Cortenblech

Corten sheet metal is a weathering steel product designed for long-term outdoor use. It offers stable corrosion resistance through a protective rust layer formed naturally during exposure. Compared with abrasion resistant steel, corten focuses on resisting weather and corrosion rather than surface wear. This makes it suitable for architectural and structural applications where long service life and a distinctive rusted appearance are required.

Kategorie: Cortenstahl

Beschreibung

Cortenblech is a type of weathering steel sheet designed for outdoor use. It forms a dense protective rust layer after exposure to natural weather, which helps reduce further corrosion. This material is commonly used in construction, Landschaftsbau, Transport, and industrial structures because it combines structural strength with natural corrosion resistance.

Corten sheet metal is often supplied under standards such as:

ASTM A606-Typ 4
ASTM A588
IN 10025 S355J2W
Q355NH

It is generally available in thicknesses from 0.8 mm bis 6 mm for sheet products, while thicker materials are classified as corten steel plate.

Main Properties of Corten Sheet Metal

The key advantage of corten sheet metal is its ability to form a stable oxide patina. Im Gegensatz zu gewöhnlichem Kohlenstoffstahl, the rust layer on corten is compact and adherent, slowing down corrosion inside the steel.

Typical Chemical Composition

Element	Typischer Inhalt (%)	Funktion
Kohlenstoff (C)	0.10–0,20	Basic strength
Kupfer (Cu)	0.25–0.40	Verbessert die Korrosionsbeständigkeit
Chrom (Cr)	0.40–0,65	Fördert die Patinabildung
Nickel (In)	0.30–0,65	Increases weather resistance
Phosphor (P)	≤0.15	Helps stabilize rust layer
Mangan (Mn)	0.80–1,25	Verbessert die Zähigkeit

These alloying elements make corten different from common mild steel, although it is still classified as low-alloy carbon steel.

Mechanische Eigenschaften

Eigentum	Typischer Wert
Streckgrenze	≥ 345 MPa
Zugfestigkeit	485–630 MPa
Verlängerung	≥ 20%
Härte	130–190 HB
Dichte	7.85 g/cm³

Corten sheet offers good strength and outdoor durability, but it is not intended for high-wear conditions.

Corten Sheet Metal vs Abrasion Resistant Steel

Corten steel and abrasion resistant steel are often compared because both are used in harsh environments. Their design purposes are different.

Eigentum	Cortenblech	Abriebfester Stahl
Main feature	Wetterbeständigkeit	Verschleißfestigkeit
Härte	130–190 HB	360–600 HB
Oberfläche	Protective rust layer	Usually painted
Main alloy	Cu, Cr, In	C, Mn, B
Best application	Außenstrukturen	Heavy wear equipment
Bearbeitung	Einfacher	Schwieriger
Schweißbarkeit	Gut	Mäßig

Main Difference

Corten sheet metal resists atmosphärische Korrosion, while abrasion resistant steel resists mechanical wear and impact.

Beispiele:

Corten sheet is suitable for façade panels, Gartenschirme, and containers.
Abrasion resistant steel is suitable for dump truck liners, Brecher, and mining chutes.

This means corten performs better in rainy outdoor conditions, while wear plate performs better in environments with sand, Kies, or constant friction.