ASTM A659/A659M-22

Standard Specification for Commercial Steel (CS), Sheet and Strip, Carbon (0.16 Maximum to 0.25 Maximum Percent), Hot-Rolled

ABSTRACT
This specification covers hot-rolled carbon steel sheet and strip, in coils and cut lengths. The cast or heat analysis of the steel shall conform to the chemical composition for copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and columbium. The bending properties are measured.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers hot-rolled carbon steel (CS) sheet and strip, in coils and cut lengths, in which the maximum of the specified carbon range is over 0.15 and not over 0.25 % and the maximum of the specified manganese range is not over 0.90 %. This material is ordered to chemical composition.  
1.2 This specification is not applicable to the steels covered by Specification A635/A635M.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2022
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.19 - Steel Sheet and Strip

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-19a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-17a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-17 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-15 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-13 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-13a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-13ae1 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-13 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-11b - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-11a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-11 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-09ae1 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM A568/A568M-09a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-09a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-09 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009

Overview

ASTM A659/A659M-22 specifies the requirements for commercial hot-rolled carbon steel sheet and strip in coils and cut lengths. Applicable to steels with a specified maximum carbon content over 0.15% and not over 0.25%, and maximum manganese content not exceeding 0.90%, this standard ensures consistency in chemical composition, mechanical properties, and product form. Developed by ASTM International, it serves industries that demand reliable material performance for fabrication, manufacturing, and construction applications. The standard excludes materials covered under ASTM A635/A635M. Both SI and inch-pound units are permitted, but values from the two systems are not to be combined.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: Covers hot-rolled carbon steel sheet and strip, both in coil and cut length forms, intended for commercial applications requiring moderate carbon levels.
• Chemical Composition: Strict limits on carbon (0.16% to 0.25% max), manganese (up to 0.90% max), and trace elements such as copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and columbium. Specification may require reporting of these elements, even if present only in trace amounts.
• Bending Properties: Establishes minimum inside radii for cold bending, referencing guidelines in ASTM A568/A568M and A749/A749M for forming operations.
• Product Condition: Material is generally supplied in the hot-rolled condition but may be ordered pickled, oiled, or blast cleaned as needed.
• Dimensional Requirements: Includes provisions for thickness, width, and edge condition (mill or cut/slit edge). Purchasers must specify detailed requirements for their applications.

Applications

ASTM A659/A659M-22 is widely used in industries requiring dependable hot-rolled carbon steel materials where performance in forming, bending, and fabrication is important. Key applications include:

• Automotive and Transportation: Components such as brackets, chassis parts, and body panels, where moderate carbon content provides a balance of strength and formability.
• Appliance Manufacturing: Housings and internal components that require reliable steel with predictable bending properties.
• Furniture and Shelving: Shelves, legs, and structural frames benefit from the standard's controls on chemical composition and mechanical performance.
• Construction: Used for framing, studding, and other load-bearing or non-load-bearing structures where uniform steel properties are important.
• General Fabrication: Suitable for welded assemblies, formed parts, and rolled sections across various industries.

Purchasers must clearly specify all requirements in procurement documents, including the ASTM standard, steel chemical composition, dimensions, condition, and intended application, to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

Related Standards

• ASTM A568/A568M: General requirements for steel sheet, carbon, structural, and high-strength low-alloy, hot-rolled and cold-rolled.
• ASTM A635/A635M: Specification for heavy-thickness hot-rolled steel coils and strip, specifically for grades outside the A659/A659M scope.
• ASTM A749/A749M: General requirements for hot-rolled strip, carbon and high-strength low-alloy steel.
• SAE J 1086: Numbering Metals and Alloys, providing harmonized designations for alloy systems.
• ASTM E527: Practice for numbering metals and alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS).

Conclusion

ASTM A659/A659M-22 provides clear, internationally recognized guidelines for ordering and utilizing hot-rolled commercial carbon steel sheet and strip. By standardizing chemical composition and mechanical properties, the specification supports quality assurance, interchangeability, and performance reliability across a wide range of industrial and manufacturing applications. For optimal results, always reference the most current version of the standard and clearly communicate all technical requirements during procurement.

Keywords: ASTM A659, hot-rolled carbon steel sheet, hot-rolled steel strip, commercial steel specification, steel sheet standards, steel strip standards, carbon steel manufacturing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A659/A659M −22
Standard Specification for
Commercial Steel (CS), Sheet and Strip, Carbon (0.16
Maximum to 0.25 Maximum Percent), Hot-Rolled
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA659/A659M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* A749/A749M Specification for Steel, Strip, Carbon and
High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled, General Require-
1.1 This specification covers hot-rolled carbon steel (CS)
ments for
sheet and strip, in coils and cut lengths, in which the maximum
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
of the specified carbon range is over 0.15 and not over 0.25 %
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
and the maximum of the specified manganese range is not over
2.2 Society of Automotive Engineers Standard:
0.90 %. This material is ordered to chemical composition.
J 1086 Numbering Metals and Alloys
1.2 This specification is not applicable to the steels covered
by Specification A635/A635M.
3. Ordering Information
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 It is the purchaser’s responsibility to specify in the
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
purchase order all ordering information necessary to purchase
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
the needed material. Examples of such information include but
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
are not limited to the following:
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
3.1.1 ASTM specification number and year of issue,
with the standard.
3.1.2 Name of material (hot-rolled commercial steel (CS)
sheet, or hot-rolled commercial steel (CS) strip),
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.3 Grade designation or chemical composition, or both,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.4 Copper-bearing steel (if required),
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.5 Condition (as-rolled, pickled, or blast cleaned) (see
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1),
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5.1 Material to this specification is furnished in the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
hot-rolled condition. Pickled (or blast cleaned) must be speci-
2. Referenced Documents
fied if required,
3.1.6 Oiling (see 7.2),
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.7 Edges (see 7.1),
A568/A568M Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon,
3.1.8 Dimensions(thickness,width,andwhethercutlengths
Structural,andHigh-Strength,Low-Alloy,Hot-Rolledand
or coils),
Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
A635/A635M Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip,
NOTE 1—Not all producers are capable of meeting all of the limitations
Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon,
of the thickness tolerance tables in Specification A568/A568M. The
purchaser should contact the producer regarding possible limitations prior
Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength
to placing an order.
Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Require-
ments for 3.1.9 Coil size (must include inside diameter, outside
diameter, and maximum mass),
3.1.10 Quantity,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 3.1.11 Application (show part identification and
A01.19 on Steel Sheet and Strip.
description),
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally
3.1.12 Cast or heat analysis report (request, if required),
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A659/A659M – 18.
3.1.13 Special requirements (if required).
DOI: 10.1520/A0659_A0659M-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth
theASTM website. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A659/A659M − 22
TABLE 2 Limits on Unspecified Elements (see 5.1.1)
3.1.13.1 When the purchaser requires thickness tolerances
A
for 3/8 in. [10 mm] minimum edge distance (see Supplemen- Copper, max % Heat analysis 0.20
Product analysis 0.23
tary Requirement in Specification A568/A568M), this require-
A
Nickel, max % Heat analysis 0.20
ment shall be specified in the purchase order or contract.
Product analysis 0.23
A
Chromium, max % Heat analysis 0.15
NOTE 2—A typical ordering description is as follows:
Product analysis 0.19
A
“ASTM A659-XX [or A659M-XX], Hot-Rolled Commercial Steel (CS)
Molybdenum, max % Heat analysis 0.06
Sheet, Grade 1017, Pickled and Oiled, Cut Edge, 0.075 by 36 in. [or 1.85
Product analysis 0.07
by 900 mm], by coil, ID 24 in., OD 48 in., max weight 11 250 lb max [or Vanadium, max % Heat analysis 0.008
Product analysis 0.018
ID 600 mm, OD 1200 mm, max, weight 7500 kg, max], 100 000 lb [or 45
B
Columbium (Niobium), max % Heat analysis 0.008
000 kg] for Part No. 6509, Shelf Leg, Cast
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A659/A659M − 18 A659/A659M − 22
Standard Specification for
Commercial Steel (CS), Sheet and Strip, Carbon (0.16
Maximum to 0.25 Maximum Percent), Hot-Rolled
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A659/A659M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers hot-rolled carbon steel (CS) sheet and strip, in coils and cut lengths, in which the maximum of the
specified carbon range is over 0.15 and not over 0.25 % and the maximum of the specified manganese range is not over 0.90 %.
This material is ordered to chemical composition.
1.2 This specification is not applicable to the steels covered by Specification A635/A635M.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A568/A568M Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled,
General Requirements for
A635/A635M Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural,
High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
A749/A749M Specification for Steel, Strip, Carbon and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled, General Requirements for
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
2.2 Society of Automotive Engineers Standard:
J 1086 Numbering Metals and Alloys
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.19
on Steel Sheet and Strip.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018Nov. 1, 2022. Published September 2018December 2022. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 20172018
as A659/A659M – 12 (2017).A659/A659M – 18. DOI: 10.1520/A0659_A0659M-18.10.1520/A0659_A0659M-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A659/A659M − 22
3. Ordering Information
3.1 It is the purchaser’s responsibility to specify in the purchase order all ordering information necessary to purchase the needed
material. Examples of such information include but are not limited to the following:
3.1.1 ASTM specification number and year of issue,
3.1.2 Name of material (hot-rolled commercial steel (CS) sheet, or hot-rolled commercial steel (CS) strip),
3.1.3 Grade designation or chemical composition, or both,
3.1.4 Copper-bearing steel (if required),
3.1.5 Condition (as-rolled, pickled, or blast cleaned) (see 4.1),
3.1.5.1 Material to this specification is furnished in the hot-rolled condition. Pickled (or blast cleaned) must be specified if
required,
3.1.6 Oiling (see 7.2),
3.1.7 Edges (see 7.1),
3.1.8 Dimensions (thickness, width, and whether cut lengths or coils),
NOTE 1—Not all producers are capable of meeting all of the limitations of the thickness tolerance tables in Specification A568/A568M. The purchaser
should contact the producer regarding possible limitations prior to placing an order.
3.1.9 Coil size (must include inside diameter, outside diameter, and maximum mass),
3.1.10 Quantity,
3.1.11 Application (show part identification and description),
3.1.12 Cast or heat analysis report (request, if required),
3.1.13 Special requirements (if required).
3.1.13.1 When the purchaser requires thickness tolerances for 3/8 in. [10 mm] minimum edge distance (see Supplementary
Requirement in Specification A568/A568M), this requirement shall be specified in the purchase order or contract.
NOTE 2—A typical ordering description is as follows:
“ASTM A659-XX [or A659M-XX], Hot-Rolled Commercial Steel (CS) Sheet, Grade 1017, Pickled and Oiled, Cut Edge, 0.075 by 36 in. [or 1.85 by
900 mm], by coil, ID 24 in., OD 48 in., max weight 11 250 lb max [or ID 600 mm, OD 1200 mm, max, weight 7500 kg, max], 100 000 lb [or 45 000
kg] for Part No. 6509, Shelf Leg, Cast or heat analysis report required.”
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 Condition—Unless otherwise specified, the material is furnished in the as-rolled condition (not annealed or pickled).
5. Chemical Composition
5.1 The Cast or Heat Analysis of the steel shall conform to the chemical requirements shown in Table 1, or chemical compositions
can be specified from carbon 0.16 maximum to 0.25 % maximum, inclusive, and manganese 0.90 % maximum, inclusive, w
...