ASTM A588 (Corten) vs S355ML: 50% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
ASTM A588 (Corten) vs S355ML
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ASTM A588 (Corten)
High-strength low-alloy weathering steel. Forms a stable protective rust patina eliminating the need for paint. Cu-Cr-Ni-V composition provides 4-8x atmospheric corrosion resistance vs carbon steel. Used for unpainted bridges, architectural facades, sculptures, outdoor structures, and freight cars.
S355ML
1.8834
Thermomechanically rolled fine-grain structural steel — ReH >=355 MPa with Charpy at -50°C (KV >=27J). THE workhorse for large welded steel structures in cold environments. TM rolling = low CEV = excellent weldability even in thick plate. Used for offshore platforms, wind turbine towers, bridges, crane structures, and pressure vessels. Most common TM grade by tonnage.
| ASTM A588 (Corten) | S355ML | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | 1.8834 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A588 | EN 10025-4 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | ASTM A588 (Corten) | S355ML | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.19% | 0–0.14% | OK |
| Si | 0.3–0.65% | 0–0.5% | Partial |
| Mn | 0.8–1.25% | 0–1.6% | OK |
| P | 0–0.04% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | ASTM A588 (Corten) | S355ML | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 485 | 450–610 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 345 | ≥ 355 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 18 | ≥ 22 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
ASTM A588 (Corten) and S355ML have moderate differences (50% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM A588 (Corten) the same as S355ML?
ASTM A588 (Corten) and S355ML have a 50% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ASTM A588 (Corten) with S355ML?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (50% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ASTM A588 (Corten) and S355ML?
The main differences are in the following elements: Si. ASTM A588 (Corten) is a Carbon Steel grade, while S355ML is a Carbon Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.