Corten A Steel Plate | ASTM A242 Weathering Steel
What is Corten A Weathering Steel Plate?
As a professional steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present Corten A Steel Plate, also known as ASTM A242 Type 1 weathering steel.
Corten A is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance. The elevated phosphorus content, combined with chromium and copper, enables the formation of a dense, adherent protective oxide layer (patina) when exposed to the atmosphere. This self-protecting characteristic significantly reduces the need for painting and maintenance in outdoor applications. Corten A is widely recognized as the original “Corten” grade and is commonly supplied to ASTM A242 Type 1 requirements. It is also closely equivalent to EN 10025-5 S355J0WP / S355J2WP.
SHH STEEL sources Corten A plates directly from leading Chinese steel mills, ensuring competitive mill-direct pricing, stable quality and reliable delivery. We supply thicknesses from 2 mm to 100 mm (thicker plates available on request), widths up to 3000–4000 mm and lengths up to 12000–18000 mm. Custom cutting, shot blasting and priming services are available. All plates are delivered with full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 or ASTM equivalent).
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A242 Type 1 | Full compliance |
| Common Name | Corten A | Confirmed |
| Delivery Condition | As-rolled, Normalized or TMCP | Available |
| Product Form | Steel Plate / Sheet | Available |
| Thickness Range | 2 mm – 100 mm | Custom sizes available |
| Width / Length | Up to 3000–4000 mm / 12000–18000 mm | Custom cutting supported |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / ASTM | Available |
Chemical Composition
Typical chemical composition for Corten A / ASTM A242 Type 1 (Heat Analysis):
| Element | Max. / Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.12 – 0.15 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 – 0.80 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.06 – 0.15 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 – 0.050 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.30 – 1.25 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.65 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.25 – 0.55 |
Note: The relatively high phosphorus content is the key feature that distinguishes Corten A from Corten B and promotes rapid formation of a stable protective patina.
Mechanical Properties
Typical mechanical properties for Corten A / ASTM A242 Type 1:
| Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength ReH (min) | Tensile Strength Rm | Elongation A (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 16 – 20 | 345 – 355 MPa | 480 – 680 MPa | 18 – 22% |
| > 20 ≤ 40 | 315 – 345 MPa | 460 – 630 MPa | 18 – 21% |
| > 40 ≤ 100 | 290 – 315 MPa | 435 – 600 MPa | 18 – 20% |
Density: 7.85 g/cm³ Impact testing is optional under ASTM A242 and can be supplied to customer requirements (commonly 27 J at 0°C or –20°C).
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL, as a China Mill-Direct Supplier, supplies Corten A steel plate in as-rolled, normalized or thermomechanically rolled condition according to customer requirements.
Additional options:
- Shot blasting and shop primer
- Ultrasonic testing (EN 10160 or ASTM)
- Z-direction testing (Z15 / Z25 / Z35)
- Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV, etc.)
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for Corten A steel plate follow ASTM A6 or EN 10029 according to the ordered standard.
- Thickness, width and length tolerances according to the ordered class.
- Flatness according to applicable standard.
- Edge conditions: Mill edge or cut edge (flame / plasma).
Tighter tolerances can be provided upon request.
Weldability
Corten A has good weldability. Due to the higher phosphorus content, low-hydrogen consumables and controlled heat input are recommended.
Recommended welding consumables:
| Welding Process | Recommended Consumables |
|---|---|
| SMAW (Stick) | E7018, E7016 |
| GMAW (MIG/MAG) | ER70S-6 |
| FCAW | E71T-1 |
| SAW | EM12K + suitable flux |
Matching weathering steel consumables can be used when the weld is required to form a protective patina similar to the base material.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corten A | Original USS designation | — |
| ASTM A242 Type 1 | ASTM | Primary American standard |
| S355J0WP / S355J2WP | EN 10025-5 | Closest European equivalents |
| Q355GNH | GB/T 4171 | Closest Chinese equivalent |
| IRSM 41-97 | Indian Railways | Related weathering grade |
Applications
Corten A is widely used in outdoor structures where excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance and an attractive weathered appearance are required. Typical uses include:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Architecture & Facades | Building facades, cladding – Corten A Architecture |
| Bridges | Bridge components – Corten A Bridge |
| Sculptures & Art | Outdoor sculptures, artistic structures – Corten A Sculpture |
| Containers & Shipping | Containers, cargo handling – Corten A Container |
| Railway Vehicles | Wagon structures – Corten A Railway |
| Landscape & Outdoor Design | Planters, outdoor furniture – Corten A Landscape |
| General Outdoor Fabrication | Weathering steel structures – Corten A Fabrication |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Exporter. We maintain long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese steel mills and act as a first-level (primary) agent. This direct mill supply model allows us to offer competitive mill-direct pricing, faster delivery times, stable and traceable quality, and full Mill Test Certificates for Corten A Steel Plate / ASTM A242.
Customers benefit from reliable supply, short lead times and cost-effective solutions for weathering steel projects worldwide. Our professional export team provides technical support and customized processing services to meet project requirements.
FAQ
- What is the difference between Corten A and Corten B?Corten A has higher phosphorus content and is closer to ASTM A242 Type 1. Corten B has lower phosphorus and is closer to ASTM A588 / EN 10025-5 S355J0W / S355J2W.
- Is Corten A the same as ASTM A242?Yes. Corten A is commonly supplied to ASTM A242 Type 1 requirements.
- Does Corten A need painting?In most outdoor environments, Corten A forms a protective patina and does not require painting, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
- Can SHH STEEL supply Corten A with impact testing?Yes. Impact testing at 0°C or –20°C can be arranged according to customer requirements.
Conclusion
Corten A Steel Plate (ASTM A242 Type 1) from SHH STEEL is a high-phosphorus weathering steel offering excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance and attractive weathered appearance. As a China Mill-Direct Exporter, we provide competitive pricing, fast delivery and consistent quality backed by full mill certifications. Trust SHH STEEL for your Corten A weathering steel plate requirements.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, pricing and technical support. Corten A Steel Plate, ASTM A242, Corten A plate, weathering steel, atmospheric corrosion resistant steel, Corten A supplier
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