When purchasing steel, you may come across the term “dual certified.” This designation means the steel meets the requirements of two different specifications or grades at the same time.

But what exactly does that mean, and why is it important for buyers? In this blog, we’ll break down what dual certification is, how it works, and why manufacturers and fabricators request it.

What Does “Dual Certified” Mean?
📌 Dual-certified steel meets the requirements of two different standards or specifications in a single material.

This means the steel has been tested and verified to comply with two sets of industry standards, such as:

🔹 Two ASTM or ASME grades
🔹 ASTM and EN (European) standards
🔹 Chemical and mechanical properties of two different grades

💡 Example: A steel plate might be dual certified as ASTM A36 (structural steel) and ASTM A572 Grade 50 (high-strength low-alloy steel).

How Is Steel Dual Certified?
Steel mills conduct tests to determine if the material meets the specifications for two separate grades based on:

✅ Chemical Composition – Alloying elements like carbon, manganese, and silicon must fit within the limits of both grades.
✅ Mechanical Properties – Yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation must meet the requirements for both certifications.
✅ Manufacturing Process – The production and heat treatment process must align with the standards of both grades.

If a batch of steel meets all these requirements, it is marked as dual certified on the Mill Test Report (MTR).

Common Examples of Dual-Certified Steel Products
Dual CertificationCommon Applications
ASTM A36 / A572-50Structural beams, bridges, heavy equipment
304 / 304L Stainless SteelFood processing, medical devices, chemical equipment
316 / 316L Stainless SteelMarine environments, pharmaceuticals, high-temperature applications
A106 / A53 PipePressure piping, oil & gas pipelines, structural tubing
💡 Why These Matter:

A36/A572-50 – Offers both good weldability (A36) and higher strength (A572-50).

304/304L & 316/316L – Low-carbon versions (L-series) prevent weld corrosion.

A106/A53 Pipe – A106 is rated for high-temperature use, while A53 is for general applications.

Why Do Buyers Request Dual-Certified Steel?
Manufacturers and fabricators choose dual-certified steel for several reasons:

🔹 1. Flexibility in Applications
✔ One steel product can be used in multiple projects, reducing material confusion.

🔹 2. Simplifies Inventory Management
✔ Instead of stocking two different grades, companies can use one material for both purposes.

🔹 3. Ensures Compliance with Multiple Standards
✔ Some industries require compliance with both ASTM and EN (European) standards.
✔ Helps global manufacturers meet international regulations.

🔹 4. Cost Savings
✔ Reduces material waste by allowing steel to be used for more than one application.

💡 Best Practice: Always check the Mill Test Report (MTR) to confirm dual certification before use.

How to Verify Dual Certification
📌 When purchasing dual-certified steel, request a Mill Test Report (MTR) to confirm compliance.

🔎 What to Look for in an MTR:
✔ Material Grade – Does it list both certifications? (e.g., A36/A572-50)
✔ Chemical Composition – Do the elements fall within both grade limits?
✔ Mechanical Properties – Does the steel meet the strength requirements for both?
✔ Heat Number & Mill Details – Ensures traceability back to the steel manufacturer.

Final Thoughts: Why Dual-Certified Steel Matters
📌 Dual certification makes steel more versatile, cost-effective, and compliant with multiple industry standards.

💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Dual-certified steel meets two sets of specifications in one product.
✅ It simplifies inventory, reduces costs, and improves project flexibility.
✅ Common examples include A36/A572-50, 304/304L, and 316/316L stainless steel.
✅ Always verify dual certification using a Mill Test Report (MTR).

🚀 Need help sourcing dual-certified steel? Let’s talk!