ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 Steel Plate | SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 Mn-Mo Vessel Plate
What is ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 Steel?
ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 is the manganese-molybdenum, quenched-and-tempered vessel combination in ASME SA-533/SA-533M that uses Type A chemistry and the Class 3 strength table. The current specification lists five Types (A, B, C, D, E) and three Classes (1, 2, 3). Type tells the alloy. Class tells the tensile window.
Type A is the only Type that is Mn-Mo without a nickel requirement. Types B, C, D and E add nickel. Class 3 is the 690–860 MPa tensile window with 570 MPa minimum yield. Class 1 is 550–690 MPa and 345 MPa yield. Class 2 is 620–795 MPa and 485 MPa yield. As Direct Mill Supply by SHH STEEL, the plate is produced to ASME SA-533/SA-533M.
The same plate is written SA533 Type A Class 3, SA533 Gr.A Cl.3, SA533 Grade A Class 3, SA533GA CL3, SA-533 Type A Cl.3, ASTM A533 Type A Class 3, A533 Gr.A Cl.3 and A/SA533 Type A Class 3. The standard text says Type. Buyers still search Grade. They mean the same plate. Do not write this page as SA533 Gr.B Cl.3. Grade B / Type B is the nickel-bearing Type.
Class 3 has a hard thickness cap that Class 1 and Class 2 do not share. Maximum thickness of Class 3 plates is 65 mm (2.5 in.) for Types A through D and 50 mm for Type E. If the inquiry is 80 mm or 120 mm at Class 3 strength, this specification cannot be used at Class 3. Move the conversation to Class 1 or Class 2, or to another QT specification such as SA517 Gr.Q, after the drawing is revised.
This is not normalized Mn-Mo plate like SA302 Gr.A or SA302 Gr.B. SA302 is the same alloy family in the normalized condition. SA533 is quenched and tempered. A 302 heat cannot be recertified as 533 Type A Class 3 without the QT cycle and the Class 3 tensile table.
This is not SA516 Gr.70 or A516 Gr.70. Those pages are fine-grain carbon. It is not SA515 Gr.70. It is not SA285 Gr.C or A285 Gr.C. It is not SA537 Cl.2. SA537 is heat-treated C-Mn-Si. It is not SA517 Gr.B. SA517 Grade B is a different QT alloy with a 32 mm cap. It is not nickel cryogenic plate like SA203 Gr.A or SA203 Gr.D. It is not Cr-Mo like SA387 Gr.22 Cl.2.
The steel shall be killed and shall meet fine austenitic grain practice under ASME SA-20. Plates are quenched and then tempered at not less than 595 °C (1100 °F), with a minimum hold of 0.5 h/in. (1.2 min/mm) and not less than 0.5 h. As-rolled SA533 is crack-sensitive in transit, especially above about 25 mm, and may ship as-rolled only by written agreement.
Minimum nominal thickness is 6.5 mm. For Class 2 and Class 3, the specification allows a higher manganese maximum when Supplementary Requirement S3 is invoked. That option is not automatic.
For Code work the plate is used under ASME Section VIII. Dual marking ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 / ASTM A533 Type A Class 3 is available. Certificates can be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2.
When a project is still choosing QT vessel plate, a China mill Agent path through SHH STEEL puts SA533 Type A Cl.3 next to SA302 Gr.A, SA537 Cl.1 and A36 steel plate. Company scope: China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Grade | ASME SA533 Type A / Gr.A | Confirmed |
| Class | Class 3 | Confirmed |
| Product Specification | ASME SA-533/SA-533M | Applied |
| Companion Spec | ASTM A533 Type A Class 3 | Dual cert available |
| General Requirements | ASME SA-20 / ASTM A20 | Applied |
| Alloy | Mn-Mo (no Ni requirement) | Confirmed |
| Condition | Quenched and tempered | Confirmed |
| Maximum Thickness | 65 mm for Type A Class 3 | Per SA-533 |
| Typical Supply | 6.5 mm – 65 mm | By mill enquiry |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 / third-party | As ordered |
This plate is a vessel product. It is not structural ASTM A36 steel plate. It is not SA516 Gr.60.
Chemical Composition
Chemistry for ASME SA533 Type A is the Type table. Class 3 shares Type A chemistry unless S3 raises manganese.
Heat Analysis — ASME SA533 Type A
| Element | Heat Analysis (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max | 0.25 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.15 – 1.50 |
| Phosphorus (P), max | 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S), max | 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.45 – 0.60 |
| Nickel (Ni) | Not required |
Product Analysis — SA533 Gr.A / A533 Type A
| Element | Product Analysis (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max | 0.25 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.07 – 1.62 |
| Phosphorus (P), max | 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S), max | 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.13 – 0.45 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.41 – 0.64 |
| Nickel (Ni) | Not required |
Type B requires nickel about 0.40–0.70% heat. Type A has no nickel line. If a ladle carries intentional nickel in the Type B band, it is not Type A.
For Class 3, the specification allows manganese maximum to 1.60% heat and 1.65% product when S3 is specified. SHH STEEL applies that increase only when the purchase order says S3.
Compare that ladle with SA302 Gr.C, SA387 Gr.11 Cl.2 and SA516 Gr.70. None of those tables is SA533 Type A.
If the drawing says ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 or SA533 Gr.A Cl.3, the ladle must sit in the Type A table and the tensile test must sit in the Class 3 window. SHH STEEL reports heat analysis on every certificate and adds product analysis when SA-20 requires it.
Mechanical Properties
Class 3 is the highest strength line in SA-533.
Tensile Requirements — ASME SA533 Class 3
| Property | Class 3 |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 690 – 860 MPa (100 – 125 ksi) |
| Yield strength, min | 570 MPa (83 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm (2 in.), min | 16% |
Class 1 is 550–690 MPa and 345 MPa yield. Class 2 is 620–795 MPa and 485 MPa yield. A Class 2 heat cannot be stamped Class 3 because someone wants the higher name.
Density is 7.85 g/cm³. Charpy is not a hidden default. Class 3 work almost always writes impact temperature, location and orientation.
Compare SA537 Cl.2 and SA517 Gr.Q. Overlap on a number is not a substitute.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Route | Strength / thickness | Swap? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA533 Type A Cl.1 | QT Mn-Mo | 550–690 / 345 MPa, ~300 mm practice | Same Type, lower Class |
| SA533 Type A Cl.2 | QT Mn-Mo | 620–795 / 485 MPa, ~300 mm practice | Same Type, lower Class |
| SA533 Type A Cl.3 | QT Mn-Mo | 690–860 / 570 MPa, 65 mm max | This page |
| SA533 Type B Cl.3 | QT Mn-Mo-Ni | Same Class, nickel added, 65 mm max | No |
| SA302 Gr.A | Normalized Mn-Mo | Not QT | No |
| SA302 Gr.B | Normalized Mn-Mo | Not QT | No |
| SA516 Gr.70 | Fine-grain carbon | 485–620 MPa | No |
| SA517 Gr.B | QT alloy | 690 MPa class, 32 mm max | No |
Quenched-and-Tempered Mn-Mo Vessel Service
ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 is selected when the vessel needs the top SA-533 strength window and the wall stays inside 65 mm, without a nickel addition. Allowable stress comes from ASME Section II Part D for SA-533 Type A Class 3.
Typical use is high-strength shells and heads specified to SA-533 Type A Class 3. If the drawing says Type B Class 3, this page is the wrong purchase. If the wall is 80 mm, Class 3 is the wrong Class.
It is not a replacement for SA387 Gr.91 Cl.2 or SA203 Gr.E.
Weldability
SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 is QT Mn-Mo at the highest Class. Welding is Code welding.
Procedures are qualified to ASME Section IX. Low-hydrogen practice is mandatory. Carbon can sit at 0.25%. Molybdenum is in the 0.45–0.60% heat band. Calculate carbon equivalent from the actual ladle.
Preheat depends on thickness, restraint, hydrogen and the qualified WPS. After welding, many shops want to PWHT. Simulated PWHT of mill coupons should be on the purchase order.
Do not copy a SA387 Gr.22 Cl.1 or SA517 Gr.A procedure onto Type A Class 3 without review. The fabricator owns the WPS.
Heat Treatment
Plates shall be quenched and tempered.
Tempering shall be at a suitable temperature to produce the specified Class 3 properties, but not less than 595 °C (1100 °F), with a minimum holding time of ½ h/in. (1.2 min/mm) and not less than ½ h.
As-rolled delivery is not the specified condition. As-rolled shipping is crack-sensitive above about 25 mm and requires written agreement. SHH STEEL reports quench and temper data on the MTC.
Do not apply the normalize-only route used for SA302 Gr.A and call the plate SA533 Class 3.
Delivery Condition
Usual delivery is quenched and tempered Type A Class 3 plate, 6.5–65 mm.
The certificate lists ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 and, when dual certified, ASTM A533 Type A Class 3; heat number; heat analysis; product analysis when ordered; tensile results to the Class 3 table; QT temperatures; Charpy results when ordered; and supplementary tests.
Certificates may be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2.
Dimensions
Usual supply range from SHH STEEL for SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 Mn-Mo vessel plate:
- Thickness: 6.5 mm – 65 mm (Class 3 maximum on Type A)
- Width: up to about 4000 mm
- Length: up to about 12000 mm
If the inquiry is 70 mm, Class 3 cannot be used. Use Class 1 or Class 2, or revise the specification.
Tolerances
Dimensional limits follow ASME SA-20. UT to A435 / A577 / A578 is commonly added on Class 3 plate.
Supplementary Requirements
Most export ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 orders add extras. SHH STEEL does not assume them.
S3 manganese increase. Allowed for Class 2 and Class 3. Written on the order or not applied.
Charpy details. Temperature, energy, location and orientation.
Simulated PWHT. Same-heat coupons follow the vessel cycle.
NDE. UT to A435 / A577 / A578.
Restricted residuals / P / S. When specified.
Third-party. EN 10204 3.2.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 / SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 | ASME SA-533/SA-533M | Code name on this page |
| ASTM A533 Type A Class 3 / A533 Gr.A Cl.3 | ASTM A533/A533M | Companion spec |
| SA533 Type A Class 1 / Class 2 | SA-533 | Same Type, lower strength, thicker capability |
| SA533 Type B Class 3 | SA-533 | Adds nickel; not this page |
| SA302 Gr.A | SA-302 | Normalized Mn-Mo; not QT |
| EN 10028-6 P690QL related | EN | Project comparison only |
| JIS G3124 related | JIS | Confirm QT and 65 mm cap |
| GB/T 19189 related | GB | Confirm Type and Class |
| A537CL2 | ASTM A537 | QT carbon; not a substitute |
| A517 Gr.A | ASTM A517 | Different QT family |
Applications
| Industry | Typical components |
|---|---|
| High-strength vessels | ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 shells and SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 heads to 65 mm |
| Process equipment | SA-533 Type A Cl.3 Mn-Mo courses |
| Energy | ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 QT vessel plate |
| Dual-certified export | SA533 / A533 Type A Cl.3 plate |
| Fabrication | SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 cut to nest sizes inside 65 mm |
Do not use this grade as a silent stand-in for SA203 Gr.B or SA517 Gr.S.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL works as a China Mill Direct Exporter for plates to ASME SA-533/SA-533M. On ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 that means mill pricing, dual SA533/A533 marking, Type A chemistry without a nickel requirement, recorded quench and temper, Class 3 tensile results at 690–860 MPa and 570 MPa yield, the 65 mm ceiling respected, 3.1 as standard and 3.2 when specified.
We keep the order on the right Type and Class. Type A is not Type B. Class 3 is not Class 1 and is not Class 2. SA533 is not SA516 Gr.55. SA533 is not SA285 Gr.A. SA533 Type A Cl.3 is not SA517 Gr.Q. If the drawing names nickel, we point the inquiry to Type B. If it names a wall over 65 mm at this strength, we will say Class 3 cannot be used.
Company scope: China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What names are used for ASME SA533 Type A Class 3?Buyers write SA533 Type A Class 3, SA533 Gr.A Cl.3, SA533 Grade A Class 3, SA533GA CL3, ASTM A533 Type A Class 3 and A533 Gr.A Cl.3. Do not write Gr.B on a Type A order. SHH STEEL prints the wording on the purchase order.
- Does Type A Class 3 contain nickel?No. Type A is Mn-Mo. Types B, C, D and E are Mn-Mo-Ni. Class 3 only changes the tensile table and the thickness cap.
- Is ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 the same as ASTM A533 Type A Class 3?Chemistry and tensile limits match. ASME SA-533 is the Code version. ASTM A533 is the product spec. As China mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL dual-certifies both names when the vessel must be stamped.
- What is the yield strength of SA533 Gr.A Cl.3?570 MPa minimum. Tensile is 690–860 MPa. Elongation is 16% in 50 mm, per ASME SA-533 Class 3.
- What is the maximum thickness for Class 3?65 mm for Type A. Class 1 and Class 2 on Type A follow current practice to about 300 mm. Do not order 80 mm Class 3.
- Is SA533 Type A the same as SA302 Grade A?No. SA302 is normalized Mn-Mo. SA533 is quenched and tempered.
- What heat treatment does ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 require?Quench and temper. Temper not less than 595 °C with a minimum hold of ½ h/in., not less than ½ h.
Conclusion
ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 Steel Plate is quenched-and-tempered manganese-molybdenum vessel plate under ASME SA-533/SA-533M, limited to 65 mm, with 690–860 MPa tensile and 570 MPa yield. Whether the inquiry says SA533 Type A Class 3, SA533 Gr.A Cl.3, SA533 Grade A Class 3 or A533 Type A Class 3, SHH STEEL supplies plate with Type A chemistry (no nickel requirement), recorded QT, Class 3 tensile results, and EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification.
As a China mill Distributor, SHH STEEL provides ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 / SA533 Gr.A Cl.3 Mn-Mo Vessel Plate for ASME Section VIII work.
Contact SHH STEEL for mill rolling, dual SA533/A533 marking, 3.2 inspection or a quotation.
ASME SA533 Type A Class 3 Steel Plate, SA533 Gr.A Cl.3, SA533 Grade A Class 3, ASTM A533 Type A Class 3, Mn-Mo QT vessel plate, Direct Mill Supply by SHH STEEL








