A36-Hot-Rolled-Steel-The-Backbone-of-Structural-Steel
                     A36 Hot Rolled Steel: The 
Backbone of Structural 
Steel
Discover the engineering excellence behind one of the world's 
most trusted structural steel grades
What is A36 Hot Rolled Steel?
ASTM A36 is a standard low-carbon structural steel grade with a minimum 
yield strength of 36,000 psi (250 MPa).
"Hot rolled" means the steel is shaped at temperatures above recrystallisation 
(~1200°C), resulting in a rough surface but excellent workability.
Chemical Composition of 
A36 Steel
Carbon (Max 0.26%) Manganese (~1.03%)
Controls hardness and Improves toughness and 
weldability for optimal wear resistance
performance
Iron (~98%)
Primary component providing structural integrity
Additional elements include silicon (~0.28%), phosphorus (max 
0.04%), sulphur (max 0.05%), and copper (min 0.20%) - all 
carefully balanced for strength and ductility.
Mechanical Properties at a Glance
250 550 20% 152
Yield Strength Tensile Strength Elongation Brinell Hardness
MPa minimum (36,000 psi) MPa maximum (80,000 psi) Excellent ductility rating HB maximum rating
Exceptional weldability for all common welding methods makes A36 the fabricator's choice.
Manufacturing Process 
Overview
Heating
Raw low-carbon steel billets heated to 1200–1300°C
Rolling
Hot rolling through mills reshapes steel, refining grain structure
Cooling
Natural cooling on beds ensures optimal toughness and hardness
Finishing
Cut and straightened to size with optional surface treatments
Common Forms & Sizes
Structural Shapes
Plates, flat bars, angles, channels, beams, and rods
Typical Dimensions
Flat bars: 1/8" to 1/2" thickness, lengths up to 20 feet+
Rough surface texture characteristic of hot 
rolling process
Key Applications Across Industries
Construction
Beams, columns, bridges, and building frameworks
Manufacturing
Heavy equipment frames, machinery bases, and truck beds
Fabrication
Custom metal parts, repair work, tanks, and containers
Marine & Offshore
Non-critical structural components for marine applications
Advantages of A36 Hot Rolled Steel
Cost-Effective Solution Superior Strength-to-Weight
Widely available worldwide with competitive pricing Ideal ratio for structural use, maximising load 
for structural applications capacity whilst minimising material costs
Fabrication Flexibility Proven Durability
Excellent weldability and machinability for diverse Outstanding toughness and ductility for demanding 
manufacturing processes load-bearing applications
Welding A36 Steel: Best Practices
Compatible Methods
 SMAW (Stick welding)
 MIG (Gas Metal Arc)
 TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc)
 Submerged arc welding
Recommended Electrodes
 E6011, E7018 for SMAW
 ER70S-3/6 for MIG
 ER70S-2/6 for TIG
Pre-weld inspection and controlled parameters prevent defects like porosity 
and cracking, ensuring structural integrity.
Why Choose 
A36?
Trusted Standard Since 1960
Proven track record for structural integrity and versatility across industries
Perfect Balance
Optimal combination of strength, affordability, and ease of fabrication
Global Infrastructure Backbone
Essential material for infrastructure, machinery, and fabrication 
projects worldwide
Ready to elevate your next project with reliable, proven steel solutions