When it comes to selecting the right material for pressure vessels and boilers, it's essential to understand the differences between various grades of steel. Two commonly used grades are SA 516 Gr 70 and A516 70 Plate. While they may seem similar, their applications and properties can differ significantly.

GNEE steel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of pressure vessel and boiler steel plates, supplies high-quality ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70 plates for industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation. Engineers and fabricators often encounter questions about the differences between ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70 plates. This article clarifies their chemical composition, mechanical properties, standards, and applications to guide material selection for pressure vessel projects.
Chemical Composition of A/SA 516 gr 70
ASTM A516 gr 70 chemical composition
| Grade | Mn | C | S | P | Si |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A516 gr 70 plate | 0.55 – 0.98 | 0.21-0.27 | 0.035 max | 0.035 max | 0.13-0.45 |
SA 516 Gr 70 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of SA 516 Gr 70 contributes to its standard density:
|
Element |
Heat Analysis (max %) |
Product Analysis (max %) |
|---|---|---|
|
Carbon (C) |
0.27 |
0.31 |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.85-1.20 |
0.79-1.30 |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
0.025 |
0.035 |
|
Sulfur (S) |
0.015 |
0.040 |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.15-0.40 |
0.13-0.45 |
Mechanical Properties of A/SA516 gr 70
ASTM A516 gr 70 material properties
| Grade | Yield MPa | Thickness (milimeter) | Elongation % | Tensile MPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A516 Grade 70 | 220 min | 6-100 | 21-25 | 415-550 |
SA 516 Gr 70 Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of SA 516 Gr 70 complement its density for high-pressure applications:
|
Thickness (mm) |
Yield Strength (min, ksi/MPa) |
Tensile Strength (ksi/MPa) |
Elongation (min, %) |
Impact Toughness @ -46°C (min, ft-lb/J) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
≤25 |
38/260 |
70-90/485-620 |
27 |
20/27 |
|
25<t≤50 |
37/255 |
70-90/485-620 |
25 |
20/27 |
|
50<t≤100 |
36/250 |
70-90/485-620 |
23 |
20/27 |
|
>100 |
34/235 |
70-90/485-620 |
21 |
20/27 |
normalized and as-rolled ASTM A516 Grade 70 plate?
GNEE can supply these plates in as-rolled or normalized conditions. Generally, SA516 Gr 70 BQ plates over 40mm in thickness are always normalized. It involves slow cooling to room temperature to improve the microstructure. A normalized ASTM A516 grade 70 HR boiler plate is softer and more ductile.

ASTM A516 grade 70 plate specification
| SA 516 gr 70 standard | SA 516 gr 70 LTCS Plate Sample | A516 Grade 70 Steel Plate Process |
|---|---|---|
|
Guojia biaozhun(GB) European standards (EN) ASTM/ ASME (American) Japanese industrial standards (JIS) German standard (DIN) |
Provide free sample | Hot Rolled |
| ASTM A516 Gr 70 Carbon Steel Sheet Grade | ASTM A516 gr 70n plate impact test | SA 516 gr 70 material length |
| A516 gr 70 | -52° C | 3000 milimeter to 8000 milimeter |
| Testing methods done | SA 516 gr 70 killed carbon steel plate shape | Application of A516 gr 70 plate |
|
Hardness test PMI test Tensile test Third party inspection Fatigue mechanics test Impact test |
Plate/sheet/Foils/Strip |
Transportation Loading Buckets Industrial used Thermal Poweer Plant Shipbuilding |
| SA 516 gr.70 low temperature bq plate origin | ASME SA 516 Gr.70 Plate Tempering | SA 516 gr 70 normalized CS plate delivery time |
| China | 1200 degree F | 2-3 days |
| Available Width in stock | Available Thickness in stock | ASME SA516 Gr 70 Carbon Steel Plate Brand Name |
| 1500 milimeter to 3500 milimeter | 1 milimeter – 80 milimeter | Imported, Jindal, shinkansen autocom, dixin, bahrain |
| ASME SA516-70 steel plate hardness | sa-516 k02700 grade 70 plate properties | Packing |
| Hard, Spring Hard, Soft |
Good corrosion resistance Excellent toughness properties |
Box skid Flat skid Standard sea worthy packing Shear box Ocean skid solid bottom |
Applications of ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70
Both ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70 are used in:
- Pressure Vessels: For oil, gas, and chemical processing, where high strength and low-temperature toughness are critical.
- Boilers: In power generation, providing thermal stability and durability.
- Cryogenic Equipment: Suitable for LNG storage due to excellent impact toughness.
- Fabrication: Their weldability supports complex assemblies in industrial equipment.
ASME SA516 GR 70 is specifically required for ASME-coded vessels, while ASTM A516 GR 70 is suitable for general pressure vessel applications.

Weldability
Both grades are fully killed carbon steels with excellent weldability using SMAW, GTAW, and SAW processes. The low carbon content minimizes weld imperfections, and normalization enhances toughness. GNEE steel supplies plates in normalized or hot-rolled conditions to meet fabrication requirements.
SA 515 gr 70 vs SA 516 gr 70
| Property | Standard | Min. YS – MPa | Application | Carbon content | Min. TS – MPa | ICT Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA 515 Grade 70 | ASTM A515 | 260 | Suitable for high-temperature service | Higher | 485 | Not required |
| SA 516 Grade 70 | ASTM A516 | 260 | Suitable for pressure vessels at low temperatures | Lower | 485 | Required |
IS 2062 vs SA 516 gr 70
| Property | IS 2062 | SA 516 Grade 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon content | Higher | Lower |
| Standard | Indian Standard | American Standard |
| Application | Structural applications | Pressure vessels and boilers |
| Thickness Range | Up to 200 mm | 1/4 to 6 inch |
| Impact Testing | Not equired | Required |
GNEE steel Solution
GNEE steel is a global leader in supplying ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70 plates, offering:
- Certified Quality: Dual-certified plates undergo ultrasonic testing, Charpy impact tests, and chemical analysis to meet ASTM/ASME standards.
- Customization: Available in normalized or hot-rolled forms for specific project needs.
- Global Supply: Competitive pricing and reliable delivery worldwide.
- Technical Support: 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 and ASME SA516 GR 70 are essentially identical in composition and properties, with SA516 GR 70 offering additional ASME certification for coded vessels. GNEE steel's plates ensure reliability for all pressure vessel applications.
For equivalent standards, explore our ASTM A516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.
What is the impact resistance of ASTM A516 Grade 70 plate at low temperatures?
This grade can tolerate low temperatures and high impact due to its superior tensile strength (485 to 620 MPa) and yield (260 MPa). Manufacturers assess the impact resistance of ASTM A516 gr. 70 BQ plates by Charpy testing. Grade 70 delivers the highest strength among others under this specification. ASTM A516 gr. 70 boiler quality plates also deliver good notch toughness.
What are the different types of testing methods used for A516 grade 70 plate?
The typical testing procedures for ASTM A516 grade 70 boiler-quality carbon steel plates are Charpy V Notch toughness tests and tensile strength assessment. Manufacturers customarily perform impact testing, positive material identification, and checks of the resistance to pitting corrosion. Customers can also request procedures like hydrostatic testing and radiography.
What are the common uses of ASTM A516 gr. 70 bq plate?
These plates are highly sought after by gas processing industries, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. An ASME SA 516 Gr 70 carbon steel pressure vessel plate performs well at low temperatures. It also works in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and textile machinery.
What is the difference between SA 516 GR 70 and A516 GR 70?
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.
What is the difference between SA 516 70 and A36?
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. Gangsteel's ASME SA516 GR 70 plates are engineered for reliability, meeting stringent standards for demanding 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.




