Authoritative references for flat-rolled steel buyers, specifiers, fabricators, and manufacturers.
The flat-rolled steel industry has a rich body of technical standards, industry associations, and resources that support buyers, specifiers, and manufacturers. Below is a curated collection of the most useful references for anyone working with flat-rolled steel.
The AISI is the primary North American steel industry association, representing North American steel producers. The AISI publishes technical resources including steel grade designation systems, design manuals (Cold-Formed Steel Design Manual, for example), statistical data on US steel production and shipments, and market reports. Their website is an essential starting point for anyone working with structural steel or understanding the North American steel market.
MSCI is the trade association for the metals service center and distribution industry, of which Merit USA is a member. MSCI publishes monthly and quarterly metals industry data including service center shipments, inventory levels, and market analysis. Their data is widely used by buyers tracking market conditions and pricing trends. MSCI also publishes industry standards and best practices for service center operations.
AIST is the technical professional society for the iron and steel industry, covering steelmaking, processing, and engineering technology. While its primary audience is steel producers and engineers, AIST publishes technical papers, conference proceedings, and educational resources that are valuable for anyone needing to understand how steel is made and processed. Their Iron & Steel Technology journal is the industry's leading technical publication.
ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) publishes the primary technical standards for flat-rolled steel products sold in North America. Key standards for flat-rolled steel include A1008 (cold rolled), A1011 (hot rolled), A653 (galvanized/galvaneal), A792 (galvalume), A623/A624 (tin mill), and many others. ASTM standards are the reference documents used in material certifications and procurement specifications throughout the industry.
SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers) publishes standards relevant to flat-rolled steel used in automotive applications, including specifications for automotive steel grades, coating requirements, and testing methods. SAE standards are particularly important for steel service centers supplying the automotive industry.
AMM is the steel industry's primary trade publication and pricing benchmark source. Their daily and weekly price assessments for hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil, galvanized, and other flat-rolled products are used throughout the industry as reference points for contract pricing and spot market transactions. Subscription required for full access, but their free content provides useful market insight.
CRU is a leading commodities research and consulting firm with deep coverage of the global steel market. Their steel price assessments, market analysis, and forecasting are used by steel producers, service centers, and steel buyers to understand market dynamics and inform purchasing decisions. CRU's Steel Business Briefing is an industry standard reference for global steel market intelligence.
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) publishes the Steel Construction Manual, the definitive reference for structural steel design and construction in the United States. For fabricators and detailers working with structural shapes and plate, AISC standards and technical resources are essential references.
MCA represents manufacturers and suppliers in the metal construction industry, including metal roofing, wall systems, and pre-engineered buildings. MCA publishes technical resources on metal building systems, including guidance on material specifications (galvalume, galvanized) for roofing and cladding applications.
OSHA's resources for the metal industry cover safety requirements for coil handling, slitting operations, press safety, and other metal fabrication processes. Essential reading for anyone operating steel processing equipment or managing a metalworking facility.
The EPA publishes environmental compliance resources for metal fabrication operations, including guidance on wastewater treatment, air emissions from coating and painting operations, and hazardous waste management for facilities working with steel and metal products.
For questions about flat-rolled steel products, specifications, or processing services, contact the Merit USA team directly. Our staff can help you identify the right material specification for your application and navigate the technical requirements of flat-rolled steel procurement.
Return to our products page for information on our full flat-rolled steel product range, or visit our specifications page for a technical summary of key ASTM grades and properties.