[TheForge] A36 vs 1018

[gblacksmith]

Assuming correct technique, you problem with splitting is not due to the
carbon content, but rather to the quality of the bar stock as it comes from
the mill.  ASTM specifies elemrent contents for steel, but QA issues are the
responsibility of the mill.  Yes, there is a difference in product
uniformity/quality between mills in various countries.  Steel is an economic
commodity and you can expect variations in serviceability.

One example I recall from my days as a marine safety specialist was the
series of on-spec tank vessels built by a large eastern shipyard.  The
inferior (cheaper) materiials used in these ships, coupled with poor welding
and fit-up, caused these vessels to have structural failures, even though
they were nominally within specification.  Let the buyer beware, and know
your materials.

                                        Grant
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Brown" <quahog@tds.net>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 6:58 AM
Subject: RE: [TheForge] A36 vs 1018


> 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
>
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