[TheForge] A36 vs 1018

[Dave Brown]

At 00:28 06/12/03 -0400, you wrote:
>Thanks.
>
>Since I've had a problem with a piece of A36 splitting, I've heard plenty of
>people talking about having similar problems.
>So I'm curious to know if A36 has a wider range of alloying elements than
>either 1018 or 1020.
>I assume 1018 and 1020 have tighter quality controls?

>Bob:  A 36 has a slightly higher carbon content than 1018 or 1020, which are
>non hardenable 18 pt. and 20 pt, respectively.  A 36 is said to make better
>tongs and other tools than 1020 or 1018.  Both are available hot or cold
>rolled.
>                                     Grant

According to the ASTM standard, A-36 has 26pts carbon for bars up to 3/4" 
and 27pts for bars over 3/4" and up to 
1.5".  (see: 
http://www.kentuckyelectricsteel.com/products/other_grades.html and scroll 
down to see other standard inclusions like copper, sulphur, etc...)

         1018            A-36

carbon  .15-.20 .26-.29
Mn        .60-.90       .6-.90
Phos     max .04        max .04
Sul      max .05        max .05
Silicon         max .40
copper          .20 (if specified)


Dave Brown
Heritage Smithing
Green Bay, WI
ABANA, UMBA, GoM, MODA, ARG