ASTM A36 vs ASTM A514 steel plate

ASTM A36 and ASTM A514 are both widely used standards for structural steel plates, but they represent two types of steel with different properties. ASTM A36 steel plate belongs to low-carbon hot-rolled structural steel. It is renowned for its excellent weldability, processability and economy, and is often used in building frames, Bridges and general engineering structures. ASTM A514 steel plate is a quenched and tempered high-strength alloy steel plate. With its extremely high yield strength and toughness, it has become an ideal material for heavy machinery, lifting equipment and high-strength structural components. The differences between the two in terms of strength, alloy composition and application fields make each have unique advantages in engineering material selection.

ASTM A36 steel plate

ASTM A36 is a common hot-rolled low-carbon structural steel with good weldability and plasticity, and is widely used in building structures, Bridges, plates and general manufacturing.
The chemical composition includes approximately 0.25-0.29% carbon, 1.0% manganese, 0.28% silicon, 0.04% phosphorus, 0.05% sulfur, 0.20% copper, and the rest is mainly iron.
Mechanical properties: The yield strength is approximately 250 MPa (36 ksi), and the ultimate tensile strength is between 400 and 550 MPa (58 and 80 ksi).
The elastic modulus is approximately 200 GPa and the Poisson's ratio is about 0.26.
Features: Easy to weld, mechanically process and cold-bend, low cost, suitable for general structural applications.

ASTM A514 steel plate

ASTM A514 is A high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy structural steel plate, often referred to as T-1 steel, with grades including A, B, E, F, H, P, Q and S. It has excellent high yield strength and toughness, and can maintain performance at low temperatures.
Mechanical properties: The yield strength is at least 690 MPa (100 ksi), and the ultimate tensile strength range is 760-940 MPa (110-136 ksi).
The elongation rate is usually above 16% to 18%.
Chemical composition (taking grade B as an example) : carbon 0.12-0.21%, manganese 0.70-1.00%, silicon 0.20-0.35%. In addition, microalloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, and boron are added to enhance strength and toughness.
The application fields include structural components that require high strength and lightweight, such as crane booms, construction machinery, mining equipment, and wear-resistant parts, etc.

A comparison of the two:

Item	ASTM A36	ASTM A514
Yield Strength	≈ 250 MPa (36 ksi)	≥ 690 MPa (100 ksi)
Tensile Strength	400–550 MPa (58–80 ksi)	760–940 MPa (110–136 ksi)
Elongation	≥ 20%	≥ 16–18%
Chemical Elements	Low carbon (\~0.25–0.29%), small amounts of Mn/Si	Carbon \~0.12–0.21%, alloyed with Cr, Mo, V, Ti, B
Weldability & Formability	Excellent weldability, easy to cold-form	Weldable but preheating often required; formability is more limited
Typical Applications	Building structures, bridges, general-purpose fabrication	Heavy machinery, lifting equipment, high-strength structures, military use

Why is ASTM A36 steel plate considered the mainstream choice?

ASTM A36 steel plate is regarded as the mainstream structural steel because of its excellent balance between performance, cost, and versatility.   As a low-carbon hot-rolled steel, it offers good weldability, machinability, and ductility, making it easy to fabricate into different shapes and structures.   Compared with high-strength alloy steels like ASTM A514, A36 is more economical and widely available in various thicknesses and sizes, which makes it the preferred option for construction, bridges, and general engineering projects.

Read more : What is the meaning of A36 plates