ASTM A516 Grade 70 Pressure Vessel Steel: ASME Certified Carbon Steel Plate
ASTM A516/A516M / ASME SA-516 · Published: 2026-05-31 · Updated: 2026-05-31
ASTM A516 Grade 70 is the most widely specified carbon steel for welded pressure vessels in moderate and lower-temperature service. It is one of only a handful of carbon steel grades approved under ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II...
ASTM A516 Grade 70 is the most widely specified carbon steel for welded pressure vessels in moderate and lower-temperature service. It is one of only a handful of carbon steel grades approved under ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II for pressure-containing applications. A516 Gr 70 is silicon-killed with fine-grain practice and normalized for thicknesses above 40 mm, providing guaranteed notch toughness at temperatures as low as -46°C (-50°F) when impact tested. Used extensively in LPG storage spheres, refinery vessels, chemical reactors, and power plant boilers.
Quick Facts
| Category | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A516/A516M / ASME SA-516 |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 260 MPa (38 ksi) minimum |
| Tensile Strength | 485-620 MPa (70-90 ksi) |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| EN P355GH | Compare |
| DIN 17Mn4 | Compare |
| JIS SPV355 | Compare |
| GB Q345R | Compare |
| BS 1501-224 | Compare |
Related Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can A516 Gr 70 replace A36 in structural applications?
Technically yes (A516 Gr 70 has superior toughness and cleanliness), but it is NOT cost-effective. A516 Gr 70 is approximately 40-60% more expensive than A36 due to: silicon-killed fine-grain melting practice, mandatory normalization above 40 mm, and ASME certification requirements. Use A516 Gr 70 only when the design code (ASME Section VIII, API 650/620, etc.) requires it. For general structural applications where ASME certification is not required, A36 or A572 Gr 50 is the appropriate, cost-effective choice.
What is the difference between A516 Gr 70 and A516 Gr 70N?
The 'N' suffix indicates normalization is mandatory regardless of plate thickness. For standard A516 Gr 70 without the N suffix, normalization is only required for thicknesses >40 mm per ASTM A20/A20M. Specifying A516 Gr 70N guarantees normalized microstructure and properties through full thickness — recommended for hydrogen service, low-temperature applications, or when Charpy V-notch impact values are critical. The cost premium for mandatory normalization is approximately 10-15%.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu