Steel A653
ASTM A653
A653 is the ASTM specification for continuously hot-dip galvanized (Z) and galvannealed (ZF) steel sheet and coil, with low-carbon (CS, FS, DDS, EDDS), structural (SS) or high-strength low-alloy (HSLAS, HSLAS-F) base metal and G60, G90, G115 or A60 coating weights.
Values for the HR condition
A653 tempers and conditions
A653 is supplied in 37 conditions, soft to hard. HR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
- EDDS
- DDS-C
- DDS-A
- FS-A
- CS-A
- FS-B
- CR
- CS-B
- A60
- CS-C
- HR
- SS33
- SS37
- SS40
- HSLAS45-1
- HSLAS45-2
- SS50-1
- SS50-3
- SS50-4
- HSLAS50-1
- HSLAS50-2
- HSLAS-F50
- SS55
- HSLAS55-1
- HSLAS55-2
- SS60
- HSLAS60-1
- HSLAS60-2
- HSLAS-F60
- HSLAS65-1
- HSLAS65-2
- SS70
- HSLAS70-1
- HSLAS70-2
- HSLAS-F70
- SS80
- HSLAS-F80
Compare all 37 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Extra Deep Drawing Steel | Highest-formability galvanized sheet for severe draws and visible automotive/appliance panels. | 160 | 285 | 46 | 78 HB | 12.5 % IACS |
DDS Type C | Non-aging deep-draw grade for parts stored before forming or drawn long after coating. | 180 | 295 | 43 | 82 HB | 12 % IACS |
DDS Type A | For deep-drawn parts (sinks, housings) needing high n and r values. | 190 | 300 | 42 | 85 HB | 11.5 % IACS |
FS Type A | Pick for moderate stamping/bending where CS ductility is marginal. | 210 | 310 | 40 | 90 HB | 11 % IACS |
CS Type A | Use when a tighter carbon/phosphorus limit is wanted for slightly better bending than Type B. | 220 | 320 | 38 | 95 HB | 11 % IACS |
FS Type B | Use when press springback repeatability needs a bounded yield strength window. | 220 | 315 | 40 | 92 HB | 11 % IACS |
Cold rolled | Standard route for 0.3–2.0 mm sheet needing good surface for paint/powder coat. | 230 | 330 | 38 | 100 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
CS Type B | Default general-purpose galvanized sheet: bending, roll forming, mild drawing, ductwork and enclosures. | 230 | 330 | 37 | 100 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
zinc-iron alloy (galvannealed) coating, 180 g/m² total | Galvannealed matte surface for best paint adhesion and weldability; less sacrificial reserve than G90. | 235 | 330 | 36 | 100 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
CS Type C | Economy commercial grade where rephosphorized scrap chemistry is acceptable and forming demands are low. | 250 | 345 | 34 | 105 HB | 10 % IACS |
HRDefault Hot rolled | Cheapest route for thicker gauge galvanized coil/sheet where surface appearance is secondary. | 260 | 360 | 32 | 110 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
SS Grade 33 [230] | Lightest structural grade for light-gauge framing, decking and roll-formed sections. | 260 | 340 | 26 | 103 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
SS Grade 37 [255] | Intermediate structural grade when Grade 33 is not stiff enough but full formability is still needed. | 285 | 380 | 24 | 112 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
SS Grade 40 [275] | Common decking / purlin grade balancing strength and roll-forming behaviour. | 305 | 400 | 22 | 118 HB | 10.3 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 45 [310] Class 1 | Microalloyed 45 ksi grade for stronger formed parts than SS40 at similar ductility. | 345 | 470 | 25 | 135 HB | 9.5 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 45 [310] Class 2 | Class 2 trades tensile strength for extra elongation and better bend/stretch behaviour. | 345 | 440 | 27 | 128 HB | 9.5 % IACS |
SS Grade 50 [340] Class 1 | Standard 50 ksi structural galvanized sheet for studs, track and deck. | 375 | 480 | 18 | 140 HB | 10 % IACS |
SS Grade 50 [340] Class 3 | Lower tensile-to-yield ratio version of Grade 50 for easier forming of framing members. | 375 | 450 | 18 | 132 HB | 10 % IACS |
SS Grade 50 [340] Class 4 | Class 4 is specified when both yield and tensile need to sit in a narrow band for cold-formed design. | 375 | 455 | 18 | 134 HB | 10 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 50 [340] Class 1 | Most common HSLA galvanized grade for chassis brackets, cross-members and heavy studs. | 375 | 500 | 23 | 145 HB | 9.3 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 50 [340] Class 2 | Choose when 50 ksi yield must coexist with stretch-flanging. | 375 | 450 | 26 | 131 HB | 9.3 % IACS |
HSLAS-F Grade 50 [340] | Ti/Nb-treated, low-inclusion HSLA for stretch-flanged automotive parts at 340 MPa yield. | 375 | 450 | 25 | 135 HB | 9.8 % IACS |
SS Grade 55 [380] | Higher-strength structural sheet where section depth is limited. | 415 | 510 | 16 | 150 HB | 9.8 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 55 [380] Class 1 | 55 ksi microalloyed grade for moderately formed high-load parts. | 415 | 520 | 20 | 152 HB | 9.2 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 55 [380] Class 2 | Higher-ductility class of the 55 ksi HSLA grade. | 415 | 490 | 24 | 143 HB | 9.2 % IACS |
SS Grade 60 [410] | Strength-driven roll-formed profiles with simple, generous bend radii. | 450 | 520 | 12 | 155 HB | 9.8 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 60 [410] Class 1 | 60 ksi HSLA sheet for weight-reduced structural stampings. | 450 | 550 | 18 | 160 HB | 9.5 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 60 [410] Class 2 | Class 2 60 ksi grade when bends and flanges are tight. | 450 | 500 | 22 | 150 HB | 9.5 % IACS |
HSLAS-F Grade 60 [410] | 410 MPa yield with hole-expansion capability for chassis stampings. | 450 | 510 | 22 | 152 HB | 9.5 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 65 [450] Class 1 | 65 ksi microalloyed galvanized sheet for high-strength brackets. | 490 | 580 | 16 | 170 HB | 9.3 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 65 [450] Class 2 | Formability-improved class of the 65 ksi HSLA grade. | 490 | 550 | 19 | 162 HB | 9.3 % IACS |
SS Grade 70 [480] | High-yield structural galvanized sheet for lightweight deck and framing; limited bending. | 520 | 590 | 9 | 170 HB | 10 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 70 [480] Class 1 | Top HSLAS strength level; use only for simple forms with generous radii. | 520 | 620 | 15 | 183 HB | 9 % IACS |
HSLAS Grade 70 [480] Class 2 | 70 ksi HSLA with relaxed tensile ceiling for better bending. | 520 | 580 | 17 | 172 HB | 9 % IACS |
HSLAS-F Grade 70 [480] | 480 MPa yield HSLA-F for lightweighted structural parts with flanges. | 520 | 580 | 19 | 175 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
SS Grade 80 [550] | Full-hard, low-ductility grade for corrugated roofing/siding and deck where only simple corrugations are formed. | 590 | 600 | 3 | 180 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
HSLAS-F Grade 80 [550] | Highest HSLAS-F level; ductile alternative to full-hard SS80 where forming is required. | 590 | 650 | 17 | 195 HB | 8 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways A653 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
G115 | 350 g/m² total zinc, both sides | Coating |
G60 | 180 g/m² total zinc, both sides | Coating |
G90 | 275 g/m² total zinc, both sides | Coating |
Galvanized | Generic hot-dip zinc coating | Coating |
What is A653?
A653 is the ASTM specification for continuously hot-dip galvanized (Z) and galvannealed (ZF) steel sheet and coil, with low-carbon (CS, FS, DDS, EDDS), structural (SS) or high-strength low-alloy (HSLAS, HSLAS-F) base metal and G60, G90, G115 or A60 coating weights. It is specified for low cost, good formability and sacrificial zinc protection, and is the default sheet for steel framing, ductwork, cable tray, appliance housings and roof and wall panels. The coating degrades above about 200 °C and in the weld heat-affected zone, cut edges are left bare, it is not suited to strong acids or alkalis, and formability falls off sharply in the higher SS and HSLAS grades. A653 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F). A653 has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is A653 used for?
- Light-gauge steel framing studs and track
- HVAC ductwork
- Roof decking
- Industrial siding and wall panels
- Cable tray and electrical enclosures
- Appliance housings
- Automotive structural stampings
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 52 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 38/100, better than 97% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 32%, better than 95% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 82/100, better than 94% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 25/100, worse than 100% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 93% of steel grades
- Low strength — 260 MPa (37.7 ksi), worse than 92% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 2.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 82% of steel grades
A653 properties
Typical room-temperature values for A653-HR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
A653 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F).
Mechanical15
A653 has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
A653 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 52 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A653 conducts electricity at 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (38/100), better than 97% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A653 takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
A653's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability very good (72/100); formability very good (82/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. A653 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with A653
Is A653 easy to machine?
Shear, punch and laser/plasma cut readily; use sharp tooling and lubricant to avoid galling of the soft zinc, and re-protect cut edges (zinc-rich paint) since bare edges rely on sacrificial throw.
Can A653 be welded?
Resistance spot and MIG/brazing are standard but zinc vaporizes — extract fumes, expect porosity/spatter, increase current and electrode dressing, or specify galvannealed (A-series) for better weldability.
Can A653 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold roll-forming, bending and drawing in CS/FS/DDS/EDDS; SS Grade 80 full-hard tolerates only simple corrugations, and HSLAS needs larger bend radii and springback compensation.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to A653. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent82 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Fair72 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
A653 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CCS Type B limit; SS/HSLAS allow up to 0.20–0.25 % | 0.02 – 0.15 | 0.06 |
| Mnup to 1.35 % for SS, 1.65 % for HSLAS | ≤ 0.6 | 0.3 |
| PCS Type C and SS allow up to 0.10 % | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Alaluminum-killed base metal | 0.02 – 0.08 | 0.04 |
| Cu0.20 min if copper-bearing specified | ≤ 0.2 | 0.03 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.2 | 0.02 |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.15 | 0.03 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.06 | 0.01 |
| NbHSLAS/HSLAS-F microalloying (Nb+V+Ti) | ≤ 0.08 | 0.03 |
| VHSLAS microalloying | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| TiHSLAS-F / IF (EDDS) stabilization | ≤ 0.15 | 0.03 |
| N | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Zn (coating)hot-dip coating, not base chemistry: G60 = 180 g/m², G90 = 275 g/m², G115 = 350 g/m² total both sides; ZF/A-series is Zn–Fe alloy (~10 % Fe) | — | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on A653?
Do not anodize; phosphate or use a wash primer/chromate-free passivation before powder coat or paint. Skin-passed and chemically treated (passivated/oiled) coils are best for painting; galvannealed gives the best paint adhesion.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
How much does A653 cost?
A653 is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
A653 — frequently asked
What is A653 used for?
A653 is typically used for light-gauge steel framing studs and track, HVAC ductwork, roof decking, industrial siding and wall panels, cable tray and electrical enclosures and appliance housings. In short: galvanized commercial-quality coil.
What is the yield strength of A653?
A653 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 37 listed tempers.
Is A653 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Shear, punch and laser/plasma cut readily; use sharp tooling and lubricant to avoid galling of the soft zinc, and re-protect cut edges (zinc-rich paint) since bare edges rely on sacrificial throw.
Can A653 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (72/100). Resistance spot and MIG/brazing are standard but zinc vaporizes — extract fumes, expect porosity/spatter, increase current and electrode dressing, or specify galvannealed (A-series) for better weldability.
What surface finishes work on A653?
Do not anodize; phosphate or use a wash primer/chromate-free passivation before powder coat or paint. Skin-passed and chemically treated (passivated/oiled) coils are best for painting; galvannealed gives the best paint adhesion.
Can A653 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold roll-forming, bending and drawing in CS/FS/DDS/EDDS; SS Grade 80 full-hard tolerates only simple corrugations, and HSLAS needs larger bend radii and springback compensation.
What is the maximum service temperature of A653?
A653 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between A653-HR and A653-SS80?
HR is the default condition — cheapest route for thicker gauge galvanized coil/sheet where surface appearance is secondary. SS80: full-hard, low-ductility grade for corrugated roofing/siding and deck where only simple corrugations are formed. Yield strength is 260 MPa in HR versus 590 MPa in SS80.
How much does A653 cost?
A653 is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in A653?
Yes — A653 is available for sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A653/A653M — Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A924/A924M — General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process — ASTM International (2022)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Cold-Formed Steel Design Manual / AISI S100 Commentary — American Iron and Steel Institute (2020)
- Hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed sheet product data (CS/FS/DDS/SS/HSLAS grades) — Cleveland-Cliffs / Nucor / Baosteel (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.