What is the Plate Tolerance for ASME SA 516?

ASME SA 516 plate tolerances, as specified by ASME SA 20, are ±1.5mm for thicknesses below 40mm and ±2.0mm for 40-200mm, ensuring dimensional accuracy for pressure vessel fabrication.At Gangsteel, we manufacture ASME SA 516 GR 70 plates that meet these stringent tolerances, guaranteeing precision and reliability. This article details SA 516 plate tolerances, their importance, and how Gangsteel ensures compliance for global projects.

Understanding Plate Tolerances for ASME SA 516

Plate tolerances refer to the allowable deviations in dimensions (thickness, width, length, and flatness) for steel plates, as specified by ASME SA 20, the general requirements for steel plates used in pressure vessels. For ASME SA 516, which includes grades like ASME SA 516 GR 65, ASME SA 516 GR 60, and ASME SA 516 GR 55, these tolerances ensure that plates meet the precise dimensional requirements needed for safe and efficient fabrication of pressure vessels and boilers.

Tolerances are critical because they affect fit-up during welding, structural integrity, and compliance with international standards like ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and EN 10029 for European markets. Gangsteel’s SA 516 plates are manufactured with precision rolling and cutting processes to meet these tolerances, ensuring seamless integration into pressure vessel assemblies.

ASME SA 20 Tolerance Specifications

ASME SA 20, which governs SA 516 plates, specifies the following tolerances:

Gangsteel’s SA 516 plates, such as ASTM A 516 GR 70, are produced to meet these tolerances, with custom options available for tighter specifications (e.g., ±5mm width/length) to suit high-precision projects.

Importance of Plate Tolerances in Pressure Vessel Fabrication

Plate tolerances are critical for several reasons:

• Fabrication Precision: Tight tolerances ensure accurate fit-up during welding, reducing gaps that could lead to weld imperfections or stress concentrations. This is essential for pressure vessels operating at pressures up to 500 bar.
• Structural Integrity: Consistent thickness and flatness prevent uneven stress distribution, enhancing the safety of vessels using ASME SA 516 GR 65.
• Regulatory Compliance: ASME SA 20 tolerances align with BPVC Section VIII requirements, ensuring that plates meet safety standards for pressure vessel certification.
• Global Compatibility: Tolerances also comply with international standards like EN 10029 (Class A/B), making Gangsteel’s plates suitable for markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Gangsteel’s manufacturing process includes precision rolling, laser cutting, and quality control checks to ensure every plate meets or exceeds ASME SA 20 tolerances, minimizing fabrication issues.

Gangsteel’s Manufacturing Process for SA 516 Plates

At Gangsteel, we produce SA 516 plates with a focus on dimensional accuracy:

• Controlled Rolling: Our advanced rolling mills ensure uniform thickness and flatness, meeting ASME SA 20 tolerances.
• Heat Treatment: Plates are normalized at 900-950°C or stress-relieved at 620-650°C to refine grain structure and maintain dimensional stability.
• Cutting Precision: CNC plasma and laser cutting achieve tight width/length tolerances (±5mm for custom orders).
• Quality Assurance: Dimensional inspections using laser measurement systems and ultrasonic testing (ASTM A435) verify compliance.
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Our SA 516 plates, including ASTM A 516 GR 60, are available in thicknesses from 6mm to 200mm (custom up to 300mm), with widths up to 4,500mm and lengths up to 12,000mm, tailored to project specifications.

Chemical Composition of SA 516 GR 70 (Reference)

To contextualize the importance of tolerances, here is the chemical composition of ASME SA 516 GR 70:

This composition ensures that SA 516 plates maintain their mechanical properties within the specified tolerances, supporting safe and

reliable pressure vessel fabrication.

Mechanical Properties of SA 516 GR 70

The mechanical properties of SA 516 GR 70, which tolerances help maintain, are:

These properties are verified through ASTM E8 and E23 tests, ensuring that dimensional tolerances do not compromise performance.

Applications of SA 516 Plates

SA 516 plates, meeting ASME SA 20 tolerances, are used in:

• Oil and Gas: High-pressure vessels and pipelines, especially with HIC resistance, using ASME SA 516 GR 70.
• Petrochemical: Reactors and heat exchangers requiring precise dimensions.
• Power Generation: Boilers and steam drums, leveraging ASME SA 516 GR 60.
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Gangsteel’s Commitment to Quality

Gangsteel ensures SA 516 plate tolerances through:

• Precision Manufacturing: Advanced rolling and cutting technologies.
• Testing: Ultrasonic, HIC, and impact tests for quality assurance.
• Certifications: MTCs per EN 10204 3.1, verified by SGS and BV.
• Global Supply: Exports to 50+ countries with 3-7 day delivery to Asia.
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Conclusion

ASME SA 516 plate tolerances, as per ASME SA 20, are ±1.5mm for thicknesses below 40mm and ±2.0mm for 40-200mm, ensuring precision for pressure vessel fabrication. Gangsteel’s ASME SA 516 GR 70, ASME SA 516 GR 65, and ASME SA 516 GR 60 plates meet these standards, delivering reliable solutions for global industries. Contact Gangsteel for tailored plates and competitive pricing.

Keywords: ASME SA 516 plate tolerance, carbon steel tolerances, pressure vessel fabrication, Gangsteel SA 516