A516 Grade 70 vs Grade 60 Steel: Which is Better?

 

 

As a leading manufacturer and exporter of pressure vessel and boiler steel plates, Gangsteel supplies high-quality ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60 plates tailored for demanding applications in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation. Choosing between ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60 depends on project requirements for strength, toughness, and cost.

Gangsteel compares their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications to help engineers and fabricators make informed decisions.

 

Chemical Composition Comparison

Both ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60 are carbon steel plates designed for pressure vessels, with controlled compositions to ensure weldability and toughness. The table below outlines their chemical compositions per ASTM standards:

Element	ASTM A516 GR 70 (% by weight)	ASTM A516 GR 60 (% by weight)
Carbon (C)	0.27 max	0.21 max
Manganese (Mn)	0.85–1.20	0.60–1.20
Phosphorus (P)	0.035 max	0.035 max
Sulfur (S)	0.035 max	0.035 max
Silicon (Si)	0.15–0.40	0.15–0.40
Aluminum (Al)	0.02 min (for killed steel)	0.02 min (for killed steel)
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Balance

Key Differences:

• Carbon: ASTM A516 GR 70 has a higher carbon content (0.27% max) than ASTM A516 GR 60 (0.21% max), contributing to greater strength but slightly reduced ductility.
• Manganese: GR 70 has a higher minimum manganese content (0.85% vs. 0.60%), enhancing strength and toughness.
• Phosphorus and Sulfur: Both grades maintain low levels (0.035% max) for improved notch toughness.
• Aluminum: Both are fully killed steels, ensuring uniform properties and reduced gas inclusions.

Gangsteel ensures that both ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60 meet ASME SA516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 60 standards, with rigorous chemical testing.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

 

The mechanical properties of ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60 determine their suitability for specific applications. GR 70 offers higher strength, while GR 60 provides greater ductility. The table below compares their key mechanical properties:

Property	ASTM A516 GR 70	ASTM A516 GR 60
Tensile Strength	485–620 MPa (70–90 ksi)	415–550 MPa (60–80 ksi)
Yield Strength (min)	260 MPa (38 ksi)	220 MPa (32 ksi)
Elongation (min, 200 mm)	17%	21%
Elongation (min, 50 mm)	21%	25%
Hardness (HB, typical)	140–200 HB	120–165 HB
Impact Toughness (Charpy V-notch)	Meets ASTM requirements at -46°C	Meets ASTM requirements at -51°C

Key Differences:

• Tensile Strength: ASTM A516 GR 70 (485–620 MPa) is stronger than ASTM A516 GR 60 (415–550 MPa), making it suitable for higher-pressure applications.
• Yield Strength: GR 70’s higher yield strength (260 MPa vs. 220 MPa) provides better resistance to deformation under pressure.
• Elongation: GR 60 offers higher ductility (21–25% vs. 17–21%), ideal for applications requiring extensive forming.
• Impact Toughness: GR 60 is tested at a lower temperature (-51°C vs. -46°C), offering slightly better low-temperature performance.

Applications

 

• ASTM A516 GR 70: Preferred for:
  • High-pressure vessels in oil, gas, and chemical processing.
  • Boilers in power generation requiring robust strength.
  • Cryogenic applications like LNG storage tanks.
• ASTM A516 GR 60: Suited for:
  • Moderate-pressure vessels where cost and formability are priorities.
  • Boilers and tanks requiring high ductility for fabrication.
  • Low-temperature applications with less stringent strength requirements.

Gangsteel’s ASME SA516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 60 plates meet ASME standards, ensuring reliability for pressure vessel and boiler applications.

Weldability

 

Both grades are fully killed carbon steels with excellent weldability using standard processes (SMAW, GTAW, SAW). However:

• ASTM A516 GR 70: Higher carbon content requires careful welding to avoid hardness issues, but normalization enhances weld quality.
• ASTM A516 GR 60: Lower carbon content simplifies welding, reducing the risk of cracking.

Gangsteel supplies both grades in normalized conditions to optimize weldability and toughness.

Comparison with Other A516 Grades

 

For broader context, the table below compares ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60 with other A516 grades:

Grade	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Key Feature
ASTM A516 GR 70	485–620	260	High strength, robust applications
ASTM A516 GR 65	450–585	240	Balanced strength and cost
ASTM A516 GR 60	415–550	220	High ductility, moderate pressure
ASTM A516 GR 55	380–515	205	Entry-level, less demanding uses

For equivalent standards, refer to Gangsteel’s ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.

Which is Better?

 

• Choose ASTM A516 GR 70 for:
  • High-pressure vessels requiring superior strength.
  • Applications where robustness outweighs cost considerations.
  • Projects needing compliance with stringent standards like ASME SA516 GR 70.
• Choose ASTM A516 GR 60 for:
  • Moderate-pressure applications where cost and formability are priorities.
  • Projects requiring higher ductility for complex fabrication.
  • Low-temperature environments with less demanding strength requirements.

Gangsteel Solution

 

Gangsteel is a trusted supplier of ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASTM A516 GR 60, offering:

• Certified Quality: Plates undergo ultrasonic testing, Charpy impact tests, and chemical analysis to meet ASTM/ASME standards.
• Customization: Available in normalized or hot-rolled conditions for specific needs.
• Global Supply: Competitive pricing and reliable delivery worldwide.
• Technical Support: Expert guidance on selecting ASTM A516 GR 70, ASTM A516 GR 65, ASTM A516 GR 60, or ASTM A516 GR 55.

ASTM A516 GR 70 excels in high-pressure applications, while ASTM A516 GR 60 is ideal for cost-sensitive, moderate-pressure projects. For equivalent standards, explore our ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.