SA516GR70 Steel – High-Quality Steel for Boilers and Pressure Vessels
SA516GR70 Steel Plate
Thickness: 6mm – 200mm | Width up to 4000mm
- StandardASME SA516 / SA516M, ASTM A516/A516M
- Tensile Strength485 – 620 MPa (70 – 90 ksi)
- Yield Strength≥ 260 MPa (38 ksi)
- WeldabilityExcellent, low carbon equivalent
- Corrosion ResistanceGood for chemical & petroleum
- CertificationsEN 10204 3.2, 3.1; ABS, BV, LR, PED
What is SA516GR70 Steel?
SA516GR70 is a carbon-manganese steel plate for moderate and low-temperature pressure vessels. SA516 GR70 is a high-strength carbon steel material widely used in the manufacturing of boilers and pressure vessels. It follows the American steel standard (ASME), where SA516 GR70 represents the steel grade and strength level. The "70" in SA516 GR70 indicates that the steel has a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (thousand pounds per square inch), which is approximately 485 MPa. This steel is known for its excellent strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature, high-pressure environments.
📌 Key Summary – SA516GR70
- Standard: ASME SA516 / ASTM A516 Grade 70
- Thickness: 6 – 200 mm (customizable up to 130mm stock)
- Tensile Strength: 485 – 620 MPa
- Yield Strength: ≥260 MPa
- Low-Temp Toughness: Impact test down to -46°C (optional)
- Equivalent Grades: P355GH (EN), Q345R (GB) – not direct equivalents, compare carefully
- Typical Use: Boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, oil & gas equipment
Features of SA516GR70 Steel
Excellent Strength & Toughness
Withstands high pressure and temperature; ideal for steam, liquid, and gas equipment.
Good Corrosion Resistance
Suitable for chemical & petroleum industries; extends equipment life.
Good Weldability
Supports various welding methods, meeting diverse manufacturing needs.
High-Temperature Performance
Resists high temperatures; widely used in boilers, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers.
SA516GR70 vs. Equivalent Grades (P355GH, Q345R)
| Standard | Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) min | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Impact Test Temperature | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASME/ASTM | SA516GR70 | ≥260 | 485-620 | -46°C | Excellent low-temperature toughness; ideal for moderate & low-temp pressure vessels |
| EN (European) | P355GH | ≥355 (≤16mm) | 510-650 | -20°C | Higher yield strength; good for elevated temperature service |
| GB (Chinese) | Q345R | ≥345 (≤16mm) | 510-640 | 0°C (standard) | Cost-effective for ambient temperature applications under Chinese codes |
Note: These grades are not direct equivalents. Substitution requires engineering approval based on design temperature, impact requirements, and applicable code.
In accordance with ASME VIII-1 UCS-66, impact testing is not required when the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) is equal to or greater than -34°C.
Is SA516GR70 the same as P355GH? Not exactly, but they are often compared. P355GH has higher yield strength but lower impact test temperature (-20°C vs -46°C for SA516GR70). Always check design temperature and impact requirements before substitution.
SA516 Series Grade Comparison (55/60/65/70)
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) min | Carbon (%) max | Manganese (%) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA516 Gr55 | 380-515 | 205 | 0.18-0.25* | 0.55-1.30* | LNG storage tanks, low-temperature vessels (-45°C), low-pressure equipment |
| SA516 Gr60 | 415-550 | 220 | 0.21-0.25* | 0.60-1.20* | Petroleum refining, medium-pressure vessels, heat exchangers |
| SA516 Gr65 | 450-585 | 240 | 0.24-0.28* | 0.85-1.20 | High-pressure vessels, HIC-resistant applications, chemical reactors |
| SA516 Gr70 | 485-620 | 260 | 0.27-0.30* | 0.85-1.20 | Extreme pressure vessels, CNG tanks, heavy-duty equipment |
*Carbon and manganese content vary with plate thickness. Thicker plates allow higher carbon and manganese. For specific thickness ranges, please refer to ASME SA516 standard.
SA516GR70 Chemical Composition
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Analysis | ≤0.28 | 0.15-0.40 | 0.85-1.20 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
| Product Analysis | ≤0.28 | 0.15-0.45 | 0.79-1.30 | ≤0.035 | 0.003 |
Role of Each Element in SA516GR70
Carbon (C) ≤0.28%
Provides strength and hardness. Controlled to balance strength and weldability. Lower carbon improves toughness and weldability.
Silicon (Si) 0.15-0.40%
Deoxidizer during steelmaking; strengthens ferrite. Content limited to maintain good weldability and toughness.
Manganese (Mn) 0.85-1.20%
Improves strength and toughness by solid solution strengthening and grain refinement. Also acts as a deoxidizer.
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.035%
Impurity element; causes cold brittleness. Strictly controlled to ensure low-temperature toughness and weldability.
Sulfur (S) ≤0.035%
Impurity element; leads to hot shortness and reduces ductility. Limited to improve weldability and impact properties.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485 – 620 | |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 260 | 0.2% offset method |
| Elongation (8 in. or 200 mm) | ≥ 17% | Per A20/A20M |
| Elongation (2 in. or 50 mm) | ≥ 21% | Per A20/A20M |
Applications of SA516GR70 Steel
Boiler Manufacturing
Boiler shells, pipes, and high-temperature components.
Pressure Vessels
Chemical plants, oil refineries, natural gas processing.
Oil & Gas Industry
Pipelines, storage tanks for corrosive & high-strength needs.
Chemical Equipment
Reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers.
Why Choose SA516GR70?
Choosing SA516GR70 steel means selecting a material with excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability. It withstands extreme high-pressure and high-temperature environments while maintaining structural stability over long periods of use. This results in lower maintenance costs and extended equipment life. Whether for boilers, pressure vessels, or heavy-duty chemical industry equipment, SA516 GR70 is an ideal choice.
Quality Assurance
As a high-quality steel supplier, we are committed to providing SA516 GR70 steel that meets ASME SA516 standards, ensuring that every batch of material adheres to strict industry requirements. We offer a variety of specifications and sizes of SA516 GR70 steel plates to meet custom needs, along with professional after-sales service to ensure you have a worry-free experience.
SA516GR70 Steel Plate – Available Stock
| Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Delivery Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 – 30 | 2000 / 2200 / 2500 | 10000 / 10500 / 11000 / 12000 | Hot Rolled |
| 12 – 50 | 2000 / 2200 / 2500 | 10000 / 10500 / 11000 / 12000 | Normalizing |
| 50 – 150 | up to 3200 | up to 15000 | Normalized (upon request) |
For other dimensions or special requirements (HIC, NDT, impact test), please inquire. Click SA516GR70 in stock to visit our online inventory.
SA516GR70 Steel Plate Customizable Range
- Thickness: 6 - 130 mm
- Width: 1500 - 5100 mm
- Length: Up to 18,000 mm
Custom sizes beyond the standard range are available upon request. Please contact our sales team for special requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA-516 Gr.70
1. What is SA-516 Gr.70?
SA-516 Gr.70 is a carbon-manganese steel plate grade under ASME SA516 specification, designed for moderate and low-temperature pressure vessels. It is widely used in chemical, petroleum, natural gas, and power boilers.
2. What do SA, 516, and Gr.70 stand for?
SA: ASME material specification; 516: specific designation for carbon steel plates for moderate/lower-temperature pressure vessels; Gr.70: minimum tensile strength 70 ksi (~485 MPa).
3. Main chemical composition?
Carbon ≤0.28%, Manganese 0.85-1.20%, Silicon 0.15-0.40%, Phosphorus ≤0.035%, Sulfur ≤0.035%.
4. What are the different grades of SA-516?
Common variants: SA-516 Gr.70 (standard), SA-516 Gr.70 HIC (hydrogen induced cracking resistant), and SA-516 Gr.70 Normalized (improved low-temperature toughness).
5. Mechanical properties?
Yield ≥260 MPa, Tensile 485-620 MPa, Elongation ≥21% (2 in.) or ≥17% (8 in.). Impact energy (if specified) typically 27J at -20°C or -46°C.
6. Delivery conditions?
As-rolled, normalized, or normalized and tempered. Normalized is most common for fine grain and guaranteed impact properties.
7. Where is it used?
Petroleum refining equipment, liquefied gas storage tanks, boiler steam drums, chemical reactor shells, heat exchangers.
8. How is its weldability?
Good weldability due to low carbon equivalent. Preheating may be required for thick plates; use low-hydrogen consumables.
9. Which Chinese grade corresponds?
Often compared to Q345R, but they are not direct equivalents. Always check specific requirements.
10. What to specify when ordering?
Standard (ASME SA516 Gr.70), delivery condition (normalized), impact test temperature (if required), special tests (HIC, UT), and dimensions.
11. What is the difference between SA516GR70 and Q345R?
SA516GR70 (ASME) and Q345R (GB) are both pressure vessel steels. Key differences: SA516GR70 has lower yield strength (≥260 MPa vs ≥345 MPa for Q345R) but better low-temperature toughness (tested at -46°C vs 0°C standard). SA516GR70 is preferred for low-temperature services, while Q345R is cost-effective for ambient temperature applications under Chinese codes. They are not direct substitutes; engineering approval is required.
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