AH36 vs AH32
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
AH36
Structural & HSLA Steel
AH36 is the most used high-tensile hull steel in the world — the 355 MPa grade that modern bulk carriers, tankers and container ships are built from. Strength and 0 °C toughness are certified plate-by-plate by the classification society.
Standards: AISI A131 AH36 · JIS KA36 (near) · GB AH36 (GB/T 712)
AH32
Structural & HSLA Steel
AH32 is a higher-strength hull structural steel (315 MPa yield) approved by the classification societies for shipbuilding. The A temperature grade is impact-tested at 0 °C; delivery is always under class survey with society certificates.
Standards: AISI A131 AH32 · JIS KA32 (near) · GB AH32 (GB/T 712)
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | AH36 | AH32 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.18 | ≤0.18 |
| Si | ≤0.50 | ≤0.50 |
| Mn | 0.90–1.60 | 0.90–1.60 |
| P | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
| S | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
| Note | Nb/V/Ti grain-refining per class rules | Nb/V/Ti grain-refining per class rules |
Properties compared
| Property | AH36 | AH32 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength | ≥355 MPa | ≥315 MPa |
| Tensile strength | 490–630 MPa | 440–590 MPa |
| Impact | 0 °C, ≥34 J longitudinal (≤50 mm) | A-grade temperature: 0 °C |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: AH36 · AH32. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.