ASTM A516 Gr 70 VS A36, ASTM A516 steel and A36 steel actually belong to different steel types. ASTM A516 steel is pressure vessel and boiler steel. ASTM A36 steel is mild steel. For the chemical content of carbon, ASTM A516 steel and A36 steel are also called carbon steel. But their properties have obvious difference.
What is A36 and A516 Gr 70 steel plate
ASTM A36 steel plate
ASTM A36 is a general-purpose carbon steel used primarily for structural applications, such as buildings, bridges, and machinery. It's known for its versatility, affordability, and ease of welding, making it a go-to choice for non-pressure applications. A36 is specified under the ASTM A36/A36M standard and is not typically designed for high-pressure or low-temperature environments.
ASTM A516 Gr 70 steel sheet
ASTM A516 Gr 70 is a carbon steel plate specifically designed for pressure vessels and boilers operating at moderate and low temperatures. Part of the ASTM A516 standard, it offers high strength and toughness, with optional NACE MR0175 and HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) compliance for boiler quality steel plate for oil and gas applications in sour gas environments.
Key Difference: A36 is a structural steel for general use, while A516-70 carbon steel plate is engineered for pressure vessels, offering superior performance under pressure and in corrosive conditions.
Chemical Composition Comparison：ASTM A516 Gr 70 VS A36
ASTM A36 carbon steel plate chemical composition:
| Grade | C (t≤16mm) | Si | Mn | P | S |
| A36 | 0.26 max | 0.40 max | - | 0.040 max | 0.050 max |
ASTM A516 Gr 70 carbon steel plate chemical composition:
| Chemical elements | Percentage % | Chemical elements | Percentage % |
| C | 0.10/ 0.22 | Cu | 0.30 |
| Si | 0.6 | Ni | 0.30 |
| Mn | 1/ 1.7 | Mo | 0.08 |
| P | 0.03 | Nb | 0.01 |
| S | 0.03 | Ti | 0.03 |
| Al | 0.02 | V | 0.02 |
| Cr | 0.3 |
ASTM A516 Gr 70 VS A36:Mechanical properties
ASTM A36 carbon steel plate mechanical properties:
| Grade | Yield strength ReH/(N/mm2) | Tensile strength Rm/(N/mm2) (3mm≤t≤16mm) |
Elongation A/% |
| (t≤16mm) min | (3mm≤t≤40mm) min | ||
| A36 | 250 | 400-550 | 23 |
ASTM A516 Gr 70 carbon steel plate mechanical properties:
| Grade | Tensile strength (MPa) |
Minimum yield strength (MPa) |
Minimum elongation (%) gauge length | |
| 50mm | 200mm | |||
| A516 Gr 70 | 485 - 620 | 260 | 21 | 17 |
Applications of ASTM A36 and ASTM A516 Gr 70
ASTM A36 Applications
- Structural Components: Beams, columns, and plates for buildings, bridges, and machinery.
- General Fabrication: Used in non-pressure applications like platforms, frames, and supports.
- Construction: Ideal for projects not requiring high pressure or low-temperature resistance, similar to ASTM A285 or ASME SA285.
ASTM A516 Gr 70 Applications
- Pressure Vessels: High-pressure vessels for oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation industries.
- Boilers: Steam drums and boiler components, comparable to JIS G3103.
- Storage Tanks: Tanks for liquefied gases or chemicals, aligning with ASTM A537 or EN 10028-2.
- Offshore Platforms: Structures in corrosive marine environments, similar to ASTM A203.
Key Difference: A36 is suited for structural and non-pressure applications, while ASTM A516 Gr 70 plate is designed for high-pressure, low-temperature, and sour gas environments in boiler quality steel plate for oil and gas.
Equivalent Grades
|
Grade |
Europe |
Germany |
Italy |
Sweden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A36 |
S275 |
St 44-2 |
Fe 430 |
SS400 (JIS) |
|
A516 Gr 70 |
P355GH |
E St E355 |
Fe 510-2-KG |
SS29,13,01 |
Key Difference: ASTM A516 GR70 equivalent material, like P355GH or EN 10028-3, is tailored for pressure vessels, while A36 equivalents like S275 or JIS G3103 are for structural use.
Weldability of ASTM A36 and ASTM A516 Gr 70
ASTM A516 GR 70: Fully killed and often normalized, it offers excellent weldability using SMAW, GTAW, and SAW processes. Its low carbon and sulfur content minimize weld imperfections, ideal for pressure vessel fabrication.
ASTM A36: Weldable with standard processes, but its higher sulfur content and non-killed nature may require additional precautions to avoid porosity or cracking.
GNEE steel's ASTM A516 GR 70 plates are supplied in normalized conditions to enhance weldability and toughness.
Comparison with Other A516 Grades
For context, ASTM A516 GR 70 can be compared to other grades in the A516 family:
|
Grade |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Yield Strength (MPa) |
Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ASTM A516 GR 70 |
485–620 |
260 |
High strength, low-temperature toughness |
|
ASTM A516 GR 65 |
450–585 |
240 |
Cost-effective for medium pressure |
|
ASTM A516 GR 60 |
415–550 |
220 |
High ductility, moderate strength |
|
ASTM A516 GR 55 |
380–515 |
205 |
Entry-level for less demanding uses |
For equivalent standards, such as EN P355GH, refer to GNEE steel's ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.
NACE and HIC Compliance
- A36: Not typically supplied with NACE or HIC compliance, as it's not designed for sour gas environments.
- A516 Gr 70: Can be provided with NACE MR0175 and HIC testing, ensuring resistance to Hydrogen Induced Cracking in pressure vessel steel plate for petrochemical applications. Supplementary tests (Z15, Z25, Z35, S1-S9, S11, S12, S14, S17) align with ASTM A516.
Key Difference: a516 gr 70 equivalent is optimized for corrosive environments, unlike A36.
Dimensions and Availability
- A36: Typically available in thicknesses from 3mm to 200mm, with standard structural sizes (e.g., 1200-2500mm width, up to 12000mm length).
- A516 Gr 70: Available in thicknesses from 6mm to 300mm, widths 1500-4050mm, and lengths 3000-15000mm, per A516 GR 70 Plate thickness.
Key Difference: A516 Gr 70 offers a broader thickness range for heavy-duty pressure vessels, while A36 is more common in thinner structural plates.
Cost and Availability
- A36: Generally cheaper and more widely available due to its use in general construction, competing with standards like ASTM A514.
- A516 Gr 70: More expensive due to its specialized pressure vessel properties and testing requirements, similar to ASTM A517 or ASTM A662.
Why Choose GNEE steel?
GNEE steel specializes in ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70 plates, offering:
- Certified Quality: Plates undergo ultrasonic testing, Charpy impact tests, and chemical analysis to meet ASTM/ASME standards.
- Customization: Available in hot-rolled, normalized, or clad forms for specific project needs.
- Global Supply: Competitive pricing and reliable delivery worldwide.
- Technical Support: Expert guidance on selecting ASTM A516 GR 70 versus ASTM A516 GR 65, ASTM A516 GR 60, or ASTM A516 GR 55.
ASTM A516 GR 70 outperforms ASTM A36 in tensile strength, low-temperature toughness, and pressure vessel applications, while A36 is better suited for general structural uses. GNEE steel's ASME SA516 GR 70 plates are engineered for reliability, meeting stringent standards for demanding industries.
For more on equivalent grades, explore our ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.
Are you also interested in further steel processing (machining)?
Just like you, 70% customers choose long-term cooperation with GNEE steel not only for our good product and service quality, good reputation in the international market, but also for our experienced one-stop raw material supply and further steel processing!
The main ASTM carbon steel plates and pressure vessel steel plates standards GNEE steel conduct are:
- ASTM carbon steel plates: A36, A283, A572, A573 and so on.
- ASTM pressure vessel steel plates: A202, A203, A204, A285, A299, A302, A387, A515, A516, A517, A533, A537, A612, A662, A841, etc.
- Other than ASTM standards, GNEE steel also supply ASME, EN, JIS, DIN, GB and so on standard steel materials, and provide sheet metal fabrication service to meet diversified steel shape and size requirements.
FAQ
What is the difference between A36 and A516 70?
ASTM A516 GR 70 outperforms ASTM A36 in tensile strength, low-temperature toughness, and pressure vessel applications, while A36 is better suited for general structural uses.
What is the ASTM A36 plate equivalent to?
The A36 equivalent material grade, ASTM A36 equivalent grades are ASTM A283C, JIS G3101 SS400, JIS G3106 SM400A, EN10025-2 S235JR, DIN17100 ST37-2, FE360B, E24-2, etc.
What is ASTM A516 grade 70 equivalent to?
What is the equivalent material for A516 GR 70? Common equivalents include ASME SA516 GR 70, EN 10028 P355GH, and BS1501 224-490 A & B, suitable for similar pressure vessel applications.
What is A516 GR 70?
ASTM A516 is the standard specification for carbon steel plates used in pressure vessels for low to moderate temperature service. A516 Grade 70 is an excellent choice for service in lower than ambient temperature applications with excellent notch toughness and good weldability.
What steel is stronger than A36?
A572
In terms of strength, A572 is the clear choice over A36. If the finished structure has to stand up to large amounts of weight, you should consider using the HSLA alloy steel. A36 steel has a minimum yield of 36 ksi, while A572 offers a minimum yield of 50 ksi.
What is the Chinese equivalent of ASTM A36?
Q235B
The Chinese equivalent to ASTM A36 is Q235B, as outlined in the GB/T 700 standard. Q235B is a low-carbon steel widely used in China for similar structural applications.
What is the tensile strength of A516 70?
ASTM A516 Grade 70 is renowned for its impressive mechanical properties. It boasts a tensile strength of 70-90 ksi (485-620 MPa), yield strength of 38 ksi (260 MPa), and an elongation in 200mm of a minimum of 17%
