Steel ZG230-450-A (Solution annealed)
Temper
ASTM A216 Grade WCB · GB GB/T 11352 · also WCB
Softest, most stable condition — pick when maximum machinability and minimum residual stress matter more than strength.
Values for the A condition
Other ZG230-450 tempers and conditions
ZG230-450 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at ZG230-450.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Cheapest condition for low-stress, non-pressure parts where coarse as-cast structure and lower toughness are acceptable. | 235 | 460 | 18 | 150 HB | 10 % IACS |
AThis page Solution annealed | Softest, most stable condition — pick when maximum machinability and minimum residual stress matter more than strength. | 240 | 455 | 25 | 140 HB | 10 % IACS |
Stress relieved | Use after heavy welding or rough machining of large frames/bases where dimensional stability, not strength, is the goal. | 240 | 460 | 20 | 145 HB | 10 % IACS |
Normalized | Standard delivery condition for structural castings: refines the coarse as-cast grain and gives uniform strength/ductility. | 250 | 475 | 23 | 150 HB | 10 % IACS |
NTDefault normalized and tempered ( + ) | Most commonly supplied condition for pump/valve bodies and machine bases — normalizing plus a 600–650 °C temper relieves stress and lifts impact toughness. | 255 | 480 | 24 | 150 HB | — |
Quenched and tempered | Choose for thin-section castings needing higher yield and impact energy; hardenability is low, so heavy sections gain little. | 370 | 570 | 20 | 185 HB | 10 % IACS |
What is ZG230-450-A?
ZG230-450-A is ZG230-450 in the A temper — softest, most stable condition — pick when maximum machinability and minimum residual stress matter more than strength. ZG230-450-A has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 202 GPa (29.3 Msi). ZG230-450-A has a density of 7.82 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³), lighter than 82% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). NT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; A is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 64/100, better than 92% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 49 W/m·K (28.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 80/100, better than 79% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 240 MPa (34.8 ksi), worse than 96% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
ZG230-450-A properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZG230-450-A; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZG230-450 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
ZG230-450-A has a density of 7.82 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³), lighter than 82% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical16
ZG230-450-A has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 202 GPa (29.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ZG230-450-A is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 49 W/m·K (28.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.9 µm/m·K (6.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZG230-450-A conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZG230-450-A takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
ZG230-450-A's machinability is good (64/100, better than 92% of steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZG230-450-A
Is ZG230-450 easy to machine?
Machines like normalized 1025–1030 steel (~60 % of 1212); use rigid setups, positive-rake carbide and generous feed to cut under any cast skin and sand inclusions.
Can ZG230-450 be welded?
Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with E7018-class or ER70S-6 consumables; preheat 100–150 °C above ~25 mm section and post-weld stress relieve at 600–650 °C for pressure parts.
Can ZG230-450 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or shell cast at ~1560–1600 °C; ~2 % solidification shrinkage means directional solidification with adequate risers and chills, then normalize to break up the coarse as-cast structure.
What surface finishes work on ZG230-450?
No anodizing — shot blast then paint, epoxy, phosphate or zinc/hot-dip galvanize; can be flame or induction surface hardened only marginally due to low carbon.
ZG230-450 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CGB/T 11352 upper limit; ~0.20–0.27 typical | ≤ 0.3 | 0.25 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.35 |
| Mnup to 1.20 % allowed by agreement for improved hardenability | ≤ 0.9 | 0.7 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Vresidual; total residual elements ≤ 1.00 % | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Fe | balance | — |
ZG230-450-A — frequently asked
What is ZG230-450-A used for?
ZG230-450-A is typically used for valve/pump bodies, gear housings, machine bases and couplings. In short: WCB-class general casting; good weldability, moderate strength; low-cost pressure-part grade.
What is the yield strength of ZG230-450-A?
ZG230-450-A has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is ZG230-450-A easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (64/100, better than 92% of steel grades). Machines like normalized 1025–1030 steel (~60 % of 1212); use rigid setups, positive-rake carbide and generous feed to cut under any cast skin and sand inclusions.
Can ZG230-450-A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with E7018-class or ER70S-6 consumables; preheat 100–150 °C above ~25 mm section and post-weld stress relieve at 600–650 °C for pressure parts.
What surface finishes work on ZG230-450-A?
No anodizing — shot blast then paint, epoxy, phosphate or zinc/hot-dip galvanize; can be flame or induction surface hardened only marginally due to low carbon.
Can ZG230-450-A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or shell cast at ~1560–1600 °C; ~2 % solidification shrinkage means directional solidification with adequate risers and chills, then normalize to break up the coarse as-cast structure.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZG230-450-A?
ZG230-450-A is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZG230-450-NT and ZG230-450-QT?
NT is the default condition — most commonly supplied condition for pump/valve bodies and machine bases — normalizing plus a 600–650 °C temper relieves stress and lifts impact toughness. QT: choose for thin-section castings needing higher yield and impact energy; hardenability is low, so heavy sections gain little. Yield strength is 255 MPa in NT versus 370 MPa in QT.
Sources
- ASTM A216/A216M Carbon Steel Castings for High-Temperature Service (WCA/WCB/WCC) — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (Cast Carbon Steels) — ASM International (1990)
- Steel Castings Handbook, 6th ed. — Steel Founders' Society of America / ASM (1995)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.
