ASTM A514 Steel Plate Specifications and Standards Guide

 

ASTM A514 is a high-yield-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This specification, outlined in ASTM A514/A514M, covers plates suitable for welding and is primarily used in structural applications where superior strength, toughness, and weldability are essential. The standard ensures that the steel plates meet rigorous requirements for yield strength of at least 100 ksi (690 MPa) in most cases, making them ideal for demanding environments.

As a leading producer and exporter, Gangsteel offers a wide range of ASTM A514/A514M steel plate options tailored to various industrial needs.

 

What is ASTM A514 Grades?

ASTM A514 steel plates are available in multiple grades, each designed to provide optimal performance based on thickness, chemical composition, and specific application requirements. The grades differ primarily in their alloying elements, which influence properties like corrosion resistance and impact toughness. Common grades include A, B, C, E, F, H, J, K, M, P, Q, R, S, and T. For instance, astm a514 grade a is suited for lower-thickness applications, while higher grades like astm a514 grade q offer enhanced strength for thicker plates.

The following table lists key ASTM A514 grades along with their typical thickness ranges and primary characteristics:

Grade

Typical Thickness Range

Key Characteristics

astm a514 grade a

Up to 1-1/4"

High strength with good weldability

astm a514 grade b

3/16" – 1-1/4"

Balanced toughness and machinability

astm a514 grade c

Varies (inquire)

Enhanced alloy content for specific uses

astm a514 grade e

3/16" – 6"

Superior impact resistance

astm a514 grade f

3/16" – 2-1/2"

High abrasion resistance

astm a514 grade h

3/16" – 2"

Optimized for structural integrity

astm a514 grade j

Varies (inquire)

Alloyed for specialized welding

astm a514 grade k

Varies (inquire)

Improved formability

astm a514 grade m

Varies (inquire)

High yield for heavy loads

astm a514 grade p

Inquire

Corrosion-resistant variants

astm a514 grade q

3/16" – 8"

Ideal for thick-plate applications

astm a514 grade r

Varies (inquire)

Enhanced heat resistance

astm a514 grade s

3/16" – 2-1/2"

Versatile for multiple sectors

astm a514 grade t

Varies (inquire)

Maximum strength in tempered form

These grades ensure compliance with ASTM A514/A514M standards, allowing for customization in projects like bridges and heavy machinery.

 

Chemical Composition of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

The chemical composition of ASTM A514 steel plates varies by grade to achieve desired properties such as hardness and resistance to wear. Elements like carbon (C), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) are carefully controlled. Below is a detailed table of chemical composition (in weight %) for select grades, based on ASTM specifications:

Element

astm a514 grade a

astm a514 grade b

astm a514 grade e

astm a514 grade f

astm a514 grade h

astm a514 grade p

astm a514 grade q

astm a514 grade s

C

0.15-0.21

0.12-0.21

0.12-0.20

0.10-0.20

0.12-0.21

0.12-0.21

0.14-0.21

0.11-0.21

Mn

0.80-1.10

0.70-1.00

0.40-0.70

0.60-1.00

0.95-1.30

0.45-0.70

0.95-1.30

1.10-1.50

P (max)

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.020

S (max)

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.030

0.020

Si

0.40-0.80

0.20-0.35

0.20-0.40

0.15-0.35

0.20-0.35

0.20-0.35

0.15-0.35

0.15-0.45

Ni

-

-

-

0.70-1.00

0.30-0.70

1.20-1.50

1.20-1.50

-

Cr

0.50-0.80

0.40-0.65

1.40-2.00

0.40-0.65

0.40-0.65

0.85-1.20

1.00-1.50

-

Mo

0.18-0.28

0.15-0.25

0.40-0.60

0.40-0.60

0.20-0.30

0.45-0.60

0.45-0.60

0.10-0.60

V

-

0.03-0.08

-

0.03-0.08

0.03-0.08

-

0.03-0.08

0.06

Ti

-

0.01-0.10

0.01-0.10

-

-

-

-

-

Zr

0.05-0.15

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Cu

-

-

-

0.15-0.50

-

-

-

-

B

0.0025

0.0005-0.005

0.001-0.005

0.0005-0.005

0.0005-0.005

0.001-0.005

-

0.001-0.005

Nb

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.06

Note: Values are maximum unless a range is specified. Dashes indicate no requirement. For grades like astm a514 grade j, astm a514 grade k, astm a514 grade m, astm a514 grade r, and astm a514 grade t, compositions align closely with similar grades but may vary; consult ASTM A514/A514M for precise details.

 

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

Mechanical properties are consistent across most ASTM A514 grades, with variations based on plate thickness. These plates exhibit excellent yield and tensile strength, ensuring durability under high stress. The following table summarizes typical mechanical properties per ASTM specifications:

Thickness Range

Minimum Yield Strength (ksi)

Tensile Strength (ksi)

Minimum Elongation in 8" (%)

3/4" or less

100

110-130

18

>3/4" to 2.5"

100

110-130

18

>2.5" to 6"

90

100-130

16

>6" (select grades)

90

100-130

16

For example, astm a514 grade f maintains these properties in abrasive environments, while astm a514 grade e excels in impact-heavy applications.

 

Heat Treatment and Processing Standards

Under ASTM A514/A514M, steel plates must undergo quenching and tempering to achieve the required strength and toughness. Quenching involves rapid cooling from high temperatures, followed by tempering to reduce brittleness. This process is mandatory for all grades, such as astm a514 grade h, ensuring compliance with hardness tests (typically Brinell 235-293). Plates are produced in thicknesses up to 8" for certain grades, with mill test reports verifying adherence to standards.

 

Applications and Compliance

ASTM A514 steel plates are widely used in construction equipment, bridges, mining machinery, and offshore structures due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. For compliance, all plates must meet ASTM A514/A514M requirements, including chemical analysis, tensile testing, and impact testing where specified.

 

Gangsteel's ASTM A514/A514M steel plate products are manufactured to these exact standards, supporting global exports for reliable performance.

 

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