When selecting carbon steel plates for pressure vessels and boilers, ASTM A516 Grade 70, Grade 65, and Grade 60 are among the most commonly considered options due to their suitability for moderate and low-temperature services.
At GNEE steel, we specialize in supplying high-quality ASTM A516 Grade 70 steel plate alongside other grades like ASTM A285, ASTM A537, and ASTM A515.
This article provides a detailed comparison of A516 Gr 70 steel plate with Grades 65 and 60, focusing on their chemical composition, mechanical properties and applications
ASTM A516 Steel Plate Overview
ASTM A516 Steel Plate is a widely used carbon steel plate for welded pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks. It is specified for applications requiring stable mechanical properties, good weldability, and reliable notch toughness under moderate to high pressure conditions.
As an ASTM A516 steel plate supplier, GNEE offers full-grade supply including Grade 55, Grade 60, Grade 65, and Grade 70, with flexible thickness options and export-ready logistics. All plates are supplied with mill test certificates and can be delivered in as-rolled or normalized condition based on project requirements.
For projects requiring higher strength and improved toughness, A516 Grade 70 steel plate is the most frequently selected option. GNEE supports both stock availability and cut-to-length orders, helping buyers reduce lead time and procurement risk.
Chemical Composition - ASTM A516 Steel Plate
| Element | Grade 55 (%) | Grade 60 (%) | Grade 65 (%) | Grade 70 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.18 | ≤0.21 | ≤0.24 | ≤0.27 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.85–1.20 | 0.85–1.20 | 0.85–1.20 | 0.85–1.20 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.13–0.45 | 0.13–0.45 | 0.13–0.45 | 0.13–0.45 |
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A516 Steel Plate
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A516 Gr 55 | ≥220 | 380–515 | ≥21 |
| A516 Gr 60 | ≥260 | 415–550 | ≥21 |
| A516 Gr 65 | ≥260 | 450–585 | ≥19 |
| A516 Gr 70 | ≥260 | 485–620 | ≥17 |
Equivalent Material Grades
Each grade aligns with international standards, ensuring versatility:
|
Grade |
Europe |
Germany |
Italy |
Sweden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A516 Gr 60 |
- |
E St E315 |
Fe 460-2-KG |
SS29,12,01 |
|
A516 Gr 65 |
- |
E St E315 |
Fe 460-2-KG |
SS29,12,01 |
|
A516 Gr 70 |
P355GH |
E St E355 |
Fe 510-2-KG |
SS29,13,01 |
Weldability and Fabrication
All three grades are weldable due to low carbon content, but differences exist:
- A516 Gr 60: Best weldability due to lowest carbon content, ideal for complex fabrications in pressure vessel steel plate for oil and gas.
- A516 Gr 65: Good weldability, with slightly higher carbon requiring minimal preheating for thicker plates.
- A516 Gr 70: Good weldability, but higher carbon and Ceq may require preheating (100-150°C) and post-weld heat treatment for thicker sections, as seen in A516-70 carbon steel plate.
Filler Metals: AWS A5.1 E7018 or AWS A5.5 E7016-1 for SMAW; ER70S-6 for GMAW, applicable to all grades but with stricter controls for A516 Gr 70 plate.
Typical Applications of ASTM A516 Steel Plate
ASTM A516 steel plates are widely used in:
- Industrial boilers & steam drums
- Petrochemical pressure vessels
- LPG & LNG storage tanks
- Heat exchangers and condenser units
- Power generation equipment
- Pressure tanks and separators
A516 Grade 70 remains the most used grade for high-pressure welded structures, but many fabricators also choose Grade 60 or Grade 65 depending on the design requirements.
How to Choose - A516 Grade 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 Steel Plate
1. ASTM A516 Grade 55 Steel Plate
A516 Grade 55 steel plate is typically selected for lower-pressure vessels and boilers where moderate strength requirements apply. It offers good weldability and cost efficiency for standard pressure applications.
2. ASTM A516 Grade 60 Steel Plate
A516 Grade 60 steel plate provides improved tensile strength and notch toughness compared with Grade 55. It is commonly specified for medium-pressure vessels, storage tanks, and heat exchangers where moderate-to-high performance is required.
3. ASTM A516 Grade 65 Steel Plate
A516 Grade 65 steel plate is used when higher strength is required without significantly increasing plate thickness. It is commonly specified for larger vessel shells and pressure-retaining components.
4. ASTM A516 Grade 70 Steel Plate
A516 Grade 70 steel plate is the most widely used grade for pressure vessels and boilers. It offers higher strength, good notch toughness, and stable welding performance. For thicker plates or low-temperature service, A516 Grade 70 normalized plate (A516 Grade 70N) is often specified.
NACE and HIC Compliance
All grades can be supplied with NACE MR0175 and HIC compliance, tested via:
HIC Testing: Ensures resistance to Hydrogen Induced Cracking in sour gas environments.
Supplementary Tests: Z15, Z25, Z35, S1-S9, S11, S12, S14, S17, as per ASTM A516.
Key Difference: A516 Gr 70 impact test results support its use in more severe sour gas environments compared to Grades 65 and 60.
ASTM A516 Steel Plate Supplier & Export Capabilities
As an experienced steel plate exporter, GNEE supplies ASTM A516 steel plates to EPC contractors, pressure vessel fabricators, and distributors worldwide. Our products are sourced from qualified mills and supplied with full material traceability, including mill test certificates.
We offer:
- Full grade range: A516 Grade 55 / 60 / 65 / 70
- Competitive pricing for bulk and project orders
- Custom cutting, beveling, drilling, and profiling services
- Fast export delivery to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas
For buyers sourcing multiple vessel materials, our Pressure Vessel Steel Plate category provides a complete overview of available grades and specifications.
ASTM A516 Steel Plate Dimensions & Processing Services
Thickness: 6 mm – 150 mm
Width: up to 3000 mm
Length: up to 12,000 mm
Edge: Mill edge or cut edge
Surface Condition: Hot rolled, shot blasted, or pickled
Process options: beveling, cutting, drilling, profiling, rolling, surface treatments
Custom sizes and cut-to-length service available. Suitable for bulk orders and project-based supply of A516 steel plates.
Request a Quote - ASTM A516 Steel Plate
Looking for a reliable ASTM A516 steel plate supplier for your boiler or pressure vessel project?
GNEE supports stock supply, customized ASTM A516 steel plate orders, and export delivery of ASTM A516 steel plates across all grades.
Contact us to get your free quote and mill certificate.
Is SA516 the same as ASTM A516?
Yes. SA516 is the ASME version of ASTM A516, and both refer to the same material used in pressure vessels and boilers. The primary difference is that SA516 is typically used for the ASME code requirements, while ASTM A516 is for more general applications.
What is the most commonly used grade?
ASTM A516 Grade 70 is the most widely applied grade due to its balance of strength, toughness, and excellent weldability. It is commonly used for high-pressure applications in boilers, pressure vessels, and storage tanks. For low-temperature applications, ASTM A516 Grade 70N is often specified.
What thickness range can you supply for ASTM A516 steel plates?
We supply ASTM A516 steel plates with thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 150 mm, with custom cut-to-length services available. Whether you need standard or specialized thicknesses, we can meet your project requirements.
Do you supply ASTM A516 steel plates with mill test certificates?
Yes, all ASTM A516 steel plates are provided with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates, ensuring full material traceability and compliance with your specifications. This ensures the material's compliance with international standards.
When should I choose normalized material?
Normalized ASTM A516 steel plates are recommended for thicker plates, low-temperature service, or when Charpy impact testing is specified by design codes. A516 Grade 70N is particularly useful for improving toughness in applications requiring high performance at lower temperatures.
What is A516 Grade 70N?
ASTM A516 Grade 70N is a normalized version of Grade 70 steel plate. It offers improved toughness and more uniform microstructure, making it ideal for thicker plates or applications that require low-temperature performance or impact resistance.
