This article provides a comprehensive overview of the AISI-SAE designation system for steel classification, focusing on structural, constructional, stainless, and heat-resistant steels. It examines how the four-digit SAE numerical system categorizes carbon and alloy steels based on chemical composition, with carbon steels comprising the 1xxx groups. The article includes detailed standard lists for structural steels, stainless steels, and steel castings, serving as a valuable reference for engineers, manufacturers, and researchers working with these materials across various industrial applications including pressure vessels, general service tubing, and construction.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) utilizes a fundamental four-digit system to designate the chemical composition of carbon and alloy steels. In this system, the first digit (1) indicates a carbon steel; consequently, carbon steels comprise the 1xxx groups in the SAE-AISI system. These carbon steels are further subdivided into four categories due to significant variations in their fundamental properties.
For decades, specific grades of carbon and alloy steels have been identified using the four-digit AISI/SAE numerical index system, which classified grades according to standardized chemical compositions. However, since the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) discontinued writing material specifications, the relationship between AISI and grade designations has been terminated. As of the 1995 Iron and Steel Society (ISS) Strip Steel Manual, these four-digit designations are now referred to exclusively as SAE Designations.
This article provides detailed information on standards relating to the following material categories:
For more information on the AISI-SAE designation system see our related article: Introduction to the AISI-SAE Designation System.
The standards listed below encompass a wide range of materials and applications, including:
Table 1. Structural and Constructional Steels Standards
Standard Number |
Last version |
Description |
A 1008/A 1008M | 2009 | Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable |
A 1011/A 1011M | 2009 | Steel, Sheet and Strip, Hot-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, and Ultra-High Strength |
A 1018/A 1018M | 2008 | Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Carbon, Commercial, Drawing, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, and Ultra-High Strength Steel |
A 1020/A 1020M | 2007 | Steel Tubes, Carbon and Carbon Manganese, Fusion Welded, for Boiler, Superheater, Heat Exchanger and Condenser Applications |
A 1031 | 2005 | Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Alloy, Drawing Steel and Structural Steel, Hot-Rolled |
A 1043/A 1043M | 2005 | Structural Steel with Low Yield to Tensile Ratio for Use in Buildings |
A 108 | 2007 | Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished |
A 109/A 109M | 2008 | Steel, Strip, Carbon (0.25 Maximum Percent), Cold-Rolled |
A 131/A 131M | 2008 | Structural Steel for Ships |
A 21 | 2003 | Carbon Steel Axles, Non-Heat-Treated and Heat-Treated, for Railway Use |
A 242/A 242M | High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel | |
A 285/A 285M | 2007 | Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Low- and Intermediate-Tensile Strength |
A 308/A 308M | 2006 | Steel Sheet, Terne (Lead-Tin Alloy) Coated by the Hot-Dip Process |
A 311/A 311M | 2004 | Cold-Drawn, Stress-Relieved Carbon Steel Bars Subject to Mechanical Property Requirements |
Table 2. Stainless and heat-resistant steels Standards
Standard Number |
Last version |
Description |
A 1028 | 2009 | Stainless Steel Bars for Compressor and Turbine Airfoils |
A 167 | 2009 | Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip |
A 176 | 2009 | Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip |
A 177 | 1989 | High-Strength Stainless and Chromium-Nickel Steel Sheet and Strip |
A 213/A 213M | 2009 | Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler, Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger Tubes |
A 263 | 2009 | Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad Plate |
A 264 | 2009 | Stainless Chromium-Nickel Steel-Clad Plate |
A 268/A 268M | 2005 | Seamless and Welded Ferritic and Martensitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service |
A 269 | 2008 | Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service |
Table 3. Steel Castings Standards
Standard Number |
Last version |
Description |
A 128/A 128M | 2007 | Steel Castings, Austenitic Manganese |
A 148/A 148M | 2008 | Steel Castings, High Strength, for Structural Purposes |
A 216/A 216M | 2008 | Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service |
A 297/A 297M | 2008 | Steel Castings, Iron-Chromium and Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Heat Resistant, for General Application |
A 352/A 352M | 2006 | Steel Castings, Ferritic and Martensitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts, Suitable for Low-Temperature Service |
A 353/A 353M | 2009 | Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, 9 Percent Nickel, Double-Normalized and Tempered |
The AISI-SAE standard lists presented in this article serve as a valuable reference for engineers, materials scientists, and manufacturers working with various types of steel. These standards ensure consistency in material properties and performance across different applications and industries. By understanding these classifications, professionals can select the appropriate steel type for specific requirements, whether for structural, high-temperature, or specialized applications.
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