Heavy Plate
BMG’s specialized Heavy Plate division is dedicated to supplying manufacturers and builders with steel plates whose thickness reaches or exceeds three inches.
ASTM A516 STEEL PLATE (PRESSURE VESSELS)
ASTM A516 is a high-strength, low-alloy steel designed specifically for applications that require tensile strength and pressure resistance, such as pressure vessels and boilers. It is known for its ability to withstand both high and low temperatures, as well as its durability and excellent weldability.
- High-strength steel: ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications typical of boilers and pressure vessels.
- Excellent weldability: easy to fabricate using most standard welding processes.
- Corrosion resistance: while not a weathering steel, it performs well in normal operating conditions and can withstand humid/corrosive environments.
- Available grades: offered in multiple grades with different strength levels to meet specific requirements.
- High tensile strength for pressure vessels, boilers, and heavy-load structures.
- Excellent weldability with standard processes.
- Good fatigue resistance for cyclic loading environments.
- Versatile range of grades for different industrial requirements.
Industries: energy, petrochemical, manufacturing, heavy equipment, and industrial construction.
- High tensile strength for pressure vessels, boilers, and heavy-load structures.
- Excellent weldability with standard processes.
- Good fatigue resistance for cyclic loading environments.
- Versatile range of grades for different industrial requirements.
Element | Composition |
Carbon | 0.26% max |
Manganese | 0.60% – 1.35% |
Phosphorus | 0.035% max |
Sulfur | 0.025% max |
Silicon | 0.15% – 0.40% |
Nickel | 0.40% max |
Chromium | 0.90% max |
Molybdenum | 0.12% max |
Copper | 0.35% max |
Vanadium | 0.05% max |
Mechanical property | Grade 55 | Grade 60 | Grade 65 | Grade 70 |
Tensile strength (ksi / MPa) | 55 ksi (380 MPa) | 60 ksi (415 MPa) | 65 ksi (450 MPa) | 70 ksi (485 MPa) |
Yield point (ksi / MPa) | 30 ksi (205 MPa) | 32 ksi (220 MPa) | 34 ksi (235 MPa) | 35 ksi (240 MPa) |
Elongation in 8" (min.) | 20% | 19% | 18% | 17% |
Elongation in 2" (min.) | 23% | 22% | 21% | 20% |
| Thickness | Width | Length |
| 1/4" – 1 1/2" | 48" – 120" | Up to 480" |
ASTM A516 is produced in several grades with different strength limits:
- A516 Grade 55: suitable for lower-pressure applications requiring good strength.
- A516 Grade 60: for moderate pressures and improved strength vs. Grade 55.
- A516 Grade 65: used where higher strength is required, typically in more critical applications.
- A516 Grade 70: the highest-strength grade, suitable for extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
ASTM A516 Grade | International equivalents |
A516 Grade 60 | EN 10028-3 P265GH |
A516 Grade 70 | JIS G3103 SB410 |
ASTM A516 steel is a robust and versatile option for heavy-industry applications, especially for boilers, pressure vessels, and equipment exposed to severe service conditions. Grades 55, 60, 65, and 70 provide multiple options depending on strength and pressure requirements. With excellent weldability and strong tensile properties, A516 remains an essential material for high-pressure, high-temperature operations.