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J403 JUN2014
SURFACE VEHICLE
STANDARD Issued 1911-06
Revised 2014-06

Superseding J403 DEC2009

Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels

RATIONALE

a. Table 1 – Added footnotes 6 and 7 to clarify Manganese ranges or limits for UNS G10060, UNS G10080, SAE 1006
and SAE 1008.
b. Table 1 – Removed footnote 3*, since purpose was replaced by footnotes 6 and 7.
c. Table 1 – Removed footnotes 1 and 2 from Carbon column title and removed footnote 1 from Manganese column title,
since they do not apply to these elements.
d. Tables 1 and 2 – Added individual columns differentiating Phosphorous and Sulfur limits for Flat Rolled and Long
Products.
e. Tables 1 and 2 footnote 1 was replaced to provide product scope for Flat Rolled and Long Products.
f. Tables 1 and 2 – Added footnotes 2 and 3 to table titles, since they apply to all grades.
g. Tables 1 and 2 Footnote 3 SILICON – Added note to include, all Products except for RODS, to be more accurate.
h. Table 2 – Added footnote 1 to Phosphorous and Sulfur column titles, since it applies to these elements.
i. Tables 3A and 3B – Added footnotes 1 and 2 to table titles, since they apply to all grades.
j. Tables 3A and 3B – Removed reference maximum in Sulfur and Vanadium column titles, since ranges apply to these
elements.

1. SCOPE

In 1941, the SAE Iron and Steel Division, in collaboration with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), made a major
change in the method of expressing composition ranges for the SAE steels. The plan, as now applied, is based in general
on narrower cast or heat analysis ranges plus certain product analysis allowances on individual samples, in place of the
fixed ranges and limits without tolerances formerly provided for carbon and other elements in SAE steels.

For years the variety of chemical compositions of steel has been a matter of concern in the steel industry. It was
recognized that production of fewer grades of steel could result in improved deliveries and provide a better opportunity to
achieve advances in technology, manufacturing practices, and quality, and thus develop more fully the possibilities of
application inherent in those grades.

Comprehensive and impartial studies were directed toward determining which of the many grades being specified were
the ones in most common demand, and the feasibility of combining compositions having like requirements. From these
studies, the most common grades of steel have been selected and kept in the current revision. The cast or heat chemical
composition limits or ranges of these grades are given in Tables 1, 2, 3A, and 3B. These cast or heat limits or ranges are
subject to standard variations for product analysis as given in SAE J409. Since AISI is no longer issuing steel grade
designations, grades listed in this document are SAE grades.

It is recognized that chemical compositions other than those listed in the previously mentioned tables will at times be
needed for specialized applications or processing. When such a steel is required, the elements comprising the desired
chemical composition are specified in one of three ways: (a) by a minimum limit, (b) by a maximum limit, or (c) by
minimum and maximum limits, termed a range.
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Standard cast or heat analysis limits and ranges for the various elements of carbon steels are given in Table 4. In this
table, range is the arithmetical difference between the minimum and maximum limits (that is, 0.19 to 0.25 is a 0.06 range).
These cast or heat limits and ranges are also subject to standard variations for product analysis as given in SAE J409.

ISTC Division 1 has developed a procedure which allows for the maintenance of the grade lists in this document. This will
involve conducting an industry-wide survey to solicit input. This survey will be conducted at a frequency deemed
necessary by the technical committee.

Criteria have been established for the addition to or the deletion of grades from the grade lists. New grades will be
considered based on the grade meeting a SAE grade designation and chemistry, having a minimum production or
consumption of 225 tonnes/year (250 tons/year) and has the sponsorship of at least two individual users or producers.
New steel compositions will be considered as Potential Standard (PS) steels, based on the guidelines in SAE J1081, until
such time as production of the new steel achieves a level of production or usage qualifying it for consideration as a
standard steel.

Deletion of grades will be by consensus based on the grade survey. Deleted grades will be archived in SAE J1249.

When the cast or heat analysis is requested to be reported to demonstrate conformance to the chemical limits shown in
Tables 1, 2, 3A, or 3B, in addition to the quantities of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur, the following elements
and their quantities shall also be reported: copper, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and silicon. When the amount of any
one of these last five elements is less than 0.02% that analysis may be reported as “<0.02%.”

Based on a survey question in the 2006 Grade Survey, the grade lists have been revised such that chemistries of all
product forms are now consolidated into single tables. The chemistry ranges listed will be the narrowest range for the
various product forms with the exception of S content. It is acknowledged however that due to differences in the section
size of the various product forms, chemical composition demands for the product forms should be different to allow for
adequate flexibility of steel application. These differences are reflected in Tables 4 and 5.

2. REFERENCES

2.1 Applicable Documents

The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the
latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications

Available from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA
and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside USA), www.sae.org.

SAE J409 Product Analysis - Permissible Variations from Specified Chemical Analysis of a Heat or Cast of Steel

SAE J411 Carbon and Alloy Steels

SAE J1081 Potential Standard Steels

SAE J1249 Former SAE Standard and Former SAE Ex-Steels

SAE J1268 Hardenability Bands for Carbon and Alloy H Steels

SAE J1868 Restricted Hardenability Bands for Selected Alloy Steels

2.1.2 ISS Publication

Available from ISS, 186 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale, PA 15086-7528, Tel: 724-776-6040, www.iss.org.

ISS Carbon and Alloy Steel Bar and Semi-Finished Products Manual
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3. CHEMICAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

3.1 When the cast or heat analysis is requested to be reported to demonstrate conformance to the chemical limits
shown in Tables 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the elements and their quantities, as shown in Table 6, shall also be reported.

TABLE 1 - NONRESULFURIZED CARBON STEEL COMPOSITIONS APPLICABLE TO SEMIFINISHED PRODUCTS

FOR FORGING, TO HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-FINISHED BARS, TO WIRE RODS, PLATES, STRIP, SHEETS,
(2,3)
WELDED TUBING, AND TO SEAMLESS TUBING CAST OR HEAT CHEMICAL RANGES AND LIMITS

Flat Rolled Flat Rolled Long Products Long Products

Products Products Chemical Chemical
Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical Composition Composition
UNS No. SAE No. Composition Composition Composition Composition Limits, % Limits, %
(1) (1)
Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % P, Max S, Max
(1) (1)
C Mn P, Max S, Max
(4) (4)
G10020 1002 0.02–0.04 0.35 Max 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(4) (4)
G10030 1003 0.02–0.06 0.35 Max 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(4) (4)
G10040 1004 0.02–0.08 0.35 Max 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(5) (5)
G10050 1005 0.06 Max 0.35 Max 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(5) (5)
G10060 1006 0.08 Max See Notes 6 & 7 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(4) (4)
G10070 1007 0.02–0.10 0.50 Max 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(5) (5)
G10080 1008 0.10 Max See Notes 6 & 7 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
(5) (5)
G10090 1009 0.15 Max 0.60 Max 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10100 1010 0.08–0.13 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10120 1012 0.10–0.15 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10130 1013 0.11–0.16 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10150 1015 0.13–0.18 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10160 1016 0.13–0.18 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10170 1017 0.15–0.20 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10180 1018 0.15–0.20 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10190 1019 0.15–0.20 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10200 1020 0.18–0.23 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10210 1021 0.18–0.23 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10220 1022 0.18–0.23 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10230 1023 0.20–0.25 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10250 1025 0.22–0.28 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10260 1026 0.22–0.28 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10290 1029 0.25–0.31 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10300 1030 0.28–0.34 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10330 1033 0.30–0.36 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10350 1035 0.32–0.38 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10370 1037 0.32–0.38 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10380 1038 0.35–0.42 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
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TABLE 1 - NONRESULFURIZED CARBON STEEL COMPOSITIONS APPLICABLE TO SEMIFINISHED

PRODUCTS FOR FORGING, TO HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-FINISHED BARS, TO WIRE RODS,
PLATES, STRIP, SHEETS, WELDED TUBING, AND TO SEAMLESS TUBING CAST
(2,3)
OR HEAT CHEMICAL RANGES AND LIMITS (CONTINUED)

Flat Rolled Flat Rolled Long Products Long Products

Products Products Chemical Chemical
Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical Composition Composition
UNS No. SAE No. Composition Composition Composition Composition Limits, % Limits, %
(1) (1)
Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % P, Max S, Max
(1) (1)
C Mn P, Max S, Max
G10490 1049 0.46–0.53 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10390 1039 0.37–0.44 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10400 1040 0.37–0.44 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10420 1042 0.40–0.47 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10430 1043 0.40–0.47 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10440 1044 0.43–0.50 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10450 1045 0.43–0.50 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10460 1046 0.43–0.50 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10500 1050 0.48–0.55 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10530 1053 0.48–0.55 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10550 1055 0.50–0.60 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10600 1060 0.55–0.65 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10650 1065 0.60–0.70 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10700 1070 0.65–0.75 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10740 1074 0.70–0.80 0.50–0.80 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10750 1075 0.70–0.80 0.40–0.70 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10780 1078 0.72–0.85 0.30–0.60 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10800 1080 0.75–0.88 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10840 1084 0.80–0.93 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10850 1085 0.80–0.93 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10860 1086 0.80–0.93 0.30–0.50 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10900 1090 0.85–0.98 0.60–0.90 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G10950 1095 0.90–1.03 0.30–0.50 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
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1. Scope of products included in the terms Flat Rolled and Long as stated in Table 1:
•Flat Rolled Products applies to Structural Shapes, Plates, Strip, Sheets and Welded Tubing.
•Long Products applies to Semi-Finished Products for Forging, Hot Rolled and Cold Finished Bars, Wire Rods and
Seamless Tubing.
2. RESIDUAL ELEMENTS: Residual elements for specific applications shall be agreed upon between purchaser and
supplier. As a guide, the following table lists different options for residual element limits. Unless otherwise specified, limits
for residual elements will be Option B.
*Note: Option A for flat rolled products these residual values apply through 1060; for higher carbon levels, residual
elements shall be agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
**Note: For Option D: When … is listed in table there are no limits but values must be reported.

Option Cu Ni Cr Mo
A* 0.20 Max 0.20 Max 0.15 Max 0.06 Max
B 0.35 Max 0.25 Max 0.20 Max 0.06 Max
C 0.40 Max 0.40 Max 0.30 Max 0.12 Max
D** … … … …
3. NOTES:
LEAD—Standard carbon steels can be produced with a lead range of 0.15 to 0.35% to improve machinability. Such
steels are identified by inserting the letter “L” between the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example,
10L45. The UNS designation is also modified by changing the last digit to “4” to indicate lead, for example, G10454.
BORON—Standard killed carbon steels, which are fine grain, may be produced with a boron addition to improve
hardenability. Such steels are produced to a range of 0.0005 to 0.003% boron. These steels are identified by inserting
the letter “B” between the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example, 10B46. The UNS designation is
also modified by changing the last digit to “1” to indicate boron, for example, G10461.
COPPER—When copper is required, 0.20% minimum is generally specified.
SILICON—All Products, except for RODS—When silicon ranges or limits are required, the following ranges are
commonly used: 0.10% max; 0.10 to 0.20%; 0.15 to 0.35%; 0.20 to 0.40%; or 0.30 to 0.60%.
•RODS—When silicon is required, the following ranges and limits are commonly used for nonresulfurized steels: 0.10%
max; 0.07 to 0.15%; 0.10 to 0.20%; 0.15 to 0.35%; 0.20 to 0.40%; 0.30 to 0.60%.
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS—See 3.1 for additional elements to be reported.
4. Ultra low carbon, interstitial free stabilized, and nonstablized steel shall not be supplied for these grades.
5. Ultra low carbon, interstitial free stabilized, and nonstablized steel may be supplied for these grades.
6. Manganese limits for Structural Shapes, Plates, Strip, Sheets and Welded Tubing shall be as follows:
•UNS G10060 and SAE 1006 requires Mn 0.45% maximum
•UNS G10080 and SAE 1008 requires Mn 0.50% maximum
7. Manganese ranges for Semi-Finished Products for Forging, Hot Rolled and Cold Finished Bars, Wire Rods and
Seamless Tubing shall be as follows:
•UNS G10060 and SAE 1006 requires Mn 0.25 – 0.40%
•UNS G10080 and SAE 1008 requires Mn 0.30 – 0.50%
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TABLE 2 - HIGH MANGANESE CARBON STEEL COMPOSITIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO SEMIFINISHED

PRODUCTS FOR FORGING, TO HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-FINISHED BARS, PLATES,
(2,3)
STRIP, SHEETS, AND TO SEAMLESS TUBING CAST OR HEAT CHEMICAL RANGES AND LIMITS

Flat Rolled Flat Rolled Long Long

Products Products Products Products
Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical
UNS No. SAE No. Composition Composition Composition Composition Composition Composition
Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, %
C Mn P, Max (1) S, Max (1) P, Max (1) S, Max (1)
G15150 1515 0.13–0.18 1.10–1.40 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15210 1521 0.18–0.23 1.10–1.40 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15220 1522 0.18–0.24 1.10–1.40 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15240 1524 0.19–0.25 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15260 1526 0.22–0.29 1.10–1.40 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15270 1527 0.22–0.29 1.20–1.50 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15360 1536 0.30–0.37 1.20–1.50 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15410 1541 0.36–0.44 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15470 1547 0.43–0.51 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15480 1548 0.44–0.52 1.10–1.40 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15520 1552 0.47–0.55 1.20–1.50 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
G15660 1566 0.60–0.71 0.85–1.15 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.050
1. Scope of products included in the terms Flat Rolled and Long, as stated in Table 2:
•Flat Rolled Products applies to Structural Shapes, Plates, Strip, Sheets and Welded Tubing.
•Long Products applies to Semi-Finished Products for Forging, Hot Rolled and Cold Finished Bars, Wire Rods and Seamless Tubing.
2. RESIDUAL ELEMENTS: Residual elements for specific applications shall be agreed upon between purchaser and supplier. As a guide,
the following table lists different options for residual element limits. Unless otherwise specified, limits for residual elements will be Option
B.
*Note: Option A for flat rolled products these residual values apply through 1060; for higher carbon levels, residual elements shall be
agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
**Note: For Option D: When … is listed in table there are no limits but values must be reported.

Option Cu Ni Cr Mo
A* 0.20 Max 0.20 Max 0.15 Max 0.06 Max
B 0.35 Max 0.25 Max 0.20 Max 0.06 Max
C 0.40 Max 0.40 Max 0.30 Max 0.12 Max
D** … … … …
3. NOTES:
LEAD—Standard carbon steels can be produced with a lead range of 0.15 to 0.35% to improve machinability. Such steels are identified
by inserting the letter “L” between the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example, 10L45. The UNS designation is also
modified by changing the last digit to “4” to indicate lead, for example, G10454.
BORON—Standard killed carbon steels, which are fine grain, may be produced with a boron addition to improve hardenability. Such
steels are produced to a range of 0.0005 to 0.003% boron. These steels are identified by inserting the letter “B” between the second and
third numerals of the grade number, for example, 10B46. The UNS designation is also modified by changing the last digit to “1” to indicate
boron, for example, G10461.
SILICON—All Products, except for RODS—When silicon ranges or limits are required, the following ranges are commonly used: 0.10%
max; 0.10 to 0.20%; 0.15 to 0.35%; 0.20 to 0.40%; or 0.30 to 0.60%.
•RODS—When silicon is required, the following ranges and limits are commonly used for nonresulfurized steels: 0.10% max; 0.07 to
0.15%; 0.10 to 0.20%; 0.15 to 0.35%; 0.20 to 0.40%; 0.30 to 0.60%.
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS—See 3.1 for additional elements to be reported.
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TABLE 3A - FREE CUTTING CARBON STEEL COMPOSITIONS APPLICABLE TO SEMIFINISHED

PRODUCTS FOR FORGING, HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-FINISHED BARS, WIRE RODS, AND
SEAMLESS TUBING - RESULFURIZED CARBON STEELS CAST OR
(1,2)
HEAT CHEMICAL RANGES AND LIMITS

Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical

Composition Composition Composition Composition Composition
Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, %
UNS No. SAE No. C Mn P, Max S V
G11170 1117 0.14–0.20 1.00–1.30 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11180 1118 0.14–0.20 1.30–1.60 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11260 1126 0.23–0.29 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11320 1132 0.27–0.34 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11370 1137 0.32–0.39 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11380 1138 0.34–0.40 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11400 1140 0.37–0.44 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11410 1141 0.37–0.45 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11411 11V41 0.37–0.45 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.08–0.13 0.04–0.08
G11440 1144 0.40–0.48 1.35–1.65 0.030 0.24–0.33 -
G11460 1146 0.42–0.49 0.70–1.00 0.030 0.08–0.13 -
G11510 1151 0.48–0.55 0.70–0.90 0.030 0.08–0.13 -

TABLE 3B - FREE CUTTING CARBON STEEL COMPOSITIONS APPLICABLE TO SEMIFINISHED

PRODUCTS FOR FORGING, HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-FINISHED BARS, WIRE RODS, AND
SEAMLESS TUBING - REPHOSPHORIZED AND RESULFURIZED CARBON STEELS
(1,2)
CAST OR HEAT CHEMICAL RANGES AND LIMITS

Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical

Composition Composition Composition Composition Composition
Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, % Limits, %
UNS No. SAE No. C, Max Mn P S Pb
G12120 1212 0.13 0.70–1.00 0.07–0.12 0.16–0.23 —
G12130 1213 0.13 0.70–1.00 0.07–0.12 0.24–0.33 —
G12150 1215 0.09 0.75–1.05 0.04–0.09 0.26–0.35 —
G12144 12L14 0.15 0.85–1.15 0.04–0.09 0.26–0.35 0.15–0.35
1. RESIDUAL ELEMENTS: Residual elements for specific applications shall be agreed upon between purchaser and supplier. As a
guide, the following table lists different options for residual element limits. Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, the
default limits for residual elements will be Option B.
*Note: Option A for flat rolled products these residual values apply through 1060; for higher carbon levels, residual elements
shall be agreed upon between purchaser and supplier..
**Note: For Option D: When … is listed in table there are no limits but values must be reported.

Option Cu Ni Cr Mo
A* 0.20 Max 0.20 Max 0.15 Max 0.06 Max
B 0.35 Max 0.25 Max 0.20 Max 0.06 Max
C 0.40 Max 0.40 Max 0.30 Max 0.12 Max
D** … … … …
2. NOTES:
LEAD—Standard carbon steels can be produced with a lead range of 0.15 to 0.35% to improve machinability. Such steels are
identified by inserting the letter “L” between the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example, 10L45. The UNS
designation is also modified by changing the last digit to “4” to indicate lead, for example, G10454.
SILICON—It is not common practice to produce the 12xx series of steels to specified silicon because of its adverse effect on
machinability.
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS—See 3.1 for additional elements to be reported.
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TABLE 4 - CARBON STEEL CAST OR HEAT CHEMICAL LIMITS AND RANGES APPLICABLE
ONLY TO SEMIFINISHED PRODUCTS FOR FORGING, HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-FINISHED
BARS, WIRE RODS, AND SEAMLESS TUBING

Chemical Ranges
and Limits, % Chemical Ranges Chemical Ranges
When Maximum of and Limits, % and Limits, %
Element Specified Element Range Lowest Max
(1)
Carbon 0.01
To 0.25 incl. 0.05
Over 0.25 to 0.40 incl. 0.06
Over 0.40 to 0.55 incl. 0.07
Over 0.55 to 0.80 incl. 0.10
Over 0.80 0.13
Manganese 0.35
To 0.40 incl. 0.15
Over 0.40 to 0.50 incl. 0.20
Over 0.50 to 1.65 incl. 0.30
Phosphorus 0.030
Over 0.040 to 0.08 incl. 0.03
Over 0.08 to 0.13 incl. 0.05
Sulfur 0.035
Over 0.05 to 0.09 incl. 0.03
Over 0.09 to 0.15 incl. 0.05
Over 0.15 to 0.23 incl. 0.07
Over 0.23 to 0.35 incl. 0.09
(2)
Silicon Bars
To 0.15 incl. 0.08
Over 0.15 to 0.20 incl. 0.10
Over 0.20 to 0.30 incl. 0.15
Over 0.30 to 0.60 incl. 0.20
Rods When silicon is required, the following
ranges and limits are commonly used:
0.10 max; 0.07–0.15, 0.10–0.20,
0.15–0.35, 0.20–0.40, or 0.30–0.60
Copper When copper is required, 0.20
minimum is commonly used.
(3)
Lead When lead is required, a range of
0.15–0.35 is generally used.
Boron Boron treated fine grain steels are
produced to a range of 0.0005 to
0.003% boron.
1. The carbon ranges shown customarily apply when the specified maximum limit for manganese does not exceed 1.10%. When
the maximum manganese limit exceeds 1.10%, it is customary to add 0.01 to the carbon range shown.
2. It is not common practice to produce a rephosphorized and resulfurized carbon steel to specified limits for silicon because of its
adverse effect on machinability.
3. Lead is reported only as a range of 0.15 to 0.35% since it is usually added to the mold or ladle stream as the steel is poured.
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TABLE 5 - CARBON STEEL CAST OR HEAT CHEMICAL LIMITS AND RANGES APPLICABLE
ONLY TO STRUCTURAL SHAPES, PLATES, STRIP, SHEETS, AND WELDED TUBING

Standard Chemical
Ranges and Limits, % Standard Chemical Standard Chemical
Limit or Max of Ranges and Limits, Ranges and Limits, %
Element Specified Range Range Lowest Max
(1) (2)
Carbon 0.01
To 0.15 incl. 0.05
Over 0.15 to 0.30 incl. 0.06
Over 0.30 to 0.40 incl. 0.07
Over 0.40 to 0.60 incl. 0.08
Over 0.60 to 0.80 incl. 0.11
Over 0.80 to 1.35 incl. 0.14
Manganese 0.35
To 0.50 incl. 0.20
Over 0.50 to 1.15 incl. 0.30
Over 1.15 to 1.65 incl. 0.35
Phosphorus 0.030
To 0.08 incl. 0.03
Over 0.08 to 0.15 incl. 0.05
Sulfur 0.035
To 0.08 incl. 0.03
Over 0.08 to 0.15 incl. 0.05
Over 0.15 to 0.23 incl. 0.07
Over 0.23 to 0.33 incl. 0.10
Silicon 0.10
To 0.15 incl. 0.08
Over 0.15 to 0.30 incl. 0.15
Over 0.30 to 0.60 incl. 0.30
Copper When copper is required, 0.20
minimum is commonly specified.
1. The carbon ranges shown in the column headed “Range” apply when the specified maximum limit for manganese does not exceed
1.00%. When the maximum manganese limit exceeds 1.00%, add 0.01 to the carbon ranges shown in the table.
2. 0.12 carbon maximum for structural shapes and plates.

TABLE 6 - ELEMENTS TO BE REPORTED

(3)
Table Number Additional Elements
(1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (2) (2) (2)
1, 2, 3A, and 3B C, Mn, P, S, Si , Al Cu , Ni , Cr , Mo , Nb (Cb) , Ti , V , B, N
1. When the amount of any one of these elements is less than 0.02%, that analysis may be reported as “<0.02%.”
2. When the amount of these elements is less than 0.008%, that analysis may be reported as “<0.008%.”.
3. If specified by purchaser, As and Sb are to be reported.
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4. NOTES

4.1 Marginal Indicia

A change bar (I) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions,
not editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of the document
title indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and (R) are not used in
original publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.

PREPARED BY THE SAE CARBON AND ALLOY STEELS COMMITTEE

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DISCLAIMER

Previous versions of this Standard have sometimes listed different chemistry ranges for the same steel grade depending
on the product form. These differences in chemistry ranges between different product forms reflected steelmaking
capability at the time.

As an outcome of last SAE industry wide grade steel survey it was agreed that chemistry ranges for various product forms
should be harmonized into one chemistry for each grade. This change simplifies the steel grade tables in the standard
and better represents the current improved chemistry capability of steel producers

In some cases, however this has resulted in more restrictive chemistry ranges for some product forms e.g. sheet
products, which traditionally have permitted wider tolerances. As a consequence, some products which conformed to the
previous standards are now out of compliance with this new current version.

To address this issue, Division 1 – Technical Committee agreed that until the next planned review of this standard, both
the past standard (J403-Nov01 or J404-Nov01) and the current Standard shall apply. Thus any material which conforms
to EITHER the Past or the Current versions shall be considered to be in compliance with the standard. This deviation shall
apply only until the next revision of the standard is published - expected to be issued no later than 2014.