Designation: A 506 00

Standard Specification for

Alloy and Structural Alloy Steel, Sheet and Strip, Hot-Rolled

and Cold-Rolled1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 506; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

3.1.1 alloy steelalloy-steel sheet and strip furnished to

chemical composition requirements and intended for general or
miscellaneous applications where normal surface imperfections are not objectionable and a good finish is not the prime
requirement.
3.1.2 SAESociety of Automotive Engineers.
3.1.3 standard steelssteel chemical compositions defined
as standard by SAE, shown in Table 1 and Table A1.1.
3.1.4 steels other than standardsteel chemical compositions other than those defined as standard, and furnished to
the composition limits shown in Table 2.
3.1.5 structural alloy steelalloy-steel sheet and strip
meeting the requirements of regular quality and also produced
to specific mechanical property requirements.

1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers hot-rolled and cold-rolled
alloy and structural alloy-steel sheet and strip. Alloy steel is
furnished to chemical composition requirements and is intended primarily for general or miscellaneous use where
bending and moderate forming is a requirement. Structural
alloy steel is furnished to chemical composition requirements
and to specific mechanical property requirements which may
include tension tests, hardness tests, or other commonly
accepted mechanical tests.
1.2 If material of a higher degree of uniformity of internal
soundness and freedom from surface imperfections is required,
reference should be made to Specification A 507.
1.3 Alloy and structural alloy-steel sheet and strip are not
produced to internal cleanliness requirements. Normally surface imperfections are not objectionable, and a good finish is
not a prime requirement.
1.4 The formability of structural alloy steel decreases with
increasing yield strength or hardness. Therefore, product design in relation to the mechanical properties of the grade used
must be considered.
1.5 The material covered by this specification may be
furnished in several conditions: heat treatments, surface conditions, and edges, as specified herein, in coils or cut lengths.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.

4. General Requirements and Ordering Information

4.1 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to
Specification A 505, which includes the general requirements
and establishes the rules for the ordering information that
should be complied with when purchasing material to this
specification.
4.2 In addition to the ordering information required by
Specification A 505, the following shall also be included:
4.2.1 Mechanical properties required for structural quality,
when applicable,
4.2.2 Surface finish, if other than standard (see 8.1), and
4.2.3 Surface treatment, if other than standard (see 8.2).

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A 505 Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Alloy, HotRolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for2
A 507 Specification for Drawing Alloy Steel, Sheet and
Strip, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled2

5. Materials and Manufacture

5.1 RollingThe material shall be furnished either hotrolled or cold-rolled, as specified on the order.
5.2 Heat Treatment:
5.2.1 Hot-RolledHot-rolled material shall be furnished in
one of the following conditions, as specified on the order:
5.2.1.1 As-rolled,
5.2.1.2 Annealed,
5.2.1.3 Normalized, or
5.2.1.4 Normalized-and-tempered.
5.2.2 Cold-RolledCold-rolled material shall be fully annealed after cold-rolling. (Temper, skin, or roller leveling for
the control of flatness, which does not significantly affect the
properties, may be performed after annealing.)

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-1 on Steel,
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.19 on Steel Sheet and Strip.
Current edition approved May 10, 2000. Published July 2000. Originally
published as A 506 64. Last previous edition A 506 93 (1998).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.

Copyright ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

A 506
TABLE 1 Standard Steels Commonly Produced for Alloy-Steel Sheet and Strip

A
B

UNS
Designation

SAE
No.

G41180
G41300
G41400
G43400
G51400
G51500
G51600
G86150
G86200

4118
4130
4140
4340
5140
5150
5160
8615
8620

Chemical Composition Ranges and Limits, % (Heat Analysis)A

C
0.180.23
0.280.33
0.380.43
0.380.43
0.380.43
0.480.53
0.550.65
0.130.18
0.180.23

Mn
0.700.90
0.400.60
0.751.00
0.600.80
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.751.00
0.700.90
0.700.90

0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035

0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035
0.035

SiB

Ni

Cr

Mo

0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30

...
...
...
1.652.00
...
...
...
0.400.70
0.400.70

0.400.60
0.801.10
0.801.10
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.400.60
0.400.60

0.080.15
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.200.30
...
...
...
0.150.25
0.150.25

The chemical ranges and limits shown are subject to product analysis tolerances. See Specification A 505.
Other silicon ranges are available. Consult the producer.

6. Chemical Requirements
6.1 The heat analysis shall conform to the requirements for
the grade specified on the order.
6.1.1 Alloy SteelThe grade shall be specified in accordance with either 6.1.1.1 or 6.1.1.2.
6.1.1.1 Standard steel alloy steel grades listed in Table 1 are
those commonly produced for alloy steel sheet and strip. Other
standard steel grades are listed in Annex A1.
6.1.1.2 Nonstandard steel grades may be specified using the
ranges and limits shown in Table 2.
6.1.2 Structural Alloy SteelThe grade shall be specified as
outlined in 6.1.1. However, since different mechanical properties may be expected for each of the many chemical compositions and conditions (heat treatment) that may be specified,
consideration must be given to these factors in selecting the
chemical composition to be specified.

TABLE 2 Heat (Cast) Analysis Ranges for Other than Standard

Steel Alloy Sheet and Strip
Element

When Maximum of
Specified Element Is, %

Carbon
Over
Over
Over
Over

To 0.55
0.55 to
0.70 to
0.80 to
0.95 to

incl
0.70
0.80
0.95
1.35

incl
incl
incl
incl

0.05
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.13

Over
Over
Over
Over

To 0.60
0.60 to
0.90 to
1.05 to
1.90 to

incl
0.90
1.05
1.90
2.10

incl
incl
incl
incl

0.20
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.40

Manganese

Phosphorus

...

0.035 max

Sulfur

...

0.040 max

Silicon

7. Mechanical Requirements
7.1 Alloy SteelMechanical tests are not applicable to
regular quality alloy steel sheet and strip.
7.2 Structural Alloy Steel:
7.2.1 Tension Tests:
7.2.1.1 RequirementsThe tension test requirements shall
conform to the requirements specified on the order. Yield
strength, tensile strength, and elongation requirements may be
specified. The tensile properties will vary depending on the
chemical composition, condition, and heat treatment. Producers are frequently consulted as to grade, resultant mechanical
properties, recommended heat treatment, and other information
needed to establish the property parameters to meet end use
requirements. Rockwell hardness requirements may be specified, providing the requirements are compatible with the
tension test requirements.
7.2.1.2 Number of TestsTwo tension tests and two hardness tests, when specified, shall be made from coupons
obtained from each heat (cast) and heat treatment lot.
7.2.2 Bend Tests:
7.2.2.1 RequirementsMaterial in the annealed, normalized, or normalized-and-tempered condition shall be capable of
meeting the longitudinal bend test requirements of Table 3.
7.2.2.2 Number of TestsTwo bend tests shall be made on
specimens representative of each lot. A lot shall consist of
material from the same heat (cast), of the same condition and
finish, the same nominal thickness, and subjected to the same
heat treatment.

Range or
Limit, %

incl
incl
incl
incl
incl

0.08
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.30
0.40

Copper

To 0.60 incl
Over 0.60 to 1.50 incl
Over 1.50 to 2.00 incl

0.20
0.30
0.35

Nickel

To 0.50 incl
Over 0.50 to 1.50 incl
Over 1.50 to 2.00 incl
Over 2.00 to 3.00 incl
Over 3.00 to 5.30 incl
Over 5.30 to 10.00 incl

0.20
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.50
1.00

Over
Over
Over
Over
Over

Chromium

incl
0.20
0.40
0.60
1.00
2.20

Over
Over
Over
Over
Over
Over

To 0.40
0.40 to
0.90 to
1.05 to
1.60 to
1.75 to
2.10 to

incl
0.90
1.05
1.60
1.75
2.10
3.99

incl
incl
incl
incl
incl
incl

0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.50

Over
Over
Over
Over

To 0.10
0.10 to
0.20 to
0.50 to
0.80 to

incl
0.20
0.50
0.80
1.15

incl
incl
incl
incl

0.05
0.07
0.10
0.15
0.20

To 0.25 incl
Over 0.25 to 0.50 incl

0.05
0.10

Molybdenum

Vanadium

To 0.15
0.15 to
0.20 to
0.40 to
0.60 to
1.00 to

7.2.2.3 Bend test specimens shall be at least in. (19 mm)

2

A 506
TABLE 3 Bend Requirements

Thickness, in.
(mm)

All
0.1250 (3.175) and
under
Over
0.12500.2499
(3.1756.347),
incl

Carbon
Content, %

Degree
of Bend

Ratio of
Bend
Radius
to
Thickness
of
Specimen

Up to 0.30, incl
Over 0.30

180
180

1/2t
1/2t

longitudinal
longitudinal

Over 0.30

180

longitudinal

wide, or the same width of the material if it is less than in.

(19 mm) wide. The length shall be sufficient to permit bending
to the angle specified.
7.2.2.4 The edges of bend test specimens shall be practically
free of burrs. Filing or machining to remove burrs is permissible.

Type of
Test Specimen

as-heat-treated material shall be furnished without oiling, and

descaled material shall be oiled. Descaled material may be
specified to be furnished dry, without oiling.
8.2.2 Cold-RolledUnless otherwise specified, cold-rolled
material shall be furnished oiled. Cold-rolled material may be
specified to be furnished dry, without oiling.
8.3 Edges:
8.3.1 Hot-RolledUnless otherwise specified, hot-rolled
material shall be furnished with Mill Edge. The material may
be specified to have other types of edges, in accordance with
Specification A 505.
8.3.2 Cold-RolledUnless otherwise specified, cold-rolled
sheet shall be furnished with Cut Edge and cold-rolled strip
shall be furnished with No. 3 Edge. The material may be
specified to have other types of edges, in accordance with
Specification A 505.

8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance

8.1 Surface Finish:
8.1.1 Hot-RolledUnless otherwise specified, hot-rolled
material shall be furnished without removing the hot-rolled
oxide or scale. (That is, with the as-rolled or as-heat-treated
scale.) The material may be specified to be descaled.
8.1.2 Cold-RolledUnless otherwise specified, cold-rolled
material shall be furnished with a commercial dull matte finish.
8.2 Oiling:
8.2.1 Hot-RolledUnless otherwise specified, as-rolled or

ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. STANDARD STEELS NOT COMMONLY PRODUCED FOR ALLOY-STEEL SHEET AND STRIP

A1.1 Listed in Table A1.1 are standard steels which, while

not commonly produced for alloy-steel sheet and strip, maybe

specified. The producer should be consulted for availability.

A 506

TABLE A1.1 Standard Steels Not Commonly Produced for Alloy-Steel Sheet and Strip
Chemical Composition Ranges and Limits, % (Heat Analysis)A

UNS
Designation

SAE No.

...
G40120
G41180
G41350
G41370
G41420
G41450
G41470
G41500
G43200
G43406
G45200
G46150
G46200
G47180
G48150
G48200
G50150
G50460
G51150
G51300
G5132
G15116
G15216
G61500
G86170
G86300
G86400
G86420
G86450
G86500
G86550
G86600
G87200
G87350
G87400
G92600
G92620
...

E3310
4012
4118
4135
4137
4142
4145
4147
4150
4320
E4340
4520
4615
4620
4718
4815
4820
5015
5046
5115
5130
5132
E51100
E52100
6150
8617
8630
8640
8642
8645
8650
8655
8660
8720
8735
8740
9260
9262
E9310

A
B

Mn

SiB

Ni

Cr

Mo

0.080.13
0.090.14
0.180.23
0.330.38
0.350.40
0.400.45
0.430.48
0.450.50
0.480.53
0.170.22
0.380.43
0.180.23
0.130.18
0.170.22
0.160.21
0.130.18
0.180.23
0.120.17
0.430.50
0.130.18
0.280.33
0.300.35
0.951.10
0.951.10
0.480.53
0.150.20
0.280.33
0.380.43
0.400.45
0.430.48
0.480.53
0.500.60
0.550.65
0.180.23
0.330.38
0.380.43
0.550.65
0.550.65
0.080.13

0.450.60
0.751.00
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.450.65
0.650.85
0.450.65
0.450.65
0.450.65
0.700.90
0.400.60
0.500.70
0.300.50
0.751.00
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.600.90
0.250.45
0.250.45
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.700.90
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.700.90
0.751.00
0.751.00
0.701.00
0.751.00
0.450.65

0.025
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.025
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.025
0.025
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.025

0.025
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.025
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.025
0.025
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.040
0.025

0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
0.150.30
1.802.20
1.802.20
0.200.35

3.253.75
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1.652.00
1.652.00
...
1.652.00
1.652.00
0.901.20
3.253.75
3.253.75
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
0.400.70
...
...
3.0035.0

1.401.75
...
0.400.60
0.801.10
0.801.10
0.801.10
0.801.10
0.801.10
0.801.10
0.400.60
0.700.90
...
...
...
0.350.55
...
...
0.300.50
0.200.35
0.700.90
0.801.10
0.751.00
0.901.15
1.301.60
0.801.10
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
0.400.60
...
0.250.40
1.001.40

...
0.150.25
0.080.15
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.200.30
0.200.30
0.450.60
0.200.30
0.200.30
0.300.40
0.200.30
0.200.30
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.150.25
0.200.30
0.200.30
0.200.30
...
...
0.080.15

...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
0.15 min
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...

The chemical ranges and limits shown are subject to product analysis tolerances. See Specification A 505.
Other silicon ranges are available. Consult the producer.

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