AISI-SAE Standard Lists: Structural and Constructional Steels, Stainless and Heat Resisting Steels

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Introduction to Steel Classification Systems

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.

Standard Categories and Applications

This article provides detailed information on standards relating to the following material categories:

• Group of standards for structural and constructional steels
• Group of standards for stainless and heat resisting steels
• Group of standards for steel castings

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:

• Pressure vessel plates, carbon steel with low and intermediate tensile strength
• Seamless and welded ferritic and martensitic stainless steel tubing for general service
• High strength steel for applications in the construction industry

Structural and Constructional Steel Standards

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

Stainless and Heat-Resistant Steel Standards

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

Steel Casting Standards

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

Conclusion

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.