification as providing up to a 50 ksi [345 MPa] minimum yield point; use the applicable thickness and grade requirements instead of applying one strength value to every plate.
A588 plate specification checkpoints
| Parameter | What the purchase order should establish |
|---|---|
| Standard and grade | ASTM A588/A588M, required edition and grade letter; identify Grade A where required. |
| Strength and ductility | Yield, tensile and elongation requirements for the ordered grade, thickness and product form. |
| Chemistry | Applicable grade limits and heat analysis documented in the mill test certificate. |
| Thickness and dimensions | Thickness × width × length; quantity, flatness and dimensional tolerances. |
| Testing and records | Heat traceability, required inspection documents and any additional impact or other testing. |
| Units | Use the specified inch-pound or SI standard consistently; the two systems are not interchangeable exact equivalents. |
Agree the delivery condition and any supplementary requirements before purchase. The material certificate checklist explains how to connect a supplied plate with its heat number and purchase specification.
Applications and exposure
- Bridges and infrastructure, when accepted under the project's bridge material specification.
- Outdoor structural steelwork and fabricated plate components.
- Building components and engineered assemblies calling for ASTM A588.
Unpainted use requires suitable atmospheric exposure and detailing. Review drainage, water traps, salt exposure and staining of adjacent materials. A588 is not a blanket bridge approval: a project may require a bridge-specific standard, notch toughness or other acceptance provisions.
Order sizes, processing and delivery
| Order parameter | Information to include |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Thickness × width × length in mm; quantity for each size and required tolerances. |
| Product form | Mill plate, sheet cut from coil or shaped blanks; identify the required form. |
| Finish | As-rolled or a separately agreed pre-weathered finish; identify the visible face. |
| Processing | Cutting, holes, bends and welds shown on a dimensioned drawing with its revision. |
| Inspection | Mill test certificate, heat traceability and any impact or additional testing required. |
| Delivery | Destination, named delivery point, delivery basis, packing and target arrival date. |
For welding, use a procedure suited to the actual steel grade and service conditions. For cut blanks, identify edge quality, allowances and traceability after cutting. Confirm processing feasibility and inspection in the offer.
Compare Corten B and S355J2W only against the complete project requirements. ASTM A242 is a separate specification. Similar colour or a shared weathering-steel description does not establish substitution.
Frequently asked questions
Is A588 the same as Corten steel?
Corten is often used as a general market term, while ASTM A588 is a material specification with defined requirements. Verify the exact grade and certificate; do not rely on the name or surface appearance.
Does every A588 plate have a 345 MPa minimum yield strength?
Do not apply that value universally. Strength requirements depend on the applicable thickness and specification provisions. Confirm the required values for the plate being ordered.
Is Grade A included in the quotation?
State Grade A explicitly if it is required. The offer and mill documentation should identify the agreed grade, standard edition, size and delivery condition.
How is ASTM A588 plate priced?
Price depends on specification, dimensions, quantity, processing, inspection, finish and delivery. Send a size list and destination so that the quotation can define each inclusion.
Related products and buying guides
- Corten A steel plate, Corten B steel plate and ASTM A588 weathering steel plate
- Corten A vs Corten B: compare before ordering
- Corten steel price guide: prepare a comparable quote
- Material certificate checklist and RFQ checklist
Request a project quotation
Send SHANDONG DAZHI your grade, thickness × width × length, quantity, finish, inspection requirements and destination. Include drawings for cut parts. Your quotation will confirm the proposed material, availability, processing scope, price and delivery schedule.
ASTM International, ASTM A588/A588M-24 scope and abstract, reviewed 20 September 2026. The project's specified edition and order-specific material documents govern acceptance.