SA 516 Gr 60 material Specification

SA 516 Gr 60 Material Specification

SA 516 Gr 60 is a carbon steel plate grade specified under ASME SA-516 (identical to ASTM A516 Grade 60), designed for welded pressure vessels in moderate and lower-temperature service. Renowned for its good weldability, formability, and impact toughness, SA 516 Gr 60 is widely used in boilers, storage tanks, and petrochemical equipment. This article details the material specifications of SA 516 Gr 60, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, delivery conditions, and applications, with comparisons to related grades like ASME SA 516 Gr 70, ASME SA 516 Gr 65, and ASME SA 516 Gr 55. For more details, visit our ASME SA 516 Gr 60 steel plate.

Overview of SA 516 Gr 60

SA 516 Gr 60 is a carbon steel plate designed for pressure vessel applications requiring improved notch toughness. It is part of the ASME SA-516 standard, which includes four grades (55, 60, 65, 70) based on tensile strength. Gr 60 offers a balance of strength and ductility for moderate and low-temperature service, with optional impact testing for sub-zero conditions. Key features include:

• Standard: ASME SA-516/SA-516M (aligned with ASTM A516-06 or later).
• Grade Designation: Gr 60 [415], indicating tensile strength of 415-550 MPa.
• Processing: Killed steel with fine austenitic grain size (No. 5 or finer per ASME SA-20).
• Applications: Boilers, pressure vessels, and storage tanks in moderate climates.

SA 516 Gr 60 Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of SA 516 Gr 60 is tightly controlled to ensure weldability and toughness:

Key Notes:

• Carbon (C): ≤0.21% for thicknesses ≤12.5 mm, increasing to 0.23% for thicker plates (up to 0.27% for >100 mm), balancing strength and weldability.
• Manganese (Mn): Varies by thickness; 0.60-0.90% for ≤12.5 mm, 0.85-1.20% for >12.5 mm. For each 0.01% carbon reduction below the maximum, Mn can increase by 0.06% up to 1.50%.
• Phosphorus (P) and Sulfur (S): Low levels (≤0.025%) minimize inclusions, enhancing toughness and weld quality.
• Silicon (Si): 0.15-0.40% aids deoxidation and strength.

Carbon Equivalent (CEV): Typically ≤0.42%, calculated as CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, ensuring excellent weldability.

SA 516 Gr 60 Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of SA 516 Gr 60 ensure performance in pressure vessel applications:

• Yield Strength: Minimum 220 MPa (32 ksi) for ≤25 mm, decreasing to 205 MPa for >50 mm, suitable for moderate-pressure vessels.
• Tensile Strength: 415-550 MPa (60-80 ksi) ensures durability under pressure.
• Elongation: ≥23% for ≤25 mm, supporting formability for vessel fabrication.
• Impact Toughness: Optional Charpy V-notch testing at -46°C (≥27 J for >13 mm thickness), ensuring low-temperature performance when specified.
• Hardness: Typically 130-170 HB (Brinell), supporting machinability and wear resistance.

Delivery Conditions and Specifications

Per ASME SA-516, SA 516 Gr 60 specifications include:

• Condition: As-rolled for ≤38 mm (1.5 inches); normalized for >38 mm to ensure fine-grain structure and toughness.
• Thickness Range: Up to 100 mm (4 inches); custom thicknesses up to 200 mm available.
• Widths/Lengths: Standard widths up to 3000 mm, lengths up to 12,000 mm.
• Testing:
  • Tension testing per ASME SA-20 for yield and tensile strength.
  • Optional Charpy V-notch impact testing at -46°C for >13 mm.
  • Ultrasonic examination (UT) per SA-435/SA-435M or SA-578/SA-578M for internal quality (optional).
• Marking: Includes grade (Gr 60), heat number, thickness, and manufacturer stamp.
• Certifications: EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates, compliance with ASME SA-516, and optional approvals from ABS, LR, BV, or DNV for marine or pressure vessel use.

The full specification is available in the ASME SA-516 PDF, purchasable from ASME.org or accessible via excerpts on sites like MetalPiping.com.

Welding and Heat Treatment

SA 516 Gr 60 is highly weldable:

• Welding: Compatible with SMAW, GMAW, and SAW per ASME Section IX. Preheating (149-204°C for >38 mm) prevents hydrogen-induced cracking; PWHT (593-649°C) for stress relief in thick sections or critical welds.
• Consumables: E7018 electrodes for SMAW; ER70S-6 wire for GMAW; EM12K flux with EH14 wire for SAW.
• Weldability: Low carbon (≤0.21%) and CEV (~0.42%) ensure robust welds with minimal risk of brittleness, ideal for pressure vessel fabrication.

Comparison with Other SA 516 Grades

Key Difference: SA 516 Gr 60 has lower carbon (0.21% vs 0.27% for Gr 70) and strength than Gr 70 and Gr 65, but higher than Gr 55, with optional impact testing for low-temperature service, balancing cost and performance.

Applications

SA 516 Gr 60 is used in:

• Pressure Vessels: Boilers and tanks for moderate temperatures (down to -46°C with impact testing).
• Storage Tanks: Petrochemical and oil storage in moderate climates.
• Offshore Structures: Components requiring moderate strength and optional low-temperature toughness.

Explore ASME SA 516 Gr 70 for higher-pressure applications.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies SA 516 Gr 60:

• Inventory: Extensive stock in China for rapid availability.
• Sizes: Thickness 6–200 mm, widths up to 3000 mm, lengths up to 12,000 mm.
• Delivery: 7-30 days to global markets.
• Certifications: ASME SA-516, EN 10204 3.1/3.2, UT testing per SA-435/SA-578, ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals.
• Processing: Cutting, rolling, bending to meet project specifications.

Contact us for ASME SA 516 Gr 60 steel plate.

FAQ

What is the SA 516 Gr 60 material specification?
The SA 516 Gr 60 specification under ASME SA-516 includes yield strength ≥220 MPa, tensile strength 415-550 MPa, elongation ≥23%, optional impact toughness ≥27 J at -46°C, and thickness up to 100 mm for pressure vessels.

What is the carbon content of SA 516 Gr 60?
SA 516 Gr 60 has a maximum carbon content of 0.21% (heat analysis), ensuring weldability and toughness for moderate-temperature pressure vessels.

How does SA 516 Gr 60 compare to ASME SA 516 Gr 70?
SA 516 Gr 60 has lower carbon (0.21% vs 0.27%), yield strength (220 MPa vs 260 MPa), and tensile strength (415-550 MPa vs 485-620 MPa) than Gr 70, with optional -46°C testing vs mandatory for Gr 70.

Is SA 516 Gr 60 weldable?
Yes, SA 516 Gr 60 is highly weldable with low carbon (0.21%) and CEV ~0.42%, using SMAW/GMAW with preheating (149-204°C for >38 mm) and PWHT for thick sections.

What applications use SA 516 Gr 60?
SA 516 Gr 60 is used in pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks for moderate temperatures, with optional impact testing for low-temperature service.

How does SA 516 Gr 60 compare to ASME SA 516 Gr 65?
SA 516 Gr 60 has lower carbon (0.21% vs 0.24%) and strength (220 MPa yield vs 240 MPa) than Gr 65, with optional -46°C testing vs mandatory, suitable for less demanding pressure vessels.