Difference Between Corten Steel and Its Alternatives
What is Corten Steel?
Corten steel, also known as Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel, is a type of weather-resistant steel renowned for its ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions. Its high level of weather and corrosion resistance is attributed to its alloying elements, primarily copper and chromium. These elements form a protective oxide layer on the surface of the steel, which prevents further corrosion and degradation.
One of the distinctive features of Corten steel is its unique appearance, characterized by an orange-brown coloration. This color is a result of the chemical composition reacting with the atmosphere, forming a stable rust-like patina. This patina not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of Corten steel but also acts as a protective barrier against further corrosion, making it a popular choice for outdoor structures and architectural applications.
Corten steel is available in two main grades: Corten A and Corten B. Corten A is primarily used for structural applications, while Corten B offers enhanced weldability and is often utilized in structural components that require higher strength and durability.
Corten Steel Grades: Corten A and Corten B
Corten A and Corten B are two main grades of Corten steel, each with specific properties and applications.
Corten A:Â Corten A contains added phosphorus, which enhances its suitability for aesthetic fascias and applications in gas flues. Its chemical composition makes it ideal for creating visually appealing structures that blend well with outdoor environments. Corten A is often chosen for architectural projects where aesthetics are a key consideration.
Corten B: On the other hand, Corten B is characterized by its better weldability and suitability for heavy and load-bearing structures. It offers higher strength and durability, making it a preferred choice for structural components that require robustness and resistance to mechanical stress. Corten B is commonly used in bridges, buildings, and other structural applications.
| GRADE | THICKNESS (MM) STRIP PRODUCTS | PLATE PRODUCTS | YIELD STRENGTH REL N/MM² MINIMUM | TENSILE STRENGTH RM N/MM² MINIMUM | ELONGATION A50 % MINIMUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corten A | 2-12 | 6-12 | 345 | 485 | 20 |
Corten A Chemical Composition
| C | 0.15 |
| Si | 0.25/0.75 |
| Mn | 0.20/0.50 |
| P | 0.07/0.15 |
| S | 0.030 |
| Al | 0.015/0.06 |
| Cu | 0.25/0.55 |
| Cr | 0.50/1.25 |
| Ni | 0.65 |
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| GRADE | THICKNESS (MM) STRIP PRODUCTS | PLATE PRODUCTS | YIELD STRENGTH REL N/MM² MINIMUM | TENSILE STRENGTH RM N/MM² MINIMUM | ELONGATION A50 % MINIMUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corten B | 2-13 | 6-40 | 345 | 485 | 19 |
Corten B Chemical Composition
| % | |
|---|---|
| C | 0.19 |
| Si | 0.30/0.65 |
| Mn | 0.80/1.25 |
| P | 0.035 |
| S | 0.030 |
| Al | 0.020/0.06 |
| V | 0.02/0.10 |
| Cu | 0.25/0.40 |
| Cr | 0.40/0.65 |
| Ni | 0.40 |
S355JOW: An Equivalent Weathering Steel to Corten B Grades
S355JOW is a weathering steel that is equivalent to Corten B. Similar to Corten steel, S355JOW forms its protective layer, preventing oxidation and enhancing its weather-resistant properties.
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| GRADE | MIN. YIELD STRENGTH REH MPA | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | TENSILE STRENGTH RM MPA | Â | Â |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Â | Nominal Thickness (mm) | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | Nominal Thickness (mm) | Â | Â |
| Â | <16 | >16 <40 | >40 <63 | >63 <80 | >80 <100 | >100 <150 | >3 | >3 <100 | >100 <150 |
| S355JOW | 355 | 345 | 335 | 325 | 315 | 295 | 510/680 | 470/630 | 450/600 |
S355JOW Chemical Composition
| % | |
|---|---|
| C | 0.16 |
| Si | 0.50 |
| Mn | 0.50/1.50 |
| P | 0.035 |
| S | 0.035 |
| N | 0.009 |
| Cr | 0.40/0.80 |
| Cu | 0.25/0.55 |
S355JOWP: Equivalent to Corten A Grades
S355JOWP is a weathering steel grade with added phosphorus, similar to Corten A. It develops a protective rust layer when exposed to the atmosphere, enhancing its durability and weather resistance. This grade is commonly used in long-lasting and cost-effective structural steel applications, including bridges.
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| GRADE | MIN. YIELD STRENGTH REH MPA | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | TENSILE STRENGTH RM MPA | Â | Â |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Â | Nominal Thickness (mm) | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | Nominal Thickness (mm) | Â | Â |
| Â | <16 | >16 <40 | >40 <63 | >63 <80 | >80 <100 | >100 <150 | >3 | >3 <100 | >100 <150 |
| S355JOWP | 355 | 345 | Â | Â | Â | Â | 510/680 | 470/630 |
S355JOWP Chemical Composition
| % | |
|---|---|
| C | 0.12 |
| Si | 0.75 |
| Mn | 1.00 |
| P | 0.06/0.15 |
| S | 0.035 |
| N | 0.009 |
| Cr | 0.30/1.25 |
| Cu | 0.25/0.55 |
S355J2W: Equivalent to Corten B
S355J2W is a grade similar to Corten B and offers economic benefits as a fully recyclable steel. It can be used for load-bearing applications or for aesthetic purposes in structures.
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| GRADE | MIN. YIELD STRENGTH REH MPA | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | TENSILE STRENGTH RM MPA | Â | Â |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Â | Nominal Thickness (mm) | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | Nominal Thickness (mm) | Â | Â |
| Â | <16 | >16 <40 | >40 <63 | >63 <80 | >80 <100 | >100 <150 | >3 | >3 <100 | >100 <150 |
| S355J2W | 355 | 345 | 335 | 325 | 315 | 295 | 510/680 | 470/630 | 450/600 |
S355J2W Chemical Composition
| % | |
|---|---|
| C | 0.16 |
| Si | 0.50 |
| Mn | 0.50/1.50 |
| P | 0.030 |
| S | 0.030 |
| N | 0.009 |
| Cr | 0.40/0.80 |
| Cu | 0.25/0.55 |
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