ASME SA612 pressure vessel steel plate boasts superior overall performance.It has a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa and tensile strength up to 725 MPa. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows thinner walls, cutting weight and cost compared to SA516 Gr.70.
With stable toughness down to -45°C, it suits cold service, LPG tanks and cryogenic vessels.A low carbon equivalent below 0.42% ensures excellent weldability with no preheating needed for thin plates.
It features good cold forming performance without cracking. Warm forming at 200–300°C further minimizes springback and residual stress for reliable vessel fabrication.
At GNEE Steel, we are a trusted Chinese manufacturer and global supplier of high-quality pressure vessel steel plates. With over 18 years of experience, a 55,000-ton ready inventory, and seven warehouses in Tianjin, we specialize in ASME, ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB standard steel plates for boilers, pressure vessels, and energy equipment. Our team of 200+ professionals provides custom cutting, drilling, heat treatment, and third-party inspection support (SGS, BV, Lloyd's).
Bending of ASME SA612 pressure vessel steel plate
Chemical Composition of ASME SA612 Pressure Vessel Steel Plate
| Element | Composition (wt. %) | Element | Composition (wt. %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.25 | Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 – 1.50 | Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.025 | Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.25 | Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.08 | Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.08 |
Key chemical design features:
- Low carbon (≤0.25%) – ensures excellent weldability without preheat in many cases.
- Controlled manganese (1.00–1.50%) – provides solid solution strengthening and improves low-temperature toughness.
- Silicon (0.15–0.50%) – acts as a deoxidizer and increases strength.
- Very low phosphorus and sulfur (≤0.025% each) – minimizes segregation and hot cracking risks.
- Fine austenitic grain size – the steel is killed and grain-refined, which enhances impact resistance at low temperatures.
Note: For each 0.01% reduction below the maximum carbon limit, manganese may be increased by 0.06% up to a maximum of 1.65% (heat analysis) or 1.70% (product analysis). This flexibility helps fabricators achieve higher strength while maintaining weldability.
Mechanical Properties of ASME SA612/ SA612M Steel Plate
| Thickness (in.) | Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength (min) | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation in 2" (min %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 0.5 in. | ≤ 12.5 mm | 50 ksi / 345 MPa | 83 – 105 ksi | 570 – 725 MPa | 22% |
| 0.501 – 1.375 in. | 12.5 – 35 mm | 50 ksi / 345 MPa | 81 – 101 ksi | 560 – 695 MPa | 22% |
Versatile Delivery Conditions
GNEE supplies SA612 plates in:
- As-rolled (for thinner gauges)
- Normalized (standard for most pressure vessel applications – ensures uniform grain structure)
- Stress-relieved (for heavy thicknesses or after welding)
- Normalized + tempered (for enhanced toughness)
Applications of SA612 Steel Plate
The SA612 steel plate is widely used across industries where high strength, reliability, and moderate-to-low temperature service are required. Typical applications include:
- Welded pressure vessels – shells, heads, and nozzles for oil/gas separators, chemical reactors, and air receivers.
- LPG storage tanks – both above-ground and underground tanks, where low-temperature impact resistance is critical.
- Heat exchangers – shells and tube sheets in petrochemical plants.
- Boiler drums – for moderate-temperature steam service (though SA612 is not a creep-resistant grade).
- Hydrocarbon storage tanks – crude oil, naphtha, and condensate tanks in refineries and tank farms.
- Onshore & offshore modules – pressure-containing components in FPSO topsides and process skids.
- Piping systems – for moderate-pressure, low-temperature service.
ASME SA612 vs. Equivalent Steel Grades
For global engineers, it is helpful to compare ASME SA612 with similar grades from other standards. The table below shows approximate equivalents:
| Standard | Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASME (USA) | SA612 | ≥ 345 | 560 – 725 | Low-temp/high-strength PVQ |
| ASTM (USA) | A612 | ≥ 345 | 560 – 725 | Same as SA612 (non-code) |
| EN (Europe) | P355NH | ≥ 355 | 470 – 630 | Low-temp pressure vessels |
| JIS (Japan) | SPV355 | ≥ 355 | 490 – 610 | Pressure vessels |
| GB (China) | Q345R | ≥ 345 | 510 – 640 | Boiler & pressure vessel |
| DIN (Germany) | 17Mn4 (now P355N) | ≥ 355 | 490 – 630 | Similar strength, different toughness |
In summary, the ASME SA612/ SA612M SA612 pressure vessel steel plate delivers high yield strength (345 MPa min), excellent low-temperature toughness (down to -45°C), and superior weldability – making it the optimal choice for welded pressure vessels, LPG tanks, heat exchangers, and other critical equipment operating under moderate to low temperatures.
Are you working on an ASME-coded project and need certified SA612 plates with fast delivery?
Contact GNEE Steel now to request a free quote. Provide your required thickness, width, length, delivery condition, and impact test requirements – we will respond within 12 hours with a competitive bulk price, mill certificate samples, and shipping options.
FAQ
What is SA 612 material?
carbon-manganese-silicon steel plates
ASTM A612 specification is the Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, High Strength, for Moderate and Lower Temperature Service. ASTM A612 encompasses carbon-manganese-silicon steel plates intended for use in welded pressure vessels for moderate and low temperature service.
How to choose a reliable ASTM A612 steel plate supplier for pressure vessel projects?
A reliable ASTM A612 steel plate supplier should provide certified MTC, stable chemical composition, consistent mechanical properties, and full traceability for each batch.
Why does ASTM A612 pressure vessel steel plate crack during welding and how to avoid it?
Cracking may occur due to high carbon equivalent or improper welding procedures, but high-quality ASTM A612 steel plate with controlled composition significantly reduces this risk.
What is the difference between ASTM A612 steel plate and ASME SA612 pressure vessel steel?
ASTM A612 and ASME SA612 refer to essentially the same material, but SA612 is listed in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, making it suitable for code-certified pressure vessel applications.
What are the mechanical properties of ASTM A612 carbon steel plate?
ASTM A612 carbon steel plate typically offers a yield strength of at least 345 MPa, tensile strength of 570–725 MPa, and elongation of no less than 16%, ensuring strong and ductile performance.
