ASTM A1011
Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet and Strip
Last updated: March 27, 2026
Contents
Overview
ASTM A1011/A1011M is the standard specification for hot-rolled carbon steel sheet and strip in thicknesses up to 0.230 in. (6 mm). It was introduced in 2000 to consolidate five older standards into a single specification. The current revision is A1011/A1011M-25.
If you have older drawings or purchase orders referencing ASTM A569, A570, A607, A622, or A715, they all roll up under A1011 now.
Quick reference: A1011 covers sheet and strip (thin gauge, up to 0.230 in.). For heavier material over 0.230 in., look at ASTM A1018 (heavy-thickness coils) or A36 (plate, shapes, and bars).
Product Designations
A1011 covers six product designations. The key difference is whether you get guaranteed mechanical properties or just chemistry.
| Designation | Grades/Types | Mechanical Properties | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS (Commercial Steel) | Types A, B, C, D | Not guaranteed | General fabrication, forming, ductwork |
| DS (Drawing Steel) | Types A, B | Not guaranteed | Severe forming, stamping, deep drawing |
| SS (Structural Steel) | Grades 30-80 | Guaranteed minimums | Load-bearing framing, structural connections |
| HSLAS | Grades 45-70, Classes 1-2 | Guaranteed minimums | Higher strength-to-weight applications |
| HSLAS-F | Grades 50-80 | Guaranteed minimums | HSLAS with better formability |
| UHSS | Grades 90, 100 | Guaranteed minimums | Ultra-high strength applications |
CS Type B: The Most Commonly Ordered Grade
CS Type B is the workhorse. It is the most frequently ordered hot-rolled sheet steel in North America and the direct successor to the old A569 specification. When someone says "commercial quality hot-rolled," this is what they mean.
The mill guarantees chemistry but not mechanical properties. If you need a certified minimum yield strength, specify SS Grade 33 or SS Grade 36 instead.
Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis)
| Element | Limit |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60% max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.030% max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035% max |
Typical Mechanical Properties (Not Guaranteed)
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 30-50 ksi (205-345 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | 45-65 ksi (310-450 MPa) |
| Elongation (2 in.) | 25-30% |
Weldability and Formability
Low carbon content means CS Type B welds readily with MIG, TIG, stick, and resistance welding. No preheat needed for typical thicknesses, and post-weld heat treatment is generally unnecessary.
Formability is excellent. CS Type B can be bent 180 degrees flat on itself at room temperature for thicknesses up to 0.180 in. It handles stamping, drawing, roll forming, and press brake work without issues.
Common Applications
CS Type B shows up in just about every shop and job site where someone needs general-purpose hot-rolled steel sheet:
- HVAC ductwork, air handling equipment, and blower housings
- Structural brackets, gussets, and base plates (non-engineered)
- Equipment housings, enclosures, and covers
- Agricultural implements and frames
- Drums, barrels, and industrial containers
- Welded pipe and tubing
- Shelving, lockers, and furniture frames
- Chutes, hoppers, and bins
How to Order
A1011 CS Type B comes in coils, cut-to-length sheets, and slit strips. Common sheet sizes from service centers are 48" x 96", 48" x 120", and 60" x 120".
Standard Gauges
| Gauge | Thickness (in.) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 18 ga | 0.048 | Light enclosures, appliance panels |
| 16 ga | 0.060 | Ductwork, light fabrication |
| 14 ga | 0.075 | General fabrication, brackets |
| 12 ga | 0.105 | Structural brackets, equipment frames |
| 10 ga | 0.135 | Heavy brackets, base plates |
| 3/16" | 0.188 | Heavy fabrication, near the A1011 thickness limit |
Surface Finish: HR Black vs HRPO
Two finishes are available, and the choice matters more than most people realize:
Hot Rolled Black (as-rolled) has a dark oxide coating (mill scale) that flakes off during forming and must be sandblasted or mechanically cleaned before painting. Fine for rough structural work that will be galvanized later.
HRPO (Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled) has been acid-cleaned to remove all mill scale. Clean, uniform surface that laser cuts faster, takes about 30% less primer, and gives better paint adhesion. Specify HRPO if the part will be painted, powder coated, or visible.
A1011 vs A36: Which One Do You Need?
This comes up constantly. They are different specifications for different product forms, but they overlap in the 3/16" to 0.230" thickness range.
| Factor | A1011 CS Type B | A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Product form | Sheet and strip (thin gauge) | Plate, shapes, bars (thick) |
| Thickness | Up to 0.230" | Typically 3/16" and up |
| Yield strength | ~30 ksi typical, not guaranteed | 36 ksi minimum, guaranteed |
| Formability | Excellent for bending, stamping | Good but stiffer |
| Best for | Formed parts, ductwork, enclosures | Structural beams, columns, base plates |
Rule of thumb: If it is structural and an engineer specified it, use A36 (or A1011 SS Grade 36 for sheet form). If it is general fabrication and formability matters more than certified strength, use A1011 CS Type B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A1011 CS Type B the same as A569?
Functionally, yes. When ASTM withdrew A569 in 2000, the same chemistry requirements carried over to A1011 CS Type B. The 0.15% max carbon, 0.60% max manganese, and general formability characteristics are unchanged. If an older drawing calls out A569, A1011 CS Type B is the correct material to order.
Does CS Type B have a guaranteed yield strength?
No. CS (Commercial Steel) grades are sold to chemistry only. Typical yield is around 30 ksi, but the mill does not guarantee it. If you need a certified minimum yield, specify A1011 SS Grade 33 or SS Grade 36 instead.
Should I order HR black or HRPO?
If the part will be painted, powder coated, laser cut, or visible in the finished product, order HRPO. The acid-cleaned surface takes paint better and cuts cleaner. If the part will be sandblasted and galvanized anyway, HR black saves money.
What thickness does A1011 cover?
Up to 0.230 in. (about 6 mm). Material thicker than 0.230 in. falls under ASTM A1018 for coils or A36 for plate and structural shapes.
Can I use A1011 CS Type B for structural work?
Not for engineered structural applications where building codes require certified mechanical properties. For code-compliant structural framing, use A1011 SS grades (which have guaranteed minimums) or A1003 for cold-formed steel framing members.