Overview
ISO 16160:2012 specifies dimensional and shape tolerances for hot-rolled steel sheet products. The standard applies to coils and cut lengths (including descaled material) and defines the allowable variation in thickness, width, length, camber, out-of-square and flatness. Note: hot-rolled steel strip and hot-rolled heavy‑thickness steel sheet coils are excluded from this document. The full standard includes detailed tolerance tables (Tables 1–9) and measurement illustrations.
Key Topics
- Thickness tolerances: Defined by specified thickness ranges and width; measurement points are specified (e.g., not less than 25 mm from a sheared edge and 40 mm from a mill edge). For specified strength levels of Re ≥ 360 N/mm², thickness tolerances are increased by 10%.
- Width tolerances: Separate tolerances for mill edge and sheared edge (resquared vs not resquared), with explicit allowances depending on specified width.
- Length tolerances: Tolerances for cut lengths, with proportionate allowances for longer lengths and options for resquared material by agreement.
- Camber: Maximum allowable deviation of a side edge from a straight line (measured on the concave side); different limits for coils and cut lengths.
- Out-of-square: Limits on deviation at right angles to a side; measurement methods include corner-based or diagonal difference calculations.
- Flatness: Standard and restricted flatness classes, expressed as maximum deviation from a flat horizontal surface while the sheet lies under its own weight; values depend on thickness, width and specified strength level (Re).
- Measurement guidance: Figures in the standard illustrate camber, out-of-square and flatness measurement methods and limits.
Applications
ISO 16160:2012 is used by:
- Steel producers to specify product tolerances for hot-rolled sheet and to set production quality targets.
- Buyers and procurement teams to write purchase specifications and acceptance criteria for coils and cut lengths.
- Quality control and inspection personnel for incoming material verification and compliance testing.
- Fabricators, stampers and manufacturers (automotive, construction, appliance and general engineering) to ensure sheet meets forming, welding and assembly requirements.
- Logistics and cut-to-length service centers to apply agreed resquaring or flattening procedures.
Practical benefits include improved interchangeability, predictable forming behavior, reduced scrap, and clearer contractual expectations for dimensional and shape quality of hot-rolled steel sheet.
Related standards
ISO 16160:2012 was prepared by ISO/TC 17/SC 12 (Continuous mill flat rolled products) and is intended to be used alongside other product and material standards covering chemistry, mechanical properties, surface condition and testing. For full tolerance tables, measurement figures and legal use, consult the complete ISO 16160:2012 document.
Keywords: ISO 16160:2012, hot-rolled steel, dimensional tolerances, shape tolerances, thickness tolerances, flatness, camber, out-of-square, coils, cut lengths.
