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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.

ParameterASTM A516 Gr.70EN 10028-2 P355GH
StandardASTM A516/A516M-17EN 10028-2:2009
Yield Strength (MPa)260 (min)355 (min)
Tensile Strength (MPa)485-620490-630
Elongation (%)17 (min)22 (min)
Impact Test (°C/J)27J @ -20°C34J @ -20°C
Thickness Range (mm)6-2006-250

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 ConditionA516 Gr.70 ResultP355GH ResultImplication
Tensile Strength (MPa)510520P355GH slightly stronger
Yield Strength (MPa)270360P355GH better for stress
Elongation (%)1823P355GH more ductile
Hardness (HB)**150-180140-170A516 slightly harder

Chemical Composition Limits Alloying elements influence performance:

Element (%)ASTM A516 Gr.70EN 10028-2 P355GH
Carbon (C)0.27 max0.20 max
Manganese (Mn)0.85-1.201.10-1.70
Phosphorus (P)0.035 max0.025 max
Sulfur (S)0.035 max0.015 max
Silicon (Si)0.15-0.400.40 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 TreatmentA516 Gr.70 Temp (°C)P355GH Temp (°C)PurposeSHH STEEL Testing
Normalization900-950880-950Grain refinementASTM E112 grain size
Stress Relief620-650580-620Residual stress reductionASME 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.
ApplicationA516 Gr.70 AdvantageP355GH AdvantageSHH STEEL Recommendation
Pressure VesselsHigher thickness rangeBetter ductilityA516 for U.S., P355GH for EU
BoilersCost-effectiveHigh-temp stabilityP355GH for 400°C+
Structural UseVersatile gradesStricter complianceA516 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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