ASTM A572 Grade 42 (A572GR42) High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Plates

ASTM A572 Grade 42 (A572GR42) Structural Steel Plates

ASTM A572 Grade 42 HSLA steel plates offer a balanced combination of strength, ductility, and weldability for structural applications. With 415 MPa tensile and 290 MPa yield minimum, they suit bridges, buildings, and general construction. Globally supplied by SHH STEEL.
Specification:
ASTM A572/A572M for high-strength low-alloy structural steel used in welded, bolted, or riveted construction.
Dimensions:
thicknesses from 6mm to 200mm, with maximum widths of 4600mm and lengths up to 12000mm
Hardness/Density:
typically have a hardness of 150-200 HB and a density of 7.85 g/cm³.
Equivalent Material:
EN 10025 S275JR/S275J2, GB/T 1591 Q275B/Q275B, and JIS G3106 SM490A.
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General Description
Material Specification
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
Delivery Conditions
Tolerances
Weldability
Equivalent Material Grade
Supplementary Requirements
Applications
Why Choose SHH STEEL
FAQ
Conclusion

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 ElementRequirementSHH STEEL ComplianceKeywords
Primary StandardASTM A572/A572M Grade 42High-strength low-alloy structural steelA572 Gr.42 specification
Thickness Range6-150mm (custom thicker available)Mill Test CertificateA572 Gr.42 dimensions
Width/LengthUp to 4600mm / 12000mmCustom fabrication availableA572 Gr.42 size options
Ultrasonic TestingNo laminations (Class 1 or equivalent)Per ASTM A435 / A6A572 Gr.42 inspection
Heat TreatmentHot-rolled / Controlled-rolledOptimized propertiesA572 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.

ElementHeat Analysis (%)Standard LimitRoleKeywords
Carbon (C)≤0.210.21 maxStrength and weldabilityA572 Gr.42 carbon
Manganese (Mn)≤1.351.35 maxStrength and hardenabilityA572 Gr.42 manganese
Phosphorus (P)≤0.040.04 maxBrittleness controlA572 Gr.42 phosphorus
Sulfur (S)≤0.050.05 maxWeldabilityA572 Gr.42 sulfur
Niobium (Nb) + Vanadium (V)Per specificationMicroalloying rangeGrain refinementA572 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.

PropertyValueTest MethodKeywords
Tensile Strength415 MPa min (60 ksi)ASTM A370A572 Gr.42 tensile
Yield Strength290 MPa min (42 ksi)ASTM A370A572 Gr.42 yield
Elongation20-24% minASTM A370A572 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.

ConditionDescriptionKeywords
Hot-Rolled / Controlled-RolledStandard mill deliveryA572 Gr.42 hot rolled
NormalizedAvailable on requestA572 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 TypeValueStandardKeywords
Thickness / Width / LengthPer ASTM A6ASTM A6A572 Gr.42 tolerance
Flatness3mm per meter typicalASTM A6A572 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 FactorValue/ConditionRecommended ProcessKeywords
Carbon EquivalentLowAll common processesA572 Gr.42 weldability
PreheatMinimal or none for most thicknessesPer AWS D1.1A572 Gr.42 welding

Equivalent Material Grade for ASTM A572 Gr.42

GradeStandardYield (MPa)Keywords
A572 Gr.42ASTM A572290 minA572 Gr.42 equivalent
S275JR / S275J2EN 10025275A572 Gr.42 EN equivalent
Q235B / Q275BGB/T 1591235-275A572 Gr.42 GB equivalent
SS400 / SS490JIS G3101245-325A572 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.

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