ASME SA516 GRADE 55 Carbon Steel Plates

ASME SA516 GRADE 55 Carbon Steel Plates

ASME SA516 Grade 55 carbon steel plates are high-strength, ideal for pressure vessels and boilers. With 380-515 MPa tensile and 205 MPa yield, they suit 350°C, 200 bar use per ASME Section VIII, widely applied globally by SHH STEEL.
Specification:
ASME SA-516/SA-516M for pressure vessels and boilers
Dimensions:
5-500mm thick, 4600mm max wide, 12000mm max long
Hardness/Density:
ASME SA516 GR 55 Hardness 110-160 HB, Density 7.85
Equivalent Material:
P265GH (EN10028-2), SPV355 (JISG3115), 16MnDR/Q235R (GB/T713)
Share:
General Description
Material Specification
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
Delivery Conditions
Tolerances
Weldability
ASME SA516 GR 55 Equivalent Material Grade
Supplementary Requirements
Applications
Why Choose SHH STEEL
FAQ
Conclusion

What is ASME SA516 GR 55?

As a production and export expert at SHH STEEL, our ASME SA516 Grade 55 Carbon Steel Plates, also known as ASME SA516GR55 or ASME SA516 GR 55. This entry-level grade in the SA516 series is a cost-effective carbon steel designed for moderate and lower temperature pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks. With a tensile strength of 380-515 MPa and a minimum yield strength of 205 MPa, it’s suitable for applications requiring good toughness and weldability under pressures up to 200 bar and temperatures up to 350°C.

SHH STEEL, a leading carbon steel exporter, supplies these plates in thicknesses from 5mm to 500mm, with widths up to 4600mm and lengths to 12000mm, providing flexibility for large-scale industrial projects.

The as-rolled or normalized condition of ASME SA 516 GR 55 plates offers a fine grain structure, enhancing ductility and impact resistance for welded constructions in less demanding environments. For buyers searching for ASME SA516 Gr.55 properties or equivalents, this grade provides an economical alternative to higher grades like Gr.70, while maintaining compliance with ASME Section VIII Division 1 for pressure-containing equipment. SHH STEEL’s ASME SA516 GR.55 plates are thoroughly tested for ultrasonic inspection and Charpy impact, delivering defect-free performance that meets global standards.

With a low carbon equivalent (CE ≤0.38 per AWS D1.1), these plates facilitate easy welding, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking. The material’s ability to retain properties after heat treatment makes it ideal for multi-pass welding in vessel fabrication. SHH STEEL’s dedication to quality means every plate comes with mill test certificates, giving buyers confidence in applications like general storage tanks and low-pressure boilers.

Material Specification

As a production and export expert at SHH STEEL, I can confirm that ASME SA516 Grade 55 carbon steel plates are governed by ASME SA-516/SA-516M, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II Part A adaptation of ASTM A516/A516M-17. This specification outlines requirements for carbon steel plates for moderate and lower temperature service, ensuring suitability for welded pressure vessels and boilers.

SHH STEEL complies fully with this standard, providing plates in as-rolled or normalized conditions to optimize mechanical properties. The specification supports thicknesses from 5mm to 500mm, widths up to 4600mm, and lengths to 12000mm, with custom dimensions available for large-diameter vessel designs.

Ultrasonic examination per ASME SA-20 or ASTM A435 Class 1 detects laminations, guaranteeing defect-free material, while dual certification with EN 10028-2 or GB/T 713 is offered for international compatibility. This makes our ASME SA516 GR 55 plates a reliable choice for global buyers, supported by mill test certificates for complete traceability.

Specification Element Requirement SHH STEEL Compliance Keywords
Primary Standard ASME SA-516/SA-516M ASME Section VIII SA516 Gr.55 specification
Thickness Range 5mm-500mm (custom) Mill Test Certificate SA516 Gr.55 dimensions
Width/Length Up to 4600mm / 12000mm Custom fabrication available SA516 Gr.55 size options
Ultrasonic Testing No laminations >0.25% thickness Class 1 per ASME SA-20 SA516 Gr.55 inspection
Heat Treatment As-rolled or normalized 900-950°C furnace control SA516 Gr.55 heat treat

 

ASME SA516 GR 55 Chemical Composition

At SHH STEEL, we ensure the chemical composition of ASME SA516 Grade 55 is tightly controlled per ASME SA-516/SA-516M to guarantee weldability and toughness. The maximum carbon content is 0.18%, preventing brittleness, while manganese (0.60-1.20%) boosts strength.

Phosphorus and sulfur are capped at 0.035% each to minimize cracking, and silicon (0.15-0.40%) supports deoxidation during steelmaking. Optional vanadium (≤0.02%) refines grains, improving low-temperature impact resistance.

Our testing per ASME SA-350 maintains a Carbon Equivalent (CE) ≤0.38 per AWS D1.1, making ASME SA516 GR 55 plates a reliable choice for buyers searching for “ASME SA516 GR 55 chemical composition.”

Element Content (%) Standard Limit Test Method Role Keywords
Carbon (C) ≤0.18 0.18 max ASME SA-350 Strength without brittleness SA516 Gr.55 carbon
Manganese (Mn) 0.60-1.20 0.60-1.20 ASME SA-350 Toughness, hardenability SA516 Gr.55 manganese
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.035 0.035 max ASME SA-350 Reduces brittleness SA516 Gr.55 phosphorus
Sulfur (S) ≤0.035 0.035 max ASME SA-350 Improves weldability SA516 Gr.55 sulfur
Silicon (Si) 0.15-0.40 0.15-0.40 ASME SA-350 Deoxidation, fluidity SA516 Gr.55 silicon
Vanadium (V) ≤0.02 0.02 max ASME SA-350 Grain refinement SA516 Gr.55 vanadium

 

ASME SA516 GR 55 Mechanical Properties

As a production and export expert at SHH STEEL, I can assure you that ASME SA516 Grade 55 carbon steel plates deliver strong mechanical properties, tested per ASME SA-8 for tensile/yield, ASME SA-23 for impact, and ASME SA-466 for fatigue.

With a minimum yield strength of 205 MPa and tensile range of 380-515 MPa, these plates support moderate load-bearing capacity, while 23% elongation ensures ductility for forming. The impact energy of 27J at -20°C prevents brittle failure, and the modulus of elasticity (200 GPa per ASME SA-111) provides structural stability.

The fatigue limit (220 MPa est. per ASME SA-466) varies with surface finish, optimized by our grinding process. This makes ASME SA516 GR.55 plates a reliable choice for buyers searching for “ASME SA516 GR 55 mechanical properties.”

Property Value Test Method Temperature (°C) Thickness Effect Keywords
Tensile Strength 380-515 MPa ASME SA-8 Ambient -5% >100mm SA516 Gr.55 tensile
Yield Strength 205 MPa (min) ASME SA-8 Ambient Stable to 200mm SA516 Gr.55 yield
Elongation 23% (min) ASME SA-8 Ambient 20-25% (5-25mm) SA516 Gr.55 elongation
Impact Energy 27J @ -20°C (min) ASME SA-23 -20 27J all thicknesses SA516 Gr.55 impact
Modulus of Elasticity 200 GPa ASME SA-111 Ambient Constant SA516 Gr.55 modulus
Fatigue Limit 220 MPa (est.) ASME SA-466 Ambient Varies with surface SA516 Gr.55 fatigue

 

Delivery Conditions

Delivery Conditions

SHH STEEL ensures ASME SA516 GR 55 carbon steel plates are delivered in optimal conditions to suit pressure vessel needs. We offer as-rolled, normalized (900-950°C), or stress-relieved (620-650°C) options per ASME SA-20, with quenched and tempered conditions available for enhanced toughness. As-rolled plates suit general use, while normalized refine grain for improved impact resistance, ideal for boilers up to 350°C.

Stress-relieved reduce residual stresses for welded structures, and quenched and tempered (870-900°C quench, 650°C temper) suit wear applications. Heat numbers provide traceability, and our global transit time, especially 3-7 days to Asia, ensures timely delivery.

Condition Temperature (°C) Duration (hours/inch) Standard Keywords
As-Rolled Ambient N/A ASME SA-20 SA516 Gr.55 delivery
Normalized 900-950 1 ASME SA-20 SA516 Gr.55 normalized
Stress-Relieved 620-650 1 ASME SA-20 SA516 Gr.55 stress relief
Quenched & Tempered Quench 870-900, Temper 650 0.5-1 ASME SA-20 SA516 Gr.55 tempered
Transit Time (Asia) 3-7 days N/A ISO 9001 SA516 Gr.55 shipping

 

Tolerances

Precision is paramount for ASME SA516 GR 55 carbon steel plates, and SHH STEEL maintains strict tolerances per ASME SA-6 to ensure seamless fabrication.

Thickness tolerance is ±1.5mm for plates under 40mm and ±2.0mm for thicker sections up to 200mm (custom 300mm).

Width and length tolerances are ±10mm standard, with ±5mm for precision orders up to 4600mm width and 12000mm length.

Surface flatness is 3mm per meter, per ASME SA-6, preventing warping during welding or heat treatment.

For European projects, EN 10029 Class B tolerances are offered, enhancing compatibility.

Tolerance Type Value (mm) Standard Applicable Thickness (mm) Keywords
Thickness (<40mm) ±1.5 ASME SA-6 5-40 SA516 Gr.55 tolerance
Thickness (>40mm) ±2.0 ASME SA-6 40-200 SA516 Gr.55 thickness tol
Width ±10 (standard), ±5 (custom) ASME SA-6, EN 10029 All SA516 Gr.55 width tol
Length ±10 (standard), ±5 (custom) ASME SA-6, EN 10029 All SA516 Gr.55 length tol
Flatness 3mm per meter ASME SA-6 All SA516 Gr.55 flatness spec

 

Weldability

ASME SA516 GR 55 carbon steel plates are highly weldable due to low carbon (≤0.18%) and CE ≤0.38 per AWS D1.1.

SHH STEEL recommends preheating at 150-200°C for thicknesses over 25mm to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking, with post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 620-650°C for stress relief.

Supported processes include GTAW, SMAW, and GMAW with E7018 filler (AWS A5.1), achieving 90-95% joint efficiency per ASME Section IX. Low sulfur (≤0.035%) reduces hot shortness, and 23% elongation ensures ductility.

Testing includes bend tests (ASTM E190) for 3t radius and ultrasonic for weld integrity per ASME SA-435.

Weldability Factor Value/Condition Standard Recommended Process Keywords
Carbon Equivalent (CE) ≤0.38 AWS D1.1 GTAW, SMAW SA516 Gr.55 weldability
Preheating (°C) 150-200 (>25mm) ASME Section IX GMAW SA516 Gr.55 welding
PWHT (°C) 620-650 ASME SA-20 All SA516 Gr.55 heat treat
Filler Metal E7018 AWS A5.1 SMAW SA516 Gr.55 welding rod
Bend Test Radius (mm) 3t (t=thickness) ASTM E190 All SA516 Gr.55 bend test

 

Equivalent Material Grade

Global equivalents for ASME SA516 Gr.55 facilitate international projects, offering similar tensile and yield properties for pressure vessel use. For example, P265GH (EN 10028-2) is a European equivalent with 360-510 MPa tensile and 265 MPa yield, suitable for boilers in EU regulations.

SPV355 (JIS G3115) serves Japanese applications with 490-620 MPa tensile and 355 MPa yield, ideal for high-toughness vessels.

16MnDR/Q235R (GB/T 713) is the Chinese standard equivalent, providing 370-500 MPa tensile and 235 MPa yield for cost-effective pressure equipment in Asian markets.

These equivalents ensure cross-compatibility, allowing buyers to substitute ASME SA516 GR 55 plates seamlessly in global supply chains.

Grade Standard Tensile (MPa) Yield (MPa) Elongation (%) Impact (J @ -20°C) Keywords
SA516 Gr.55 ASME SA-516/SA-516M 380-515 205 23 27 SA516 Gr.55 equivalent
P265GH EN 10028-2 360-510 265 22 27 SA516 Gr.55 EN grade
SPV355 JIS G3115 490-620 355 19 27 SA516 Gr.55 JIS grade
16MnDR/Q235R GB/T 713 370-500 235 21 27 SA516 Gr.55 GB grade
A537 Cl.1 ASTM A537 485-620 345 18 41 SA516 Gr.55 alternative
A285 Gr.C ASTM A285 310-450 205 26 N/A SA516 Gr.55 low-cost alt

 

Supplementary Requirements

Supplementary requirements for ASME SA516 GR 55 carbon steel plates enhance performance for specialized applications, offering buyers tailored options.

These include ultrasonic testing (Class 1 per ASME SA-435 for no laminations >0.25% thickness), Charpy impact at -50°C (27J min per ASME SA-20 for cold service), and heat analysis per heat number (ASME SA-350 for traceability).

Product analysis allows ±0.02% tolerance on elements, while shot blasting to Sa 2.5 (50-100μm profile per ISO 8501-1) is available for surface preparation. SHH STEEL provides these to meet stringent needs, as buyers search for “SA516 Gr.55 supplementary requirements.”

Requirement Detail Standard Test Frequency Applicable Thickness (mm) Keywords
Ultrasonic Testing Class 1, no laminations ASME SA-435 Full plate 5-500 SA516 Gr.55 ultrasonic
Charpy Impact -50°C, 27J min ASME SA-20 Per heat 5-500 SA516 Gr.55 cold impact
Heat Analysis Per heat number ASME SA-350 Each batch All SA516 Gr.55 analysis
Product Analysis ±0.02% tolerance ASME SA-350 Sample per lot All SA516 Gr.55 product test
Shot Blasting Sa 2.5, 50-100μm profile ISO 8501-1 On request 5-100 SA516 Gr.55 blasting

 

ASME SA516 GR 55 Applications

ASME SA516 GR 55 carbon steel plates are versatile for low-to-moderate pressure and temperature environments, with excellent strength and toughness.

Application Temperature (°C) Pressure (bar) Thickness (mm) Standard Compliance Keywords
Pressure Vessels Up to 350 200 20-100 ASME Section VIII SA516 Gr.55 vessels
Boilers Up to 300 150 10-50 ASME Section I SA516 Gr.55 boilers
Storage Tanks Up to 150 30 5-30 API 650 SA516 Gr.55 tanks
Oil & Gas Equipment Up to 250 150 30-120 NACE MR0175 SA516 Gr.55 oil equip
Heat Exchangers Up to 200 100 10-40 TEMA Standards SA516 Gr.55 heat exchange

Details: Pressure vessels benefit from 380-515 MPa tensile at 350°C, while boilers handle 300°C with 23% elongation for forming. Storage tanks use 5-30mm plates for 30 bar, and oil & gas equipment leverages 30-120mm for 150 bar with NACE compliance. Heat exchangers utilize 10-40mm plates for 100 bar at 200°C, per TEMA standards for efficient heat transfer.

Why Choose SHH STEEL

SHH STEEL offers ASME and ASTM-certified SA516 Gr.55 plates, with custom thicknesses up to 300mm and heat treatments tailored to your project. Our 15-year track record includes zero defect deliveries to 50+ countries, backed by SGS verification and mill test certificates.

Advantage Benefit Keywords
Expert Certification ASME Section VIII compliant SA516 Gr.55 certified
Custom Fabrication Up to 300mm thickness SA516 Gr.55 custom
Proven Reliability 50+ countries, zero rejects SA516 Gr.55 trusted supplier

For more other grade, please check in the following: ASME SA 516/SA 516M, ASME SA 516 GR 70, ASME SA 516 GR 65, ASME SA 516 GR 60 and ASME SA 516 gr 55 Steel Plate Grade.

FAQ

What is ASME SA516 Grade 55 used for?
ASME SA516 Grade 55 is widely used for pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks in oil & gas and power generation. It handles low-to-moderate temperatures up to 350°C and pressures to 200 bar, with 380-515 MPa tensile strength ensuring reliability. SHH STEEL supplies these for welded constructions per ASME Section VIII Division 1.
What is the difference between SA516 Gr.55 and SA516 Gr.60?
SA516 Gr.55 has tensile 380-515 MPa and yield 205 MPa, while Gr.60 offers 415-550 MPa and 220 MPa. Gr.55 is economical for low-stress applications, with 23% elongation for forming, whereas Gr.60 suits moderate pressure (300 bar). SHH STEEL recommends Gr.55 for cost-sensitive projects; see our ASTM A 516 Gr 60 page for comparison.
What is SA 516 GR 60 material?
SA 516 Grade 60 is a carbon steel plate designed for moderate and lower-temperature pressure vessel applications. It conforms to the ASME SA516/SA516M standard and is identical in chemistry and mechanical requirements to ASTM A516 Grade 60. Typical uses include boilers, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and pressure vessels. The steel has good weldability and notch toughness, with a minimum tensile strength of 415–550 MPa.
What is the difference between SA 516 and ASTM A516?
There is no technical difference between ASME SA516 and ASTM A516. ASTM A516 is the material specification issued by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). ASME SA516 is the same material, but certified for use in pressure vessel design under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). In practice, the chemical and mechanical properties are identical.
What is the density of SA516 Gr.55?
The density is 7.85 g/cm³, standard for carbon steel, aiding weight calculations in vessel design. Hardness is 110-160 HB (ASME SA-18), balancing wear resistance for high-pressure use.
What is the equivalent of SA516 Gr.55 in EN standards?
The closest EN equivalent is P265GH (EN 10028-2), with 360-510 MPa tensile and 265 MPa yield, suitable for EU boilers. SHH STEEL provides dual-certified plates for seamless transitions.
What is the difference between SA516 Gr.55 and SA516 Gr.65?
SA516 Gr.65 has higher tensile (450-585 MPa) and yield (240 MPa) than Gr.55’s 380-515 MPa and 205 MPa. Gr.65 suits higher pressure (500 bar), while Gr.55 is for low-stress. Visit our
What is the difference between SA516 Gr.55 and SA516 Gr.70?
SA516 Gr.70 has higher tensile (485-620 MPa vs. 380-515 MPa) and yield (260 MPa vs. 205 MPa) than Gr.55. Gr.70 offers better impact (27J at -20°C), while Gr.55 is economical for low-stress. Check our ASTM A 516 Gr 70 page.
What is SA 515 GR 60 equivalent to?
SA 515 Grade 60 is equivalent to ASTM A515 Grade 60. Both are carbon–silicon steels intended for intermediate- and high-temperature pressure vessels. Compared with SA 516 Gr 60, SA 515 has higher carbon content and less notch toughness, making it more suitable for higher-temperature applications, not for low-temperature service.
What is grade 55 steel equivalent?
Grade 55 steel generally refers to ASTM A516 Grade 55 or SA516 Grade 55, which is equivalent to EN 10028 P265GH or GB/T 713 20R in other standards. It is a carbon steel pressure vessel plate used for moderate-temperature service. The material offers good weldability and is commonly used in boiler fabrication.
What is the difference between GR 55 and GR 36?
Grade 55 (ASTM A516 Gr 55) → Pressure vessel quality carbon steel. Grade 36 (ASTM A36) → Structural carbon steel plate for general construction. Main difference: A516 Gr 55 is designed for pressure containment with guaranteed impact toughness and fine-grain structure. A36 is designed for structural strength (bridges, buildings) with lower notch toughness. Thus, Gr 55 has higher reliability for boilers and tanks, while Gr 36 is used for frames and supports.

Conclusion

SHH STEEL’s ASME SA516 Gr.55 Carbon Steel Plates provide unmatched strength and reliability for pressure vessels and boilers. With precise tolerances, superior weldability, and global equivalents, we offer customized solutions. Trust SHH STEEL for your steel needs—explore our ASTM A 516 Gr 55 page for more details.

Contact Us

Quality Steel Needed? Inquire for Offers

Need quality steel for your project? Inquire now to get tailored offers. Our team ensures quick responses, matching your needs with reliable steel solutions. Start your inquiry today.

    *

    *

    *

    *



    Related Products

    +86 18939509537
    sale@steelspecs.com
    +86 021-62716097
    Shenghonghe: Get Your Steel Quote—Inquire Now for Quick Response

      *

      *

      *

      *



      X