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What is the Difference Between SA 516 GR 70 and SA 537 CL 1?

 

In the field of pressure vessel and boiler manufacturing, selecting the right material can significantly impact safety, performance, and cost.

ASME SA516 Gr 70 and SA537 Cl 1 are both carbon steel plates used for welded applications, but they differ in composition, properties, and suitability for specific conditions.

At Gangsteel, we specialize in supplying high-quality plates like ASME SA537 Cl.1 under the ASME SA537/SA537M standard, equivalent to ASTM A537 Class 1.

SA516 Gr 70 is a normalized carbon steel for moderate and lower temperature service, while SA537 Cl 1 is a normalized carbon-manganese-silicon steel with higher strength for low-temperature and high-pressure environments.

This guide from Gangsteel compares the two, helping you choose for your projects.

Compare with our ASME SA 537 Class 1, ASME SA 537 Class 2, or ASME SA 537 Class 3 for varying needs.

 

Key Differences in Overview

SA516 Gr 70, under ASME SA516, is a general-purpose carbon steel for moderate temperatures, widely used for its affordability and weldability.

SA537 Cl 1, under ASME SA537, is designed for higher strength and better notch toughness, making it suitable for low-temperature services.

SA537 Cl 1 allows thinner plates due to its higher yield, reducing material costs.

Both are normalized, but SA537 Cl 1 often requires impact testing for colder conditions.

Gangsteel recommends SA537 Cl 1 for tougher low-temp apps, while SA516 Gr 70 suits general use.

 

Chemical Composition Comparison

SA516 Gr 70 has a basic carbon composition with manganese and silicon for deoxidation.

Carbon is 0.27-0.28% max, manganese 0.85-1.20%, phosphorus/sulfur 0.035% max.

SA537 Cl 1 includes silicon (0.15-0.50%) and optional alloys like copper/nickel for better toughness, carbon 0.24% max, manganese 0.70-1.60% (thickness-dependent).

SA537's silicon enhances low-temp performance.

Comparison table:

Element

SA516 Gr 70 (%)

SA537 Cl 1 (%)

Carbon (C)

0.27-0.28 max

0.24 max

Manganese (Mn)

0.85-1.20

0.70-1.35 (≤40mm) 1.00-1.60 (>40mm)

Phosphorus (P)

0.035 max

0.035 max

Sulfur (S)

0.035 max

0.035 max

Silicon (Si)

0.15-0.40

0.15-0.50

 

Mechanical Properties Comparison

SA516 Gr 70 has yield 38 ksi (260 MPa) min, tensile 70-90 ksi (485-620 MPa).

SA537 Cl 1 offers higher yield 50 ksi (345 MPa) min (≤65mm), tensile 70-90 ksi.

SA537 provides better low-temp toughness with impact testing.

Properties table:

Property

SA516 Gr 70

SA537 Cl 1

Yield Strength (min)

38 ksi (260 MPa)

50 ksi (345 MPa) (≤65mm)

Tensile Strength

70-90 ksi (485-620 MPa)

70-90 ksi (485-620 MPa)

Elongation (50mm, min)

21%

22%

 

Heat Treatment and Applications

 

Both are normalized, but SA537 Cl 1 is optimized for low temps down to -46°C, while SA516 Gr 70 is for -29°C.

SA516 Gr 70 suits general moderate-temp vessels; SA537 Cl 1 for low-temp/high-strength like sour gas.

SA537 allows thinner shells.

Gangsteel recommends SA537 for tougher conditions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Difference Between SA 516 GR 70 and SA 537 CL 1

 

What is the difference between SA 516 GR 70 and SA 537 CL 1?

SA516 Gr 70 is a normalized carbon steel for moderate temps with yield 38 ksi, while SA537 Cl 1 is a normalized carbon-manganese-silicon steel with higher yield 50 ksi for low-temp toughness.

What is the chemical composition difference?

SA516 Gr 70 has carbon 0.27-0.28% max; SA537 Cl 1 0.24% max with silicon 0.15-0.50% for better deoxidation.

What is the mechanical properties difference?

SA516 Gr 70 yield 38 ksi, SA537 Cl 1 50 ksi, allowing thinner designs in SA537.

What is the temperature range difference?

SA516 Gr 70 for -29°C min; SA537 Cl 1 for -46°C with better impact.

In summary, SA516 Gr 70 is for general use, SA537 Cl 1 for low-temp strength. Contact Gangsteel for supply.

asme sa516 gr 70 vs sa537 cl 1 comparison, sa 516 gr 70 chemical composition details, sa 537 cl 1 yield strength specifications

 

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