A588 Heat Treatment of Weathering Steel

ASTM A588 is a high-strength black, atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel with good thermal fatigue resistance. Its weldability, susceptibility to bending, shearing and weld cracking, and salt spray resistance are good.

A588 weathering steel is heat-treated and quenched on the basis of ordinary ASTMB4, and has high mechanical properties and good atmospheric corrosion resistance after quenching and tempering. This steel has good mechanical properties, high impact toughness, and can withstand high thermal load without deformation. This steel can maintain good toughness at 400°C, and can be cold bent and welded.

The A588 specification is intended primarily for use in unpainted applications, where savings in weight or added durability is important along with the longer life cycle due to its corrosion resistant properties and/or to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A588 is mainly used to manufacture parts that work in highly corrosive environments and require high corrosion resistance, such as oil extraction equipment and pipelines. It is often used to make oil extraction and refining equipment, offshore oil platforms, etc.