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)
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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 ElementRequirementSHH STEEL ComplianceKeywords
Primary StandardASME SA-516/SA-516MASME Section VIIISA516 Gr.55 specification
Thickness Range5mm-500mm (custom)Mill Test CertificateSA516 Gr.55 dimensions
Width/LengthUp to 4600mm / 12000mmCustom fabrication availableSA516 Gr.55 size options
Ultrasonic TestingNo laminations >0.25% thicknessClass 1 per ASME SA-20SA516 Gr.55 inspection
Heat TreatmentAs-rolled or normalized900-950°C furnace controlSA516 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.”

ElementContent (%)Standard LimitTest MethodRoleKeywords
Carbon (C)≤0.180.18 maxASME SA-350Strength without brittlenessSA516 Gr.55 carbon
Manganese (Mn)0.60-1.200.60-1.20ASME SA-350Toughness, hardenabilitySA516 Gr.55 manganese
Phosphorus (P)≤0.0350.035 maxASME SA-350Reduces brittlenessSA516 Gr.55 phosphorus
Sulfur (S)≤0.0350.035 maxASME SA-350Improves weldabilitySA516 Gr.55 sulfur
Silicon (Si)0.15-0.400.15-0.40ASME SA-350Deoxidation, fluiditySA516 Gr.55 silicon
Vanadium (V)≤0.020.02 maxASME SA-350Grain refinementSA516 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.”

PropertyValueTest MethodTemperature (°C)Thickness EffectKeywords
Tensile Strength380-515 MPaASME SA-8Ambient-5% >100mmSA516 Gr.55 tensile
Yield Strength205 MPa (min)ASME SA-8AmbientStable to 200mmSA516 Gr.55 yield
Elongation23% (min)ASME SA-8Ambient20-25% (5-25mm)SA516 Gr.55 elongation
Impact Energy27J @ -20°C (min)ASME SA-23-2027J all thicknessesSA516 Gr.55 impact
Modulus of Elasticity200 GPaASME SA-111AmbientConstantSA516 Gr.55 modulus
Fatigue Limit220 MPa (est.)ASME SA-466AmbientVaries with surfaceSA516 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.

ConditionTemperature (°C)Duration (hours/inch)StandardKeywords
As-RolledAmbientN/AASME SA-20SA516 Gr.55 delivery
Normalized900-9501ASME SA-20SA516 Gr.55 normalized
Stress-Relieved620-6501ASME SA-20SA516 Gr.55 stress relief
Quenched & TemperedQuench 870-900, Temper 6500.5-1ASME SA-20SA516 Gr.55 tempered
Transit Time (Asia)3-7 daysN/AISO 9001SA516 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 TypeValue (mm)StandardApplicable Thickness (mm)Keywords
Thickness (<40mm)±1.5ASME SA-65-40SA516 Gr.55 tolerance
Thickness (>40mm)±2.0ASME SA-640-200SA516 Gr.55 thickness tol
Width±10 (standard), ±5 (custom)ASME SA-6, EN 10029AllSA516 Gr.55 width tol
Length±10 (standard), ±5 (custom)ASME SA-6, EN 10029AllSA516 Gr.55 length tol
Flatness3mm per meterASME SA-6AllSA516 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 FactorValue/ConditionStandardRecommended ProcessKeywords
Carbon Equivalent (CE)≤0.38AWS D1.1GTAW, SMAWSA516 Gr.55 weldability
Preheating (°C)150-200 (>25mm)ASME Section IXGMAWSA516 Gr.55 welding
PWHT (°C)620-650ASME SA-20AllSA516 Gr.55 heat treat
Filler MetalE7018AWS A5.1SMAWSA516 Gr.55 welding rod
Bend Test Radius (mm)3t (t=thickness)ASTM E190AllSA516 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.

GradeStandardTensile (MPa)Yield (MPa)Elongation (%)Impact (J @ -20°C)Keywords
SA516 Gr.55ASME SA-516/SA-516M380-5152052327SA516 Gr.55 equivalent
P265GHEN 10028-2360-5102652227SA516 Gr.55 EN grade
SPV355JIS G3115490-6203551927SA516 Gr.55 JIS grade
16MnDR/Q235RGB/T 713370-5002352127SA516 Gr.55 GB grade
A537 Cl.1ASTM A537485-6203451841SA516 Gr.55 alternative
A285 Gr.CASTM A285310-45020526N/ASA516 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.”

RequirementDetailStandardTest FrequencyApplicable Thickness (mm)Keywords
Ultrasonic TestingClass 1, no laminationsASME SA-435Full plate5-500SA516 Gr.55 ultrasonic
Charpy Impact-50°C, 27J minASME SA-20Per heat5-500SA516 Gr.55 cold impact
Heat AnalysisPer heat numberASME SA-350Each batchAllSA516 Gr.55 analysis
Product Analysis±0.02% toleranceASME SA-350Sample per lotAllSA516 Gr.55 product test
Shot BlastingSa 2.5, 50-100μm profileISO 8501-1On request5-100SA516 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.

ApplicationTemperature (°C)Pressure (bar)Thickness (mm)Standard ComplianceKeywords
Pressure VesselsUp to 35020020-100ASME Section VIIISA516 Gr.55 vessels
BoilersUp to 30015010-50ASME Section ISA516 Gr.55 boilers
Storage TanksUp to 150305-30API 650SA516 Gr.55 tanks
Oil & Gas EquipmentUp to 25015030-120NACE MR0175SA516 Gr.55 oil equip
Heat ExchangersUp to 20010010-40TEMA StandardsSA516 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.

AdvantageBenefitKeywords
Expert CertificationASME Section VIII compliantSA516 Gr.55 certified
Custom FabricationUp to 300mm thicknessSA516 Gr.55 custom
Proven Reliability50+ countries, zero rejectsSA516 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.

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