Carbon Steel A36 is a widely used low-carbon structural steel known for its excellent balance of strength, toughness, and formability. Produced in accordance with ASTM A36 specifications, this grade offers reliable mechanical properties with good weldability and machinability, making it one of the most versatile and economical carbon steels available. Its controlled carbon content ensures consistent performance while allowing easy fabrication through cutting, bending, and welding operations.
With good ductility, uniform strength, and dependable impact resistance, Carbon Steel A36 is ideally suited for general structural and fabrication applications. Its ability to perform well under static and moderate dynamic loads makes it a preferred material for construction and industrial use. Commonly used in structural beams, plates, round bars, angles, channels, base plates, and fabricated components, Carbon Steel A36 remains the material of choice for projects demanding cost-effective strength, ease of fabrication, and long-term structural reliability.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CARBON STEEL A36 ROUND BAR
Grade
C
Cu
Fe
Mn
P
Si
S
A36
0.25 – 0.29%
0.20% max
Balance
1.03% max
0.040% max
0.28% max
0.050% max
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CARBON STEEL A36 ROUND BAR
Mechanical Property
Metric
Imperial
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
400 – 550 MPa
58,000 – 79,800 psi
Yield Strength
250 MPa
36,300 psi
Elongation at Break (200 mm)
20%
20%
Elongation at Break (50 mm)
23%
23%
Modulus of Elasticity
200 GPa
29,000 ksi
Bulk Modulus (Typical)
140 GPa
20,300 ksi
Poisson’s Ratio
0.26
0.26
Shear Modulus
79.3 GPa
11,500 ksi
💡 Practical Difference in Use
Use Carbon Steel A36 Round Bars when: dependable strength, good toughness, and easy fabrication are required at a cost-effective price. A36 is a low-carbon structural steel designed for general-purpose applications where weldability, formability, and availability are more important than high alloy performance.
→ Example: structural supports, base plates, shafts, brackets, and fabricated components.
Bright Finished / Machined Carbon Steel A36 Round Bars when: improved surface finish, better dimensional accuracy, and ease of machining are needed for fabricated or load-bearing parts.
→ Example: machined shafts, bolts, pins, rollers, and precision structural components.
Applications of Carbon Steel A36 Round Bars
Carbon Steel A36 round bars are selected for applications where reliable strength, weldability, and economical material cost are more critical than corrosion resistance or high alloy properties.
Construction & Infrastructure: Structural frames, supports, anchor rods, and base plates.
General Engineering: Shafts, pins, brackets, and fabricated machine parts.
Manufacturing & Fabrication: Components requiring easy welding, cutting, and forming.
When to Choose Carbon Steel A36 Round Bars?
Material selection depends on strength requirements, fabrication methods, surface finish needs, and overall project cost.
Choose Carbon Steel A36 Round Bars when:
Moderate tensile and yield strength are sufficient
Excellent weldability and formability are required
Cost-effective structural material is preferred
Used in construction, fabrication, and general engineering
Smoother surface finish improves performance or fit
Machining operations such as turning or drilling are needed
Uniform material quality is important for fabrication
Used in shafts, fasteners, or mechanical assemblies
Consistent surface condition is needed for assembly
Industries That Use Carbon Steel A36 Round Bars
Carbon Steel A36 round bars are widely used across industries that require reliable structural strength, ease of fabrication, and economical material solutions.
Construction & Infrastructure
Used in load-bearing and structural components.
Uses
Columns, supports, anchor rods, base plates.
Why Carbon Steel A36?
Good strength, excellent weldability, and cost efficiency.
General Engineering
Used in a wide range of fabricated and machined parts.
Uses
Shafts, pins, brackets, couplings.
Why Carbon Steel A36?
Easy machining, forming, and reliable mechanical properties.
Manufacturing & Fabrication
Used in welded and fabricated assemblies.
Uses
Frames, machine bases, structural parts.
Why Carbon Steel A36?
Consistent quality, availability, and economical performance.
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