1.1 This specification covers the general requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the product specification, apply to steel sheet in coils and cut lengths, metallic-coated on continuous lines by the hot-dip process. The product is intended for applications requiring corrosion resistance. The product specifications contain requirements for specific strength levels, heat resistance, paintability, or formability, or a combination thereof.

1.2 Subject to individual product specification provisions, steel sheet is available as Commercial Steel (CS) Types A, B, and C, Forming Steel (FS), Drawing Steel (DS), Deep Drawing Steel (DDS), Extra Deep Drawing Steel (EDDS), High Temperature Steel (HTS), Structural Steel (SS), and High Strength Low Alloy Steel (HSLAS). Steel sheet is produced with the following metallic coatings. Specific information on each of the following is contained in the individual product specification:

1.3 Products covered by this general requirements specification are described in the following product standards: Specifications A463/A463M; A653/A653M; A755/A755M; A792/A792M; A875/A875M; A929/A929M; A1046/A1046M; A1057/A1057M; A1063/A1063M; and A1079.

1.4 Metallic-coated steel sheet is produced to various coating designations, as shown in the individual product specifications. Except for differentially coated sheet, the coating is always expressed as the total coating of both surfaces.

1.5 In case of any conflict in requirements, the requirements of the individual product specifications shall prevail over those of this general specification.

1.6 The purchaser is permitted to specify additional requirements that do not negate any of the provisions of this general specification or of the individual product specifications. Such additional requirements, the acceptance of which are subject to negotiation with the supplier, shall be included in the order information.

1.7 For purposes of determining conformance with this specification and the various product specifications referenced in 1.3, values shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting values (except to the nearest 5 MPa for SI strength values) in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

1.8 Metallic-coated steel sheet covered by this specification is produced to thickness requirements expressed to 0.001 in. [0.01 mm] for both coils and cut lengths. The thickness is the total of the base steel and the coating.

1.9 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.

1.10 The values stated in inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other.

1.11 This specification and some of the applicable product specifications are expressed in both inch-pound and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the product shall be furnished to inch-pound units.

1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.13 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.