ASTM A569 vs A1011 Steel: What’s the Difference?
When engineers, fabricators, and purchasing managers evaluate hot rolled steel, ASTM specifications are often the starting point. These standards define how the steel is produced, its chemical composition, and its performance. Among the most commonly referenced are ASTM A569 and ASTM A1011. While both are associated with hot rolled carbon steel sheet and coil, they represent different eras of steel standards. Understanding the relationship between the two helps ensure projects are sourced correctly and aligned with current specifications.
At Olympic Steel, we supply a broad range of hot rolled steel sheet and coil, with grades governed by ASTM A1011. This is the modern standard that replaced A569, offering buyers more clarity and flexibility. In this article, we’ll walk through what A569 was, why it was replaced, and how A1011 is now the governing specification for hot rolled steel. We’ll also explain what it means for companies sourcing hot rolled sheet and coil today.
How ASTM Standards Shape the Industry
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops consensus-based specifications that guide material standards across industries. These specifications ensure consistency, reliability, and quality across the supply chain. They define everything from chemical makeup to dimensional tolerances, giving fabricators and OEMs confidence in the steel they purchase.
In hot rolled steel, ASTM standards are especially critical because sheet and coil products feed into countless downstream applications. A569 and A1011 both addressed commercial-quality hot rolled steel, but at different points in time. A569 was widely used in the past, while A1011 now provides an updated and more comprehensive framework.
What Was ASTM A569 Steel?
ASTM A569 was classified as a commercial quality hot rolled carbon steel sheet and coil. It was widely used in general fabrication, where formability and weldability mattered more than high mechanical strength. Its broad definitions made it useful for a range of applications but also limited in precision.
A569 did not impose strict chemical or mechanical requirements, which made it attractive for general-purpose use but less ideal for applications where higher strength or tighter tolerances were needed. It was often chosen for forming, bending, and welded parts. While its typical yield strength was about 30 ksi, the specification left wide room for variation.
For many years, A569 was the “default” choice for fabricators needing hot rolled sheet without stringent requirements. It was found in prints, drawings, and procurement lists across industries.
Why Was ASTM A1011 Introduced?
As industries advanced, the need for more precise steel standards grew. Automotive, construction, and equipment manufacturers demanded clearer definitions for performance, particularly around higher-strength steels. ASTM responded by consolidating older specifications into ASTM A1011. This modern standard incorporated and replaced A569, ensuring better coverage and consistency.
A1011 provides:
- Defined categories for commercial, drawing, structural, and high-strength steels.
- Clearer ranges for chemistry and mechanical properties.
- Broader applicability, making it easier to use one standard across multiple applications.
By replacing A569, A1011 became the universal reference for hot rolled sheet and coil, improving quality assurance and simplifying sourcing for buyers.
What Is ASTM A1011 Steel?
ASTM A1011 covers hot rolled carbon sheet and coil, both in cut lengths and in coils. It defines multiple product types, making it far more versatile than A569 ever was. Its categories include:
- Commercial Steel (CS Types A–D): The direct replacement for A569, used for forming and welding in general fabrication.
- Drawing Steel (DS): Designed for deeper drawing and forming applications.
- Structural Steel (SS Grades 30–80): Offers higher yield strengths, up to 80 ksi, for load-bearing applications.
- High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLAS and HSLAS-F): Combines higher strength with lighter weights, ideal for transportation and machinery.
- Ultra High Strength (UHSS): For demanding applications requiring maximum performance.
This flexibility allows A1011 to serve industries ranging from agriculture to heavy transportation. Where A569 offered only one broad classification, A1011 offers a complete family of grades.
A569 vs A1011: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | ASTM A569 | ASTM A1011 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Obsolete | Current ASTM standard |
| Product Form | Hot rolled sheet, coil | Hot rolled sheet, coil |
| Classification | Commercial quality | Commercial, drawing, structural, HSLA, UHSS |
| Yield Strength (typical) | ~30 ksi | 30 ksi (CS) to 80 ksi (SS), higher for HSLA/UHSS |
| Applications | General fabrication | Broad range: fabrication, structural, OEM parts |
| Availability | Replaced by A1011 | Widely available nationwide |
Why A569 Was Replaced
The move from A569 to A1011 was more than just an update. It was a reflection of how manufacturing needs changed. A569 served a purpose when flexibility and general usage were sufficient. But as supply chains demanded better traceability and industries leaned on steel for safety-critical components, more precise standards were essential.
A1011 allowed buyers to select the right steel for the right job, whether that meant standard commercial steel for brackets or HSLA grades for structural applications. This change improved consistency, reduced quality risks, and brought modern clarity to specifications.
Applications of A1011 Today
Because A1011 covers such a broad range of grades, its uses are extensive. Olympic Steel supplies A1011 coil and sheet for applications such as:
- Construction equipment: Panels, brackets, and reinforcements where weldability and strength are required.
- Agricultural machinery: Structural supports, housings, and welded components.
- Transportation equipment: Trailer components, supports, and formed sheet parts where weight and performance matter.
- Industrial machinery: Base frames, housings, and fabricated structures.
- General fabrication: A wide variety of welded and formed products where dependable quality is critical.
Unlike A569, which was limited to one quality designation, A1011 gives customers the ability to choose a grade tailored to their needs.
Olympic Steel’s Role
At Olympic Steel, we don’t just stock A1011 sheet and coil, we process it to meet customer requirements. Our value-added services include:
- Slitting and blanking to provide coil and sheet in precise widths and lengths.
- Cut-to-length processing to deliver sheets ready for production.
- Stretcher leveling to ensure laser-flat material for automated cutting.
- Temper passing to improve surface quality and flatness.
- Kitting and logistics services to streamline fabrication for OEMs.
These services transform raw coil into production-ready parts, saving time on the fabrication floor and ensuring consistent results. This is where Olympic Steel adds unique value beyond simply supplying material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A569 still available?
No. A569 has been discontinued. A1011 is the modern standard and covers commercial steel that directly replaces A569.
If my print specifies A569, what should I order?
You should request ASTM A1011 Commercial Steel (CS). Olympic Steel can confirm the best grade and supply it in the form you need.
Are A1011 and A36 the same?
Not exactly. A1011 applies to hot rolled sheet and coil, while A36 covers plate steel. The difference lies in thickness and usage.
Does Olympic Steel stock A1011?
Yes. We stock A1011 in commercial, structural, and HSLA grades, available in coil or sheet form, and can process it to customer specifications.
Why was A569 discontinued?
Because A1011 provides broader coverage, clearer definitions, and higher-quality standards for today’s manufacturing needs.
Final Thoughts
The difference between ASTM A569 and ASTM A1011 comes down to modernization and scope. A1011 is the current, comprehensive standard, offering multiple grade categories that meet a wider variety of industrial applications. A569 has been retired, but many still see it referenced on old prints. In those cases, A1011 Commercial Steel is the correct modern equivalent.
For today’s buyers, fabricators, and OEMs, the message is clear: if your project specifies A569, order A1011. Olympic Steel supplies A1011 sheet and coil nationwide, with processing services that make your steel production-ready. Our experts can help select the right grade and deliver it cut, leveled, or kitted for your operation.
