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Comparison of Common Steel Grades (A516 Gr.70 vs. P355GH)

Updated: Sep 12, 2025
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Shanghai, September 12, 2025, 07:10 AM PDT – SHH STEEL, a steel industry leader, compares two widely used steel grades, ASTM A516 Gr.70 and EN 10028-2 P355GH, to guide buyers in selecting optimal materials for pressure vessels, boilers, and structural applications. Both grades are carbon steels designed for elevated temperatures, but their properties and standards differ, impacting performance.

Parameter ASTM A516 Gr.70 EN 10028-2 P355GH
Standard ASTM A516/A516M-17 EN 10028-2:2009
Yield Strength (MPa) 260 (min) 355 (min)
Tensile Strength (MPa) 485-620 490-630
Elongation (%) 17 (min) 22 (min)
Impact Test (°C/J) 27J @ -20°C 34J @ -20°C
Thickness Range (mm) 6-200 6-250

Mechanical Properties Comparison A516 Gr.70, a U.S. standard, offers a minimum yield of 260 MPa and tensile strength of 485-620 MPa, suitable for moderate-pressure vessels. P355GH, a European grade, provides a higher yield of 355 MPa and tensile of 490-630 MPa, designed for elevated temperatures up to 400°C. SHH STEEL’s testing data shows P355GH’s 22% elongation exceeds A516’s 17%, indicating better ductility for complex shapes.

Test Condition A516 Gr.70 Result P355GH Result Implication
Tensile Strength (MPa) 510 520 P355GH slightly stronger
Yield Strength (MPa) 270 360 P355GH better for stress
Elongation (%) 18 23 P355GH more ductile
Hardness (HB)** 150-180 140-170 A516 slightly harder

Chemical Composition Limits Alloying elements influence performance:

Element (%) ASTM A516 Gr.70 EN 10028-2 P355GH
Carbon (C) 0.27 max 0.20 max
Manganese (Mn) 0.85-1.20 1.10-1.70
Phosphorus (P) 0.035 max 0.025 max
Sulfur (S) 0.035 max 0.015 max
Silicon (Si) 0.15-0.40 0.40 max

Interpretation: P355GH’s lower sulfur (0.015%) and higher manganese (1.10-1.70%) improve weldability and toughness over A516’s 0.035% sulfur. A516’s 0.27% carbon limit suits general use, while P355GH’s 0.20% enhances high-temperature stability. SHH STEEL recommends P355GH for EU boilers and A516 for U.S. vessels.

Heat Treatment Requirements

  • A516 Gr.70: Normalized or stress-relieved, suitable for 200-400°C service.
  • P355GH: Normalized, mandatory for 400-500°C applications per EN 10028-2.
Heat Treatment A516 Gr.70 Temp (°C) P355GH Temp (°C) Purpose SHH STEEL Testing
Normalization 900-950 880-950 Grain refinement ASTM E112 grain size
Stress Relief 620-650 580-620 Residual stress reduction ASME SA-20

Application Suitability

  • A516 Gr.70: Ideal for U.S. pressure vessels (ASME Section VIII), with 200mm thickness capacity.
  • P355GH: Preferred for European boilers (EN 13445), handling 250mm thick plates.
Application A516 Gr.70 Advantage P355GH Advantage SHH STEEL Recommendation
Pressure Vessels Higher thickness range Better ductility A516 for U.S., P355GH for EU
Boilers Cost-effective High-temp stability P355GH for 400°C+
Structural Use Versatile grades Stricter compliance A516 for general, P355GH for critical

SHH STEEL’s in-house lab (ASTM E8, ISO 6892-1) validates these properties, ensuring buyers select the right grade for their projects.

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