Understanding IS 2062:2011 E350A - Hot Rolled Structural Steel

The steel industry has played a crucial role in infrastructure development, manufacturing and building. With its rapidly growing economy, India has witnessed a significant demand for high-quality steel that meets international and national standards.One standard is IS 2062:2011 E350A. Access more content on E350A by registering with us.

IS 2062:2011 E350A

IS: 2062: Indian Standard for hot rolled medium and high tensile structural steel
20211: The year this standard was last revised.
E: Engineering
350: Indicates a minimum yield strength of 350 megapascals (MPa)
A: The sub-quantity under this standard. 

IS 2062 is maintained by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is a national standards body in India. The standard is periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and industry practices. The scope of IS 2062 covers the requirements of steel including micro-alloyed steel plates, strips, shapes, and sections (angles, tees, beams, channels, etc), flats, bars, etc, for use in structural work. 

E350A, a grade specified in this standard, has become a popular choice for various applications due to its excellent properties and versatility. E350A (sub-quality A) is a quality of steel where the impact test is not required. The impact test is a measure of the toughness of the steel and is performed to ensure that the steel can withstand sudden shock or impact without fracturing or breaking. This test, also known as the Charpy test, involves striking a notched specimen with a pendulum and measuring the energy absorbed by the specimen.

According to IS 2062, the sub-quality A has both killed and semi-killed steel. In killed steel, the molten metal is treated with a strong deoxidising agent, usually silicon, aluminium, before casting. This deoxidation process removes most of the dissolved oxygen and other impurities in the molten metal, ensuring a more uniform and fine-grained structure in the final product. Semi-killed steel undergoes a partial deoxidation process before casting. In this case, the deoxidising agents are added in a controlled manner, but not to the extent of fully removing all the dissolved oxygen. Interested in learning more about steel grades? Register here for exclusive content.

Let's explore the characteristics and significance of IS 2062:2011 E350A. 

Chemical Composition:
E350A steel is known for its balanced chemical composition, which contributes to its remarkable mechanical properties. 

Carbon (C): 0.23% (max)
Manganese (Mn): 1.50% (max)
Silicon (Si): 0.40% (max)
Sulphur (S): 0.055% (max)
Phosphorus (P): 0.055% (max)

The primary elements that define this composition are carbon, manganese, silicon, and sulphur. The carbon content ensures the necessary strength, while manganese enhances hardenability, formability, and overall durability. Silicon plays a crucial role in deoxidation during the steelmaking process, ensuring a cleaner and more uniform material. The controlled sulphur content in E350A improves its machinability, making it easier to work with in various manufacturing processes.

Mechanical Properties:
This strength, coupled with good ductility and toughness, allows E350A to withstand heavy loads and absorb energy without fracturing easily. These plates are manufactured in quenched and tempered conditions. 

Yield strength: 320-350 megapascals (MPa) 
Elongation: 22%
Tensile strength: 490 minutes

Weldability:
E350A exhibits excellent weldability, making it a preferred option for fabricators and manufacturers. It can be easily welded using common welding processes, such as arc welding, gas welding, and resistance welding, without compromising the integrity of the joint. This characteristic is essential in industries where components need to be joined securely, ensuring the structural stability and longevity of the finished product.

Formability and machinability:
The formability of E350A allows for the creation of complex shapes and structures, making it versatile in various applications. Whether it's bending, rolling, or shaping, this grade of steel responds well to forming processes. Additionally, its good machinability simplifies the process of cutting, drilling, and machining, saving time and resources in manufacturing.

Corrosion resistance:
While E350A is not specifically designed as a corrosion-resistant steel, it does have reasonable resistance to atmospheric corrosion. This makes it suitable for outdoor applications where the steel is exposed to the elements, provided appropriate protective measures are taken, such as coatings or proper maintenance.

Applications:

Fabrication industry: These plates are widely used in the fabrication of structures, including bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure projects

General engineering: E350A plates are utilised in general engineering applications, such as manufacturing machinery, equipment, and components.

Machine building: E350A plates are used in the manufacturing of automobile components such as chassis, body structures, and suspension systems. These plates are also suitable for machine building applications, including the construction of machine frames, supports, and bases. 

Marine and seawater applications: E350A plates are used in marine and seawater environments due to their corrosion resistance properties

Fertiliser industry: These plates find applications in the fertiliser industry, where they are used in the construction of equipment and structures

It is important to note that these are just some of the common applications, and the versatility of E350A plates allows them to be used in various other industries and sectors as well. For more specific information on the applications of IS 2062 E350A plates, it is recommended to consult with a steel expert or supplier.

Conclusion:
IS 2062:2011 E350A is more than just a steel grade; it's a testament to the progress of the Indian steel industry. Its excellent properties, coupled with its affordability, have made it a go-to choice for a wide range of applications, from building infrastructure to manufacturing machinery. Unlock more content on E350A by registering with us.

As the Indian economy continues to expand, the demand for high-quality steel will remain robust, and E350A will undoubtedly play a vital role in meeting this demand while fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the steel sector.