Shipbuilding Steel AB AH36, DH36, EH36 are the top choice in the shipbuilding, oil and gas, and marine construction industries. With ABS certification from the American Bureau of Shipping, this steel ensures high quality, durability, and excellent load-bearing capacity in harsh environments. Viet A Protech is committed to providing internationally standardized products at competitive prices.
1. Introduction to ABS Steel – AH36, DH36, EH36
AH36, DH36, and EH36 are high-strength steel grades. They are certified by ABS according to ASTM A131 standards. Used in container ships, oil tankers, and icebreakers. Available in plates, bulb flats, and angle bars. Ensures optimal durability and safety.
2. Technical Properties of ABS Steel – AH36, DH36, EH36
2.1. Tensile Strength
Minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for all three grades. Stable tensile strength ranges from 490 to 620 MPa. Elongation of 21% reduces risk of brittle fracture. Excellent resistance to dynamic loads at sea.
2.2. Elongation Requirements
Elongation of high-strength ABS shipbuilding steel
2.3. Impact Properties
AH36 tested at 0°C, achieving 34J in the longitudinal direction. DH36 tested at -20°C with similar 34J toughness. EH36 tested at -40°C, minimum 34J. EH36 is ideal for polar regions.
Summary Table – Mechanical Properties
| Steel Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Test Temp (°C) | Toughness (J) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH36 | 355 | 490 – 620 | 0 | 34 | 21 |
| DH36 | 355 | 490 – 620 | -20 | 34 | 21 |
| EH36 | 355 | 490 – 620 | -40 | 34 | 21 |
3. Chemical Composition and Production Process
3.1. Chemical Composition
Maximum Carbon 0.18%, Manganese 0.90–1.60%. Silicon under 0.50%, Phosphorus and Sulfur under 0.035%. Minimum Aluminum 0.015% per ABS standards. Ensures excellent weldability and strength.
3.2. Production Process
AH36 is usually hot-rolled or thermally controlled. DH36 and EH36 prefer TMCP to enhance toughness. TMCP effectively refines steel grain structure. Mostly imported from reputable mills in Japan and Korea.
Summary Table – Chemical Composition
| Element | AH36 (%) | DH36 (%) | EH36 (%) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | ≤ 0.18 | ≤ 0.18 | ≤ 0.18 | Increases hardness |
| Manganese | 0.90–1.60 | 0.90–1.60 | 0.90–1.60 | Improves strength |
| Silicon | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | Enhances ductility |
| Phosphorus | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | Limited to prevent brittleness |
| Sulfur | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | Limited to prevent brittleness |
| Aluminum | ≥ 0.015 | ≥ 0.015 | ≥ 0.015 | Deoxidizer, improves toughness |
4. Standard Dimensions of ABS Steel – AH36, DH36, EH36
4.1. Steel Plates
Thickness ranges from 5mm to 150mm depending on grade. Width from 1,500–3,000mm, length from 6,000–12,000mm. Custom cutting available per project needs.
4.2. Bulb Flats
Thickness from 3–50mm, width from 20–250mm. Standard lengths from 6,000–12,000mm. Used for ship framing and flooring.
4.3. Angle Bars
Leg width from 20–200mm, thickness 3–20mm. Lengths from 6,000–12,000mm. Available in equal and unequal types. Reinforces structural corners.
Summary Table – Shipbuilding Steel Dimensions
| Steel Type | Thickness (mm) | Width/Leg (mm) | Length (mm) | Main Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate AH36 | 5 – 100 | 1,500 – 3,000 | 6,000 – 12,000 | Hulls, decks |
| Plate DH36 | 5 – 100 | 1,500 – 3,000 | 6,000 – 12,000 | Oil tankers |
| Plate EH36 | 5 – 150 | 1,500 – 3,000 | 6,000 – 12,000 | Icebreakers |
| Bulb Flat | 3 – 50 | 20 – 250 | 6,000 – 12,000 | Frames, partitions |
| Equal Angle | 3 – 20 | 20 – 200 | 6,000 – 12,000 | Corner reinforcements |
| Unequal Angle | 3 – 20 | 50×30 – 200×100 | 6,000 – 12,000 | Complex structures |
5. ABS Certification and Technical Requirements
5.1. ABS Requirements
ABS requires minimum 0.015% Aluminum for deoxidation. Ultrasonic testing to detect internal flaws. Ensures uniform quality, no porosity. Max thickness up to 150mm with TMCP process.
5.2. Key Features
ABS enforces stricter quality controls than DNV and LR. Charpy V-notch testing required for toughness. Ensures steel suitability for all marine conditions.
Summary Table – ABS Requirements
| Requirement | AH36 | DH36 | EH36 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min Aluminum (%) | ≥ 0.015 | ≥ 0.015 | ≥ 0.015 | Deoxidation, improve toughness |
| Test Temp (°C) | 0 | -20 | -40 | Impact toughness assurance |
| Ultrasonic Testing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Detect internal defects |
| Max Thickness (mm) | 100 | 100 | 150 | Flexible for application |
6. Real Applications of ABS Steel – AH36, DH36, EH36
6.1. AB AH36 Steel
Used for hulls and decks in warmer seas. Suitable for container ships and small cargo vessels. Performs well above 0°C and is cost-effective.
6.2. AB DH36 Steel
Used for oil tankers in moderately cold waters. Withstands -20°C in Northern Europe. Maintains strength in sub-zero environments.
6.3. AB EH36 Steel
Ideal for icebreakers and Arctic rigs. Operates safely at -40°C in polar zones. Exceptional toughness and strength.
Summary Table – Applications
| Steel Grade | Main Use | Operating Temp (°C) | Suitable Vessels |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH36 | Hulls, decks | Above 0 | Container ships, cargo |
| DH36 | Oil tankers, cold framing | -20 | Oil tankers, N. Europe |
| EH36 | Icebreakers, rigs | -40 | Arctic ships, oil rigs |
7. Comparison of AH36, DH36, EH36 and Benefits
7.1. Feature Comparison
AH36 is cheaper and efficient in warm seas. DH36 balances cost and performance in mild cold. EH36 is pricier but optimal in extreme cold. Selection depends on operating conditions.
7.2. Practical Benefits
ABS steel ensures safety and high durability. Bulb flats and angle bars offer structural support. Reduces operational failures. Meets strict international standards.
Cost & Condition Comparison Table
| Steel Grade | Cost | Suitable Condition | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH36 | Low | Warm zones (>0°C) | Affordable, easy fabrication | Not for cold environments |
| DH36 | Medium | Mild cold (-20°C) | Durable, cost-effective | Limited in extreme cold |
| EH36 | High | Extreme cold (-40°C) | High toughness, safest option | Expensive, less flexible |
8. ABS Steel Selection Guide
Determine operating temperature: warm, cold, extreme cold. Choose AH36 for areas above 0°C for cost savings. Use DH36 in -20°C zones for balance. EH36 is best for -40°C for safety. Match required dimensions with the tables above.
9. Conclusion
ABS-certified AH36, DH36, and EH36 shipbuilding steel are versatile. AH36 for warm seas, DH36 for mild cold, EH36 for polar extremes. Their properties and sizes meet all maritime demands. Use the tables for proper steel selection.
4. Where to Buy High-Quality ABS Steel?
✅ Certified by ABS, BV, DNV, and LR for guaranteed quality.
✅ Nationwide shipping support for fast and reliable delivery.
✅ Free technical consultation – Competitive pricing.
📞 Contact for Consultation & Quotation Now
📞 Hotline: +84 908 445 224
📧 Email: sales@vietacnc.com.vn
🌐 Website: https://vietacnc.com.vn
