Specifying flat-rolled steel correctly requires understanding the applicable ASTM standards, grade designations, and product-specific characteristics that determine whether a material will perform in your application. This page provides a technical reference for the primary flat-rolled steel specifications supplied by Merit Steel USA.
For product availability and pricing, contact the Merit USA team. For the full ASTM standards documents, refer to ASTM International and the AISI Standards and Programs library.
Cold Rolled Steel — ASTM A1008
ASTM A1008 is the governing specification for cold rolled carbon steel flat-rolled products (sheet and strip). It defines the following primary grades:
| Grade | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Commercial Steel) | Baseline grade, Types A/B/C; general forming | Roll-forming non-critical components, general fabrication |
| DS (Drawing Steel) | Improved formability over CS; controlled properties | Moderate draw depth stampings |
| DDS (Deep Drawing Steel) | Very high formability; restricted carbon | Appliance components, automotive interior panels, complex stampings |
| EDDS (Extra Deep Drawing Steel) | Most formable; IF steel substrate | Demanding automotive body panel applications |
| SS (Structural Steel) | Grades 25-80 by min. yield (ksi) | Cold rolled structural applications requiring higher strength |
| HSLAS | Grades 45-70; high strength-to-weight | Automotive structural, agricultural equipment, weight-sensitive fabrications |
Gauge range: Typically 0.005″ to 0.135″ (approx. 36 to 10 gauge). Width up to 72″ in master coil; slit widths to .50″ from Merit USA.
Hot Rolled Steel — ASTM A1011
ASTM A1011 covers hot rolled steel sheet and strip in carbon, structural, and high strength grades:
| Grade | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Commercial steel; general forming and fabrication; good weldability | Structural components, general fabrication |
| DS | Improved formability over CS HR | Moderate forming applications |
| SS | Grades 25 through 80 by minimum yield (ksi) | Structural, load-bearing applications |
| HSLAS | Grades 45-70 (Class 1 and 2) | Equipment frames, structural parts requiring higher strength |
| HRPO | A1011 base, pickled and oiled; improved surface | Painting, light forming, laser cutting applications |
Gauge range: Typically 0.044″ to 0.230″.
Galvanized Steel — ASTM A653
ASTM A653 covers hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed (galvaneal) flat-rolled steel. Key coating weight designations:
| Coating Weight | oz/ft² (both sides) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| G30 | 0.30 | Interior applications with light corrosion requirement |
| G60 | 0.60 | HVAC ductwork, interior structural applications |
| G90 | 0.90 | Standard construction and appliance applications |
| G115 | 1.15 | Moderate exterior exposure |
| G140 | 1.40 | More demanding corrosion environments |
| G165 / G185 / G210 | 1.65 / 1.85 / 2.10 | Heavy-duty corrosion protection |
Steel grades under A653: CS (Types A, B, C), FS, DDS, SS (Grades 33, 37, 40, 50, 57, 80), HSLAS (Grades 40, 50, 60, 70, 80).
Galvaneal (Type A) under A653: Zinc-iron alloy surface, no spangle, matte appearance. Coating weight designations A25, A40, A60. Superior paint adhesion. Used in automotive body and appliance exterior panels.
Galvalume® — ASTM A792
ASTM A792 covers 55% aluminum-zinc alloy coated flat-rolled steel (Galvalume®).
| Coating Weight | oz/ft² (both sides) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| AZ50 | 0.50 | Standard for roofing and pre-painted applications |
| AZ55 | 0.55 | Premium corrosion protection; standard for exposed metal roofing |
| AZ60 | 0.60 | Heavier coating for aggressive corrosion environments |
Galvalume should not be used in direct contact with concrete or in applications where it will be exposed to pH >8 or <4 without additional protective coatings.
Tin Mill Products — ASTM A623 / A624
ASTM A623 provides general requirements for tin mill products. ASTM A624 covers electrolytic tinplate specifically.
| Temper | Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| T-1 | Single reduced | Softest; highest elongation |
| T-2 | Single reduced | Standard commercial temper |
| T-3 | Single reduced | Intermediate hardness |
| T-4 | Single reduced | Harder, less elongation |
| T-5 | Single reduced | High hardness |
| T-6 | Single reduced | Maximum single-reduced hardness |
| DR-8 / DR-9 / DR-9M / DR-10 | Double reduced | Very high hardness; thin gauges for two-piece can bodies |
Coating weights (tin): Equal coating (EC) and differential coating (DC) designations. Common weights: #25/#25, #25/#50, #50/#50, #75/#75, #100/#100 (millionths of an inch per side).
Electrogalvanized Steel — ASTM A879
Electrogalvanized (EG) steel is specified under ASTM A879. Coating weight is designated in grams per square meter (g/m²). Common designations: EG 40/40, EG 60/60 (both sides equal). EG produces a thinner, more uniform coating than hot-dip galvanized and is used in automotive exterior and appliance applications where surface finish and uniform coating weight are important.
Using This Reference
When ordering from Merit USA, specifying the ASTM designation (e.g., “ASTM A653 CS Type B G90” or “ASTM A1008 DDS”) along with gauge, width, and coil weight requirements gives our team the information needed to confirm availability and provide an accurate quote. If you're unsure which specification applies to your application, our team can assist.
For additional technical resources, visit our industry resources page or contact us directly.