ASTM A514 GR H Quenched and Tempered Steel Plate

 

General Description

ASTM A514 Grade H Steel Plate is a quenched and tempered alloy steel with high yield strength (≥690 MPa) and excellent notch toughness. It is mainly used in high-stress structural applications, such as lifting equipment, offshore structures, bridges, and heavy-duty machinery frames.

Produced under the ASTM A514/A514M standard, this material delivers an outstanding balance between strength, weldability, and impact resistance, making it one of the preferred choices for engineers designing weight-sensitive but high-load structures.

Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter in China, offers ASTM A514 Gr H plates with various sizes, heat treatments, and customized cutting options for global projects.

 

Material Specification

Specification

Details

Standard

ASTM A514/A514M – High Strength Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel

Thickness

6mm – 150mm

Width

Up to 3500mm

Length

Up to 12000mm

Heat Treatment

Quenched and Tempered

Delivery Condition

Q+T (Quenched + Tempered)

Density

7.85 g/cm³

Surface

Mill finish, shot blasted, or pickled

Origin

Gangsteel, China

 

Chemical Composition

Heat Analysis & Product Analysis

Element

Heat Analysis (%)

Product Analysis (%)

C (Carbon)

0.12–0.21

0.10–0.23

Mn (Manganese)

0.95–1.30

0.91–1.34

P (Phosphorus, max)

0.035

0.043

S (Sulfur, max)

0.035

0.043

Si (Silicon)

0.20–0.35

0.15–0.40

Ni (Nickel)

0.30–0.70

0.25–0.75

Cr (Chromium)

0.40–0.65

0.35–0.70

Mo (Molybdenum)

0.20–0.30

0.17–0.33

V (Vanadium)

0.03–0.08

0.01–0.10

Cu (Copper)

0.15–0.50

0.10–0.55

B (Boron)

0.0005–0.005

0.0000–0.0055

This composition gives A514 Gr H its characteristic high tensile strength, good toughness, and weldability.

 

Mechanical Properties

Property

Requirement

Test Direction

Yield Strength (MPa)

≥ 690

Longitudinal

Tensile Strength (MPa)

760–895

Longitudinal

Elongation (%)

≥ 18

Longitudinal

Charpy V-Notch Impact (J @ -50°C)

≥ 27 J

Longitudinal

Hardness (HBW)

235 – 293

-

Note: A514 Grade H exhibits excellent impact toughness even at subzero temperatures, making it suitable for cold-region engineering projects.

 

Delivery Conditions

Condition Code

Description

AR

As Rolled

N

Normalized

Q+T

Quenched and Tempered (Standard)

TMCP

Thermo-Mechanically Controlled Process (Optional)

Gangsteel generally supplies A514 Grade H in Q+T condition, ensuring consistent strength and uniform microstructure.

 

Tolerances

As per ASTM A6/A6M

Parameter

Tolerance

Thickness

±0.3 mm (≤25 mm) / ±0.5 mm (>25 mm)

Width

+25 / –0 mm

Length

+50 / –0 mm

Flatness

≤ 3 mm per meter

Edge Condition

Mill Edge or Cut Edge

 

Equivalent Material Grades

Standard

Grade

Remarks

EN 10025-6

S690QL / S690Q

High strength Q+T structural steel

GB/T 16270

Q690D

Chinese equivalent

DIN 17102

StE690 / TStE690

German equivalent

JIS G3106

SM570

Similar strength, different impact grade

BS EN 10025-6

S690QL / S690Q

UK equivalent with fine-grain structure

NF EN 10025-6

S690QL

French equivalent for welded structures

UNI EN 10025-6

S690QL

Italian equivalent with high yield

AS/NZS 3678

Grade 700

Australian/New Zealand equivalent for structural plates

GOST 19281

14G2AF

Russian low-alloy equivalent with similar yield

IS 2062

E690

Indian high-strength structural equivalent

CSA G40.21

700QT

Canadian quenched and tempered equivalent

SS EN 10025-6

S690QL

Swedish equivalent for high-strength applications

 

Applications

ASTM A514 Gr H plates are used across industries requiring high load-bearing capacity with reduced structural weight, including:

  • Lifting and transport equipment
  • Heavy-duty cranes and truck frames
  • Bridges and building structures
  • Offshore drilling platforms
  • Mining machinery
  • Pressure vessels and support frames

By choosing A514 Grade H, engineers can reduce overall structural weight by up to 20–30% compared to carbon steel plates, without sacrificing strength.

 

Price / Cost in China Market

Gangsteel offers competitive prices based on plate thickness, width, and order volume.

Thickness (mm)

Price (USD/ton, FOB China)

6–20

950 – 1050

21–50

980 – 1100

51–100

1100 – 1200

Note: Prices are subject to fluctuations in alloying elements and steel market conditions. For updated offers, contact admin@gansteel.com.

 

Supplementary Requirements

Optional test services provided by Gangsteel:

  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT) per ASTM A435 / A578
  • Impact Testing (CVN) per ASTM A370
  • Hardness Test (HB or HV)
  • Third-party inspection: SGS / BV / TUV
  • MTC per EN10204 3.1 / 3.2

Difference vs Other Grades

Property

A514 Gr H

A514 Gr Q

A514 Gr B

A514 Gr E

A514 Gr P

Yield Strength (MPa)

690

690

690

690

690

Charpy Impact Temp

-50°C

-50°C

-20°C

-20°C

-30°C

Toughness Level

High

Very High

Medium

Medium

High

Typical Use

Heavy-duty for vehicles

Offshore cranes

Construction frames

Bridge plates

Mining equipment

A514 Gr H provides an optimal balance between strength and low-temperature toughness, making it a cost-effective choice for general high-strength structural uses.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel

  • Over 20 years of experience in producing and exporting A514 series plates
  • Large inventory and fast delivery (1,000+ tons available monthly)
  • CNC cutting, drilling, beveling, and edge preparation
  • SGS/BV third-party inspection available
  • Global export experience: USA, Korea, Singapore, UAE, Europe

Gangsteel is one of the most trusted suppliers of A514 Grade H plates in China, with a strong record in supplying to global projects.

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is ASTM A514 GR H steel?

ASTM A514 GR H is a high-strength quenched and tempered alloy steel plate known for its exceptional yield strength and toughness. It's designed for structural applications where superior load-bearing capacity is required without excessive weight. The quenching and tempering process involves heating the steel to a high temperature, rapidly cooling it to achieve hardness, and then reheating it to improve ductility and reduce brittleness. This results in a material that's ideal for welded constructions in demanding environments, offering a minimum yield strength of 100 ksi (690 MPa) for thicknesses up to 2 inches.

What are the uses of A514 Grade H?

A514 Grade H is widely applied in industries that demand robust performance under high stress. Common uses include crane components like booms and supports, where it handles heavy lifting and dynamic loads; mining tools such as excavator arms and bucket liners that resist abrasion from rocks and debris; bridge construction for girders and beams requiring long-span strength; and heavy trucks or vehicle frames that need to withstand rugged terrain and heavy payloads. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows for lighter designs, improving efficiency in transportation and construction projects.

How does Grade H compare to Grade B?

Compared to Grade B, A514 Grade H features a more advanced alloy composition with higher levels of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, which enhance its cold-weather toughness and strength retention in thicker plates (up to 2 inches for full properties). Grade B is suitable for general high-strength applications with moderate impact requirements, but Grade H excels in colder environments (down to -50°F) and offers better resistance to fatigue and wear. While Grade B might be more cost-effective for thinner sections or less demanding conditions, Grade H provides superior performance for heavy-duty, low-temperature structural uses.

Is A514 GR H weldable?

Yes, A514 GR H is weldable, but it requires careful procedures to maintain its high-strength properties and avoid issues like cracking. Preheating the plate to 150-200°C (300-400°F) is essential to reduce thermal stresses, and low-hydrogen electrodes or fillers should be used to minimize hydrogen-induced cracking. Post-weld heat treatment may be recommended for thicker sections to restore toughness. Always follow ASTM guidelines or consult welding codes like AWS D1.1 for specific parameters, ensuring the weld zone matches the base metal's strength.

What is the yield strength of A514 Grade H?

The minimum yield strength of A514 Grade H is 100 ksi (690 MPa) for plates up to 2 inches thick, measured as the point where the material begins to deform permanently under load. For thicker plates (up to 6 inches), it drops to 90 ksi (620 MPa) to maintain adequate toughness. This high yield allows for thinner sections in designs, reducing overall weight while ensuring structural integrity under heavy loads.

What equivalents does A514 GR H have?

A514 GR H has several international equivalents that offer similar high-strength quenched and tempered properties. For example, in Europe, EN 10025-6 S690QL provides comparable yield strength and toughness for structural welding. In China, GB/T 16270 Q690D matches its alloy composition and mechanical performance for heavy machinery. See the Equivalent Material Grades table above for a full list, including standards from Germany (DIN StE690), Japan (JIS SM570), and others. Always verify exact matches with mill certificates for your application.

What thickness is available for Grade H?

A514 Grade H is typically available in thicknesses from 0.75 to 2 inches to achieve its full 100 ksi yield strength, as specified in ASTM A514 for optimal performance. Gangsteel can supply up to 150mm (about 6 inches) with adjusted properties, where yield may reduce to 90 ksi for thicker sections to ensure toughness. Custom thicknesses are possible through our processing services, making it versatile for various project requirements.

What is the hardness of A514 GR H?

The Brinell hardness (HBW) of A514 GR H ranges from 235 to 293, providing excellent resistance to wear, abrasion, and surface deformation. This hardness level results from the quenching and tempering process, balancing durability with machinability. It's ideal for applications involving impact or sliding wear, such as mining equipment, where it extends service life compared to softer steels.

Does it work in cold weather?

Yes, A514 GR H performs well in cold weather, with good Charpy V-notch impact toughness at temperatures as low as -50°F (-46°C), typically achieving at least 27 J (20 ft-lb) in supplemental testing. Its alloying elements like nickel and chromium help prevent brittleness, making it suitable for arctic or winter construction projects, such as bridges in northern climates or offshore platforms in cold seas.

How to cut or shape it?

Cutting or shaping A514 GR H requires specialized methods due to its high hardness. Plasma or laser cutting is recommended for clean edges and minimal heat-affected zones, while oxy-fuel can be used with preheating to avoid cracking. For shaping, use heavy-duty presses with proper tooling, and avoid sharp bends to prevent stress concentrations. Gangsteel offers professional services like plasma cutting, beveling, and milling to ensure precise fabrication without compromising material properties.

What certs do you provide?

Gangsteel provides comprehensive certifications for A514 GR H plates, including Mill Test Certificates (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2, detailing chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and test results. We also offer ultrasonic testing reports per ASTM A435/A578, impact test data per ASTM A370, and third-party inspections from agencies like SGS, BV, or TUV upon request. All certs confirm compliance with ASTM A514/A514M standards.

Is it corrosion resistant?

A514 GR H has some inherent corrosion resistance due to alloying elements like copper and chromium, which form a protective patina in mild atmospheres. However, it's not fully stainless, so for prolonged outdoor or corrosive exposure (e.g., marine or chemical environments), apply protective coatings like paint, galvanizing, or epoxy. This extends service life and maintains structural integrity in harsh conditions.

How to get a quote from Gangsteel?

To get a quote from Gangsteel, simply send your specifications—including thickness, width, length, quantity, and any special requirements like testing or processing—to admin@gansteel.com. Our team will review and provide a competitive quote within 24 hours, including pricing, lead times, and shipping options. For urgent needs, include project details for tailored advice.

Conclusion

ASTM A514 Grade H quenched and tempered steel plate offers a perfect combination of high yield strength, toughness, and weldability, making it ideal for demanding structural applications.

As a professional manufacturer and exporter, Gangsteel ensures top-quality materials, fast delivery, and customized service for global clients in construction, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery industries.

Contact Gangsteel today at admin@gansteel.com for quotations and technical support.

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