ASTM A572 Grade 42 (A572GR42) Structural Steel Plates
General Description
As a production and export expert at SHH STEEL, we are pleased to present our ASTM A572 Grade 42 High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Plates, also known as A572 Gr.42 or A572GR42. This is the lowest strength grade in the A572 family, offering an excellent balance of strength, ductility, and cost-effectiveness for a wide range of structural applications.
It features a minimum yield strength of 290 MPa (42 ksi) and a minimum tensile strength of 415 MPa (60 ksi), with superior elongation compared to higher grades. This makes it highly suitable for bridges, buildings, transmission towers, and general construction where good formability and weldability are important. SHH STEEL supplies these plates in thicknesses from 6mm to 150mm (thicker sections possible), widths up to 4600mm, and lengths up to 12000mm.
The controlled-rolled condition provides consistent mechanical properties and good toughness. For buyers exploring ASTM A572 Gr.42 properties or equivalents, this grade serves as a cost-effective upgrade from mild steels like A36 while maintaining excellent weldability. Our plates undergo strict quality control and come with mill test certificates for full traceability.
With low carbon equivalent, A572 Gr.42 plates are very easy to weld using common processes. SHH STEEL delivers reliable, high-quality material trusted by international clients for infrastructure and industrial projects.
Material Specification
ASTM A572 Grade 42 steel plates are governed by ASTM A572/A572M. This specification covers high-strength low-alloy columbium-vanadium structural steel for plates used in riveted, bolted, or welded construction. SHH STEEL supplies plates in hot-rolled or controlled-rolled conditions. Thicknesses range from 6mm to 150mm (thicker options available), with widths up to 4600mm and lengths to 12000mm. Ultrasonic testing and dual certification with EN or GB standards are available. All material is supplied with mill test certificates for traceability.
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A572/A572M Grade 42 | High-strength low-alloy structural steel | A572 Gr.42 specification |
| Thickness Range | 6-150mm (custom thicker available) | Mill Test Certificate | A572 Gr.42 dimensions |
| Width/Length | Up to 4600mm / 12000mm | Custom fabrication available | A572 Gr.42 size options |
| Ultrasonic Testing | No laminations (Class 1 or equivalent) | Per ASTM A435 / A6 | A572 Gr.42 inspection |
| Heat Treatment | Hot-rolled / Controlled-rolled | Optimized properties | A572 Gr.42 delivery condition |
ASTM A572 Grade 42 Chemical Composition
At SHH STEEL, the chemical composition of ASTM A572 Grade 42 is tightly controlled. Carbon is limited to approximately 0.21% max, manganese up to 1.35%, with low phosphorus and sulfur. Microalloying with niobium and vanadium (optional but commonly used) provides improved strength and toughness while maintaining excellent weldability.
| Element | Heat Analysis (%) | Standard Limit | Role | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.21 | 0.21 max | Strength and weldability | A572 Gr.42 carbon |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.35 | 1.35 max | Strength and hardenability | A572 Gr.42 manganese |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04 | 0.04 max | Brittleness control | A572 Gr.42 phosphorus |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.05 | 0.05 max | Weldability | A572 Gr.42 sulfur |
| Niobium (Nb) + Vanadium (V) | Per specification | Microalloying range | Grain refinement | A572 Gr.42 microalloying |
ASTM A572 Grade 42 Mechanical Properties
ASTM A572 Grade 42 plates provide good strength with excellent ductility. Minimum yield strength is 290 MPa (42 ksi), with tensile strength of 415 MPa (60 ksi) minimum. Elongation is typically 20% minimum in 8 inches or 24% in 2 inches — higher than higher-strength grades in the family.
| Property | Value | Test Method | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 415 MPa min (60 ksi) | ASTM A370 | A572 Gr.42 tensile |
| Yield Strength | 290 MPa min (42 ksi) | ASTM A370 | A572 Gr.42 yield |
| Elongation | 20-24% min | ASTM A370 | A572 Gr.42 elongation |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL delivers ASTM A572 Gr.42 plates in hot-rolled or controlled-rolled conditions as standard. Normalized condition is available upon request. Full heat/lot traceability is provided with every order.
| Condition | Description | Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-Rolled / Controlled-Rolled | Standard mill delivery | A572 Gr.42 hot rolled |
| Normalized | Available on request | A572 Gr.42 normalized |
Tolerances
Tolerances follow ASTM A6. Strict control on thickness, width, length, and flatness. Tighter tolerances (EN 10029 Class B or better) are available for precision projects.
| Tolerance Type | Value | Standard | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness / Width / Length | Per ASTM A6 | ASTM A6 | A572 Gr.42 tolerance |
| Flatness | 3mm per meter typical | ASTM A6 | A572 Gr.42 flatness |
Weldability
ASTM A572 Gr.42 offers excellent weldability due to its low carbon equivalent. It can be welded using all common processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW) with minimal preheat requirements. It is one of the most fabricator-friendly grades in the A572 family.
| Weldability Factor | Value/Condition | Recommended Process | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Equivalent | Low | All common processes | A572 Gr.42 weldability |
| Preheat | Minimal or none for most thicknesses | Per AWS D1.1 | A572 Gr.42 welding |
Equivalent Material Grade for ASTM A572 Gr.42
| Grade | Standard | Yield (MPa) | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| A572 Gr.42 | ASTM A572 | 290 min | A572 Gr.42 equivalent |
| S275JR / S275J2 | EN 10025 | 275 | A572 Gr.42 EN equivalent |
| Q235B / Q275B | GB/T 1591 | 235-275 | A572 Gr.42 GB equivalent |
| SS400 / SS490 | JIS G3101 | 245-325 | A572 Gr.42 JIS equivalent |
Supplementary Requirements
Options include Charpy impact testing, ultrasonic examination, and product analysis per project needs.
Applications
ASTM A572 Gr.42 is widely used in general structural applications where good strength, ductility, and weldability are required at a competitive cost.
Bridges & Highway Structures | Good strength and ductility | A572 Gr.42 bridge Buildings & General Construction | Cost-effective structural steel | A572 Gr.42 building Transmission Towers & Frames | Weldability and formability | A572 Gr.42 tower
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL provides ASTM A572 Grade 42 plates with consistent quality, technical support, and reliable global supply. We help customers select the right grade and provide full certification and processing services.
Advantage | Benefit | Keywords —|—|—|— Certified Quality | ASTM A572 compliant + full MTC | A572 Gr.42 certified Technical Support | Material selection and welding guidance | A572 Gr.42 technical support Global Supply | Proven export to 50+ countries | A572 Gr.42 trusted supplier
FAQ
- What is ASTM A572 Grade 42 used for?It is used for bridges, buildings, transmission towers, and general structural applications where good strength, ductility, and excellent weldability are needed.
- How does A572 Gr.42 compare to A36?A572 Gr.42 has higher yield strength (290 MPa vs 250 MPa) and better overall properties due to microalloying, while remaining very weldable and cost-effective.
- What are the equivalents of A572 Gr.42?Common equivalents include S275JR (EN), Q235B/Q275B (GB), and SS400/SS490 (JIS).
- What thickness is available for A572 Gr.42?It can be supplied in thicker sections (up to 150mm or more) compared to higher strength grades in the A572 family.
Conclusion
SHH STEEL’s ASTM A572 Grade 42 High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Plates offer an excellent balance of strength, ductility, weldability, and value for structural projects. With precise quality control, flexible supply, and professional technical support, we deliver reliable solutions for bridges, buildings, and general construction worldwide. Contact SHH STEEL for your A572 Gr.42 requirements.






