A/SA 516 Gr.60+N
Fine grained structural steel for pressure vessels. A/SA 516 Gr.60+N steel is characterised by good weldability and high resistance to brittle cracking. These types are used above all for manufacturing vessels for pressurised gas (LPG, butane and propane tanks), pressure vessels, parts for steam boilers, pressure piping, compressors, etc. Their most widespread use is in application environments lower than -20 ºC.
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N steel is supplied in the normalised condition. The normalising temperature is 900 - 950 ºC, and it must be left in the furnace after temperature equalising for approximately 1 minute per millimetre of thickness of the plate. As a result, it offers good cold-forming and hot-forming properties without negatively affecting the material properties.
At GNEE Steel-a trusted ISO-certified manufacturer and exporter -we stock, process, and ship A/SA 516 Gr.60+N plates in standard and custom sizes to over 60 countries. Every shipment includes original mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1/3.2) and optional third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or DNV, giving you full material traceability from melt to delivery.
Understanding A/SA 516 Gr.60+N: Chemical Composition and Material Definition
What is A/SA 516 Gr.60+N?
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N is a normalized carbon steel plate specified under ASTM A516/A516M and ASME SA516/SA516M. The " +N " suffix signifies normalizing-a heat treatment process where the steel is heated to approximately 900°C ± 15°C and air-cooled to develop a fine, uniform ferrite-pearlite microstructure that improves toughness and refines grain size.
This makes the grade ideal for welded pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks operating from "-29°C up to 350°C". With a minimum tensile strength of 415–550 MPa and yield strength of ≥220 MPa, A/SA 516 Gr.60+N delivers the strength-to-toughness balance that modern pressure equipment codes demand.
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis, %)
| Thickness (mm) | C max | Mn | Si | P max | S max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t ≤ 12.5 | 0.21 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 12.5 < t ≤ 50 | 0.23 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 50 < t ≤ 100 | 0.25 | 0.79–1.20 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 100 < t ≤ 200 | 0.27 | 0.79–1.20 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
Note: Carbon content rises slightly with plate thickness to maintain through-thickness mechanical properties. The low carbon equivalent (CE typically ≤ 0.43) ensures excellent weldability with minimal preheat requirements.
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 415–550 MPa | 60–80 ksi |
| Yield Strength (min) | 220 MPa | 32 ksi |
| Elongation in 50 mm (min) | 25% | 25% |
| Elongation in 200 mm (min) | 21% | 21% |
| Charpy V-Notch Impact | Typically 20–27 J @ -30°C | 15–20 ft·lb @ -20°F |
These values are achieved through the normalized (+N) condition, which refines the ASTM grain size to ** No. 7 or finer**, significantly elevating notch toughness compared to as-rolled material.
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N Heat Treatment Requirements: How Normalizing Transforms Performance
Why Normalizing Matters for A/SA 516 Gr.60+N
Normalizing is the defining step that sets A/SA 516 Gr.60+N apart from standard as-rolled grades. During the process, the steel is:
- Heated to a uniform temperature exceeding the upper critical point-typically 900°C ± 15°C.
- Held at temperature for approximately one hour per 25 mm of thickness to ensure complete austenitization.
- Air-cooled under controlled conditions to produce a fine-grained ferrite-pearlite microstructure.
The result is a homogeneous, stress-relieved plate with improved low-temperature toughness, more uniform mechanical properties through the thickness, and better dimensional stability during cutting and welding. For plates 40 mm and thicker, normalizing is mandatory under ASTM A516/A516M. For thinner plates where notch toughness is specified, normalization is also required.
Normalized A/SA 516 Gr.60+N plate with mill markings
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N Applications: Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Beyond
Where A/SA 516 Gr.60+N Performs Best
The balanced strength, toughness, and weldability of A/SA 516 Gr.60+N make it the default material for medium-pressure vessels and boilers in moderate-temperature environments.
Typical applications include:
- Power generation boiler drums and steam separators operating up to 350°C.
- Heat exchangers, reactors, and distillation columns in chemical processing plants.
- LPG and ammonia storage tanks where notch toughness at low ambient temperatures is essential.
- API 650 and API 620 storage tanks for oil, gas, and petrochemical terminals.
- Hydrogenation reactors and desulfurization units (in HIC-resistant variants).
- Liquefied gas carrier tanks and marine pressure vessels.
Global demand for A/SA 516 Gr.60+N continues to accelerate alongside hydrogen infrastructure and carbon capture projects, where the steel's proven performance in sour service environments makes it a top specification.
A/SA 516 Gr.60+N International Equivalents
Global Standards for A/SA 516 Gr.60+N
Understanding equivalent grades simplifies cross-standard procurement for multinational projects. The table below maps A/SA 516 Gr.60+N to its closest international equivalents:
| Standard | Equivalent Grade | Region |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A516 / ASME SA516 | A/SA 516 Gr.60+N | USA / International |
| EN 10028-2 | P265GH | Europe |
| DIN 17155 | HII | Germany |
| BS 1501 | 161-430A | United Kingdom |
| JIS G3103 | SB450 | Japan |
| IS 2002 | Grade 2 | India |
EN 10028-2 P265GH is the closest European equivalent, sharing similar tensile strength and chemical ranges. For dual-certification projects requiring ASTM + EN compliance, contact GNEE for chemistry and testing options.
Optional Testing and Special Requirements for A/SA 516 Gr.60+N
HIC-Resistant A/SA 516 Gr.60+N for Sour Service
- For pressure vessels exposed to wet H₂S environments-such as refinery drums, amine contactors, and upstream separators-A/SA 516 Gr.60+N with HIC (Hydrogen-Induced Cracking) resistance is available. GNEE provides:
- NACE TM0284 HIC testing with Solution A or B, achieving CLR ≤ 10%, CSR ≤ 3%, CTR ≤ 1%.
- NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156-2 compliance for sulfide stress cracking (SSC) resistance.
- Ultra-low sulfur and phosphorus levels (P ≤ 0.015%, S ≤ 0.003%) for enhanced cleanliness and HIC resistance.
- Charpy V-notch impact testing at temperatures as low as -52°C upon request.
Additional Capabilities
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) per ASTM A435, A577, A578.
Positive Material Identification (PMI).
Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT).
GNEE Steel: Your Partner for Certified Boiler and Pressure Vessel Steel
At GNEE Steel, we don't just sell plates-we deliver project-ready material with the documentation, testing, and logistics to keep your schedule on track. With over 5,000 tons of pressure vessel steel in permanent stock and a supply chain optimized for FOB, CFR, and CIF delivery, we serve EPC contractors, vessel fabricators, and traders in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Why Buy from GNEE?
- Mill-direct pricing with flexible MOQ starting from 1 ton.
- Full Mill Test Certificates to EN 10204 3.1/3.2.
- Cut-to-size and edge preparation-plasma, laser, waterjet, and beveling.
- Standard plate sizes: 6 to 150 mm thickness × 1,500 to 3,000 mm width × up to 12,000 mm length.
- Rapid dispatch: stock items ship within 7 working days.
Conclusion
When your project calls for certified, normalized carbon steel that combines moderate-temperature strength with verified notch toughness, A/SA 516 Gr.60+N is the specification that leading boiler and pressure vessel manufacturers trust. Its balanced chemistry, mandatory normalizing for thicker sections, and compatibility with global standards make it a versatile, code-compliant choice for everything from refinery drums to power plant boilers.
Stop losing time to uncertain material sourcing. At GNEE Steel, your A/SA 516 Gr.60+N plates are in stock, certified, and ready to ship-with every mill test report, inspection option, and cut-to-size service you need to keep your fabrication moving. Request your quote now and lock in competitive pricing for your next project.
FAQ
What is SA 516 60N material?
SA 516 Gr 60N is a specification that covers pressure vessel grade steel. SA 516 Gr 60N Plate is designed with a superior chemical composition containing carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, aluminum, chromium, copper, nickel, molybdenum with a small concentration of niobium, titanium, and vanadium.
What is A516 GR 60 equivalent material?
P265GH
ASTM A516 Grade 60 is a boiler / pressure vessel quality of steel plate for use in low to moderate services. It has improved notch toughness. A516 GD 60 steel plate is comparable to the P265GH and 430A/B grades.
What is A516 grade 60?
ASTM A516 Grade 60 steel is an industry standard for components that operate in the moderate or low temperature range. Designed for high strength and reliable function under heat and high pressure, A516 Grade 60 is medium carbon alloy with elements of manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon.
What is SA 516 GR material?
Sa 516 gr 70 carbon steel are also popularly known as ASME SA516-70. Sa 516 grade 70 equivalent indian standard is a carbon pressure vessel steel grade and are prominently used in petroleum, power station, boiler, chemical and other such industries.
What is the difference between SA516 60 and SA516 70?
ASME SA516 GR 60 has a tensile strength of 415-550 MPa and higher ductility, while SA516 GR 70 offers 485-620 MPa for higher-pressure applications.
What is the difference between A36 and A516 60?
A36 has moderate strength and meets general structural requirements. A516 has higher strength and toughness, especially outstanding impact toughness, making it suitable for pressure-bearing and low-temperature environments.
What is the difference between SA 516 and A516?
Both are used for pressure vessels and boilers, but ASME SA516 GR 70 is mandatory for ASME-coded projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. ASTM A516 GR 70 is suitable for non-coded vessels or where ASME certification is not required.
