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ASTM A516 Gr 70 vs A36 Specs

 

ASTM A516 Grade 70 and A36 are carbon steel specifications, but they serve distinct roles: A516 Gr 70 is a normalized pressure vessel steel with superior toughness for boilers and tanks, while A36 is a versatile structural steel for general construction like buildings and bridges. A516 Gr 70 excels in high-pressure environments with higher tensile strength, whereas A36 is more economical for moderate loads.

As a leading Chinese manufacturer and exporter, Gangsteel produces high-quality ASTM A 516 GR 70 plates for pressure vessels and asme sa 36 steel plate for structural uses, ensuring compliance with ASTM standards.

 

Overview of ASTM A516 Gr 70 and A36

ASTM A516 Gr 70 is specified for carbon steel plates in moderate and lower temperature pressure vessels, normalized for improved notch toughness. It features a minimum tensile strength of 70-90 ksi, making it ideal for welded applications in harsh conditions.

ASTM A36 is a basic carbon structural steel for riveted, bolted, or welded construction, with no heat treatment required, offering good ductility but lower strength. Gangsteel's ASTM A 516 GR 70 supports high-pressure needs, while our astm a 36 steel plate fits general structural projects.

The table below summarizes key specs:

Property

A516 Gr 70

A36

Standard

ASTM A516/A516M

ASTM A36/A36M

Type

Normalized pressure vessel steel

Carbon structural steel

Yield Strength (min, ksi/MPa)

38 / 260

36 / 250

Tensile Strength (ksi/MPa)

70-90 / 485-620

58-80 / 400-550

Elongation (min, %)

17

20

Heat Treatment

Normalized

As-rolled

Applications

Boilers, high-pressure vessels

Buildings, bridges

 

Chemical Composition Comparison

A516 Gr 70 has stricter controls on phosphorus and sulfur for better weldability, while A36 allows higher levels. Typical values (in weight %, maximum unless specified):

Element

A516 Gr 70

A36

C (Carbon)

0.28

0.26

Mn (Manganese)

0.85-1.20

-

P (Phosphorus)

0.025

0.040

S (Sulfur)

0.025

0.050

Si (Silicon)

0.15-0.40

0.40

Cu (Copper)

-

0.20 (min if specified)

Gangsteel's ASME SA 516 GR 70 follows similar chemistry to A516 for pressure use.

 

Mechanical Properties Comparison

A516 Gr 70's higher tensile and normalized structure provide better performance under pressure than A36. Typical values:

Property

A516 Gr 70

A36

Yield Strength (min, ksi/MPa)

38 / 260

36 / 250

Tensile Strength (ksi/MPa)

70-90 / 485-620

58-80 / 400-550

Elongation (min, % in 8")

17

20

Hardness (Brinell, approx)

143-187

119-162

Gangsteel's asme sa 36 steel plate provides A36-compliant properties for structures.

 

Applications and Interchangeability

A516 Gr 70 is for high-pressure boilers and vessels, while A36 is for general structural elements like beams. They are not interchangeable due to strength and service differences. Gangsteel's ASME SA 516 GR 60 offers a lower-strength alternative to A516.

 

FAQ

  • What is the main difference between A516 Gr 70 and A36?A516 Gr 70 is for pressure vessels (70 ksi tensile), A36 for structures (58 ksi).
  • Is A516 Gr 70 normalized?Yes, for better toughness; A36 is as-rolled.
  • What is the yield strength of A516 Gr 70?Minimum 38 ksi (260 MPa), higher than A36's 36 ksi.
  • Can A36 replace A516 Gr 70?No, due to lower strength and unsuitability for pressure service.
  • Where can I buy A516 Gr 70 or A36 plates?Gangsteel offers compliant plates; contact for ASTM A 516 GR 70 or asme sa 36 steel plate.

 

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