SteelWhat is A516 steel and what is it used for? Plate for pressure vessels and low-temperature service
A516 steel is plate for pressure vessels and low-temperature service. In this guide we explain what A516 steel is, its composition, its properties, what it is used for and the sizes we stock.
What is A516 steel?
Family of carbon steel plates (ASTM A516 / A516M) for welded pressure vessels in moderate and low-temperature service, in grades 55, 60, 65, and 70. Good weldability, ductility, and notch toughness; supplied as rolled or normalized. For pressure vessels, boilers, separators, columns, heat exchangers, and process tanks.
Chemical composition of A516 steel
This is the typical composition of A516 steel (ASTM/ASME A516 / SA-516 Gr. 70 / EN P355GH / DIN 1.0473 standard):
| Element | Contents | What for? |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.30 % max. | Adds strength; limited to preserve weldability |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 1.20 % | Adds strength and hardenability |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.40 % | Deoxidizer |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 % max. | Impurity, kept low |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.025 % max. | Impurity, kept low |
A516 grades and properties
A516 is the benchmark plate for pressure vessels in moderate service and at low temperature. It comes in grades 55, 60, 65 and 70 (the number indicates the minimum tensile strength in ksi; 70 is the most widely used). Its strength is notch toughness, which lets it work at low temperatures without becoming brittle. Under the ASME code it is designated SA-516.
What is it for? Applications of A516
A516 steel is mainly used in:
- Pressure vessels
- Industrial boilers
- Process tanks
- Heat exchangers
- Process separators
- Industrial columns
- Pressure reactors
- Drums and accumulators
- Petrochemical equipment
Forms and sizes we carry
At NAT MAC we stock A516 steel in these forms and sizes:
| Package size | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Plates | 3/16" – 4" (4.76 – 102 mm) |
| Flat bars | Made to length |
If you need a particular size, tell us which one and we will gladly source it for you.
A516 equivalents and standards
A516 steel is also identified by these standards: ASTM/ASME A516 / SA-516 Gr. 70 / EN P355GH / DIN 1.0473. You can see how to read them in our article on steel standards.
In summary
- A516 is the plate for pressure vessels and low-temperature service, grades 55/60/65/70
- Its strength is notch toughness (works cold without becoming brittle); ASME SA-516
- For pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers and petrochemical equipment
- We carry it in plates, flat bars, cut to size
Why buy your A516 steel at NAT MAC?
We have more than 54 years of experience as an industrial supplier and ISO 9001 certified quality. We carry quality structural plate and help you choose the right grade for your project.
- Quality A516 steel plate, with backing and traceability
- Material cut to the size you need
- Technical advice on choosing the right structural steel
- Wide range of structural plate in stock
- On-time deliveries and competitive prices
Tell us what you will make and in what sizes, and we'll recommend the right grade and form. Request your free quote.
Sources: data sheet from our NAT MAC catalog (composition, sizes and applications) and the corresponding ASTM standards. Values are for reference and may vary by grade, standard and heat.
