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What is ASTM A516 Gr 55 vs Grade 70 ?
 

As a leading ASTM A516 steel plate exporter, Gangsteel specializes in supplying high-quality ASTM A516 Grade 55 and ASTM A516 Grade 70 steel plates for pressure vessels and boilers to industries worldwide. A516 Gr 55 steel plates and A516 Gr 70 steel plates.

For more details on our products, explore our ASTM A516 steel plate category or check specific grades like A516 Grade 55, A516 Grade 60, A516 Grade 65, and A516 Grade 70.


 

1. ASTM A516 Grade 55 and Grade 70

 

The ASTM A516 standard specifies carbon steel plates for pressure vessels used in moderate and lower-temperature services. Both A516 Gr 55 and A516 Gr 70 are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and marine due to their excellent strength, weldability, and low-temperature performance. However, these grades differ in key properties, making them suitable for distinct applications.

  • A516 Gr 55: Known for its lower tensile and yield strength, ideal for less demanding pressure vessel applications.
  • A516 Gr 70: Offers higher tensile and yield strength, making it suitable for high-pressure environments.

For detailed specifications, visit our A516 Grade 55 steel plate and A516 Grade 70 steel plate product pages.


 

2. Chemical Composition: ASTM A516 Gr 55 vs Grade 70

 

The chemical composition of A516 Gr 55 and ASTM A516 Gr 70 influences their performance in pressure vessel applications. Below is a detailed comparison of their chemical properties.

Element

A516 Gr 55 (Max %)

A516 Gr 70 (Max %)

Carbon (C)

0.24 (<12.5mm), 0.26 (12.5-50mm), 0.28 (50-100mm), 0.29 (100-200mm), 0.29 (>200mm)

0.27 (all thicknesses)

Silicon (Si)

0.13–0.45

0.15–0.40

Manganese (Mn)

0.79–1.30

0.85–1.20

Phosphorus (P)

0.035

0.035

Sulfur (S)

0.035

0.035

Nickel (Ni)

Optional (0.40 max)

Optional (0.40 max)

Chromium (Cr)

Optional

Optional (0.30 max)

Molybdenum (Mo)

Optional

Optional (0.08 max)

Key Differences:

  • Carbon Content: A516 Gr 55 has a slightly higher maximum carbon content for thicker plates (>50mm), while A516 Gr 70 maintains a consistent 0.27% max across all thicknesses.
  • Manganese Range: A516 Gr 55 has a broader manganese range (0.79–1.30%), while A516 Gr 70 has a narrower range (0.85–1.20%), contributing to its higher strength.

Carbon Equivalent (Ceq): Both grades use the formula Ceq = [C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15] to ensure weldability. A516 Gr 70’s tighter composition enhances its strength without compromising weldability.

For more details, check our A516 Grade 55 and A516 Grade 70 product pages.


 

 

3. Mechanical Properties: ASTM A516 Gr 55 vs Grade 70

 

The mechanical properties of A516 Gr 55 and A516 Gr 70 determine their suitability for specific applications. Below is a comparison of their yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation.

Property

A516 Gr 55

A516 Gr 70

Thickness

6–50mm, 50–200mm

6–40mm, 40–100mm

Yield Strength (Min MPa)

205 (6–50mm), 205 (50–200mm)

260 (6–40mm), 260 (40–100mm)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

380–515

485–620

Elongation (Min %)

27% (6–50mm), 23% (50–200mm)

21% (6–40mm), 17% (40–100mm)

Key Differences:

  • Yield Strength: A516 Gr 70 has a higher minimum yield strength (260 MPa) compared to A516 Gr 55 (205 MPa), making it suitable for higher-pressure applications.
  • Tensile Strength: A516 Gr 70 offers a higher tensile strength range (485–620 MPa) than A516 Gr 55 (380–515 MPa), providing greater durability in demanding environments.
  • Elongation: A516 Gr 55 has higher elongation (up to 27%) compared to A516 Gr 70 (up to 21%), indicating better ductility for forming processes.

Impact Toughness: Both grades support optional Charpy V-notch testing (e.g., -20°C or -46°C) as per customer specifications, ensuring low-temperature performance.

Explore our ASTM A516 steel plate category for more information on mechanical properties.


 

 

4. Applications of ASTM A516 Gr 55 and Grade 70

 

Both A516 Gr 55 and A516 Gr 70 are used in pressure vessel steel plates, but their applications vary based on their strength and performance characteristics.

ASTM A516 Gr 55 Applications

  • Low-Pressure Vessels: Suitable for storage tanks and vessels with moderate pressure requirements.
  • Industrial Equipment: Used in heat exchangers, pipelines, and structural components for energy projects.
  • Marine Industry: Applied in marine applications requiring robust yet cost-effective materials.
  • Less Demanding Boilers: Ideal for boilers operating under lower stress conditions.

ASTM A516 Gr 70 Applications

  • High-Pressure Vessels: Widely used in oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors for A516 Gr 70 steel plate for pressure vessels due to its high strength and toughness.
  • Boilers: Preferred for A516 Gr 70 steel plate for boilers in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
  • Storage Tanks: Suitable for large-scale storage of liquids and gases under high pressure.
  • Marine Industry: Used in A516 Gr 70 carbon steel plate for marine industry applications requiring superior strength.

For specific product details, visit A516 Grade 55 or A516 Grade 70.


 

 

5. Equivalent Standards for ASTM A516 Gr 55 and Grade 70

 

Both grades have equivalent standards in other international specifications, ensuring compatibility for global projects.

Standard

A516 Gr 55 Equivalent

A516 Gr 70 Equivalent

ASME

SA516 Gr 55

SA516 Gr 70

DIN 17155

E St E315

-

EN 10028

-

P355GH

BS1501

-

224-490 A & B

For related grades, check our A516 Grade 60 and A516 Grade 65 product pages.


 

 

6. Key Features and Benefits

 

ASTM A516 Gr 55

  • Cost-Effective: Lower strength makes it more economical for less demanding applications.
  • High Ductility: Excellent elongation properties for forming and fabrication.
  • Weldability: Suitable for welding complex structures with minimal risk of cracking.
  • Certified Quality: Supplied with mill test certificates (MTC) and third-party inspections (SGS, TUV, BV, ABS).

ASTM A516 Gr 70

  • High Strength: Supports demanding applications with 485–620 MPa tensile strength.
  • Low-Temperature Performance: Reliable at temperatures as low as -46°C.
  • Weldability: Ideal for fabricating pressure vessels and boilers.
  • Supplementary Testing: Supports HIC Test, NACE MR0175, and other standards (Z15, Z25, Z35, S1–S17).

For bulk orders, contact us through our ASTM A516 steel plate category.


 

 

7. Why Choose Gangsteel for ASTM A516 Gr 55 and Grade 70?

 

As a trusted ASTM A516 steel plate supplier, Gangsteel offers:

  • Extensive Inventory: Over 5,000 tons of A516 Gr 55 steel plates and A516 Gr 70 steel plates in stock, available in thicknesses from 6mm to 300mm.
  • Custom Solutions: Supports custom cuts and A516 Gr 70 carbon steel bulk orders for large-scale projects.
  • Global Export: Seamless logistics to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America.
  • Certified Quality: Mill test certificates (MTC) and third-party inspections ensure compliance with A516 Gr 55 ASTM standards and A516 Gr 70 ASTM standards.
  • Fast Delivery: Efficient supply chain for timely project execution.

Visit our A516 Grade 55 and A516 Grade 70 product pages for more details.


 

 

8. FAQs About ASTM A516 Gr 55 and Grade 70

 

  1. What is the main difference between A516 Gr 55 and A516 Gr 70?
    A516 Gr 70 offers higher yield and tensile strength (260 MPa and 485–620 MPa) compared to A516 Gr 55 (205 MPa and 380–515 MPa), making it suitable for high-pressure applications.
  2. Can A516 Gr 55 and A516 Gr 70 be used interchangeably?
    No, due to differences in strength, A516 Gr 70 is preferred for high-pressure environments, while A516 Gr 55 is better for cost-sensitive, lower-pressure applications.
  3. What certifications are provided?
    Gangsteel provides mill test certificates (MTC) and supports third-party inspections (SGS, TUV, BV, ABS) for both grades.
  4. What are the available thicknesses?
    Both grades are available in thicknesses from 6mm to 300mm, with widths from 1500mm to 4050mm and lengths from 3000mm to 15000mm.

For more FAQs, explore our ASTM A516 steel plate category.


 

 

9. Contact Gangsteel for ASTM A516 Gr 55 and Grade 70 Steel Plates

 

Gangsteel is your reliable partner for A516 Gr 55 steel plates and A516 Gr 70 steel plates, offering high-quality materials, competitive pricing, and global logistics. Whether you need A516 Gr 55 for storage tanks or A516 Gr 70 for pressure vessels, we ensure ASTM-compliant products tailored to your project needs.

For inquiries or to place an order, contact us through our A516 Grade 55, A516 Grade 60, A516 Grade 65, or A516 Grade 70 product pages.

 

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