ASTM A285 Grade B Steel Plate | A285 Gr B Pressure Vessel Plate
What is ASTM A285 Grade B Steel Plate?
As a professional steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A285 Grade B Steel Plate (also known as A285 Gr B or SA285 Grade B).
ASTM A285 Grade B is a carbon steel plate of intermediate tensile strength designed for fusion-welded pressure vessels, boilers and storage tanks operating at moderate pressures. It provides a cost-effective balance of strength, excellent weldability and good formability. SHH STEEL sources this material directly from leading Chinese steel mills, ensuring competitive mill-direct pricing, stable quality and shorter lead times.
We supply ASTM A285 Grade B steel plate in thicknesses from 6 mm to 100 mm (thicker plates available on request), widths up to 3000–4000 mm, and lengths up to 12000–18000 mm. Custom cutting and processing services are available. All plates are delivered with full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1).
Material Specification
ASTM A285 Grade B steel plate is produced in accordance with ASTM A285/A285M and ASME SA-285.
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A285 / ASME SA-285 Grade B | Full compliance |
| Heat Treatment | As-rolled (not heat-treated) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Steel Plate | Available |
| Thickness Range | 6 mm – 100 mm (thicker available) | Custom sizes available |
| Width / Length | Up to 3000–4000 mm / 12000–18000 mm | Custom cutting supported |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | Available |
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A285 Grade B is controlled for good weldability and formability.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.22 | 0.22 max | Strength |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.90 | 0.90 max (heat) | Strength and deoxidation |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025 | 0.025 max | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.025 | 0.025 max | Cleanliness |
Mechanical Properties
ASTM A285 Grade B is supplied in the as-rolled condition with the following mechanical properties:
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 345 – 485 MPa (50 – 70 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 185 MPa (27 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 28% | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 200 mm | ≥ 25% | ASTM A370 |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | — |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL, as a China Mill-Direct Supplier, supplies ASTM A285 Grade B steel plate in the as-rolled condition.
- Surface: As-rolled, shot-blasted, or primed upon request
- Cutting: Flame cutting, plasma cutting available
- Ultrasonic testing (UT) according to ASTM A435 / A578 available
- Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV, etc.) can be arranged
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for ASTM A285 Grade B steel plate follow ASTM A6/A6M and ASTM A20.
- Thickness, width and length tolerances meet ASTM A6 requirements.
- Flatness is controlled according to standard specifications.
- Edge conditions: Mill edge or cut edge (flame / plasma).
Tighter tolerances can be provided upon request.
Weldability
ASTM A285 Grade B offers excellent weldability. It can be readily welded by common processes including SMAW, SAW, GMAW and FCAW without the need for preheating in most thicknesses. Low-hydrogen electrodes are recommended for critical applications. Post-weld heat treatment may be required depending on the design code and service conditions.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A285 Grade B | ASTM A285 / ASME SA-285 | — |
| SA285 Grade B | ASME | Identical |
| P265GH | EN / Other | Low-to-intermediate strength carbon steel for pressure vessels |
| Q245R | GB | Similar low-strength pressure vessel steels |
Applications
ASTM A285 Grade B is widely used for moderate-pressure equipment where economy and good fabricability are important. Typical applications include:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Pressure Vessels | Low-to-moderate pressure vessels – A285 Grade B Pressure Vessel |
| Storage Tanks | Storage tanks, silos – A285 Gr B Storage Tank |
| Boilers | Boiler components – A285 Grade B Boiler |
| Heat Exchangers | Shells and components – A285 Gr B Heat Exchanger |
| Oil & Gas | Process equipment for moderate pressure – A285 Grade B Oil Gas |
| General Fabrication | Welded structures requiring good formability – A285 Gr B Fabrication |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Exporter. We maintain long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese steel mills and act as a first-level (primary) agent. This direct mill supply model allows us to offer:
- Competitive mill-direct pricing
- Faster delivery times
- Stable and traceable quality
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
- Professional export service and technical support
Customers benefit from reliable supply, short lead times and cost-effective solutions for pressure vessel and tank projects worldwide.
FAQ
- What is the difference between ASTM A285 Grade A, Grade B and Grade C?The main difference is tensile strength:Grade A: 310–450 MPa Grade B: 345–485 MPa Grade C: 380–515 MPa Grade B is the intermediate strength grade and the most commonly used.
- Is ASTM A285 Grade B heat-treated?No. ASTM A285 Grade B is normally supplied in the as-rolled condition (not normalized or quenched and tempered).
- What is the density of ASTM A285 Grade B?7.85 g/cm³.
- Can SHH STEEL supply cut-to-size A285 Grade B plates?Yes. As a China Mill-Direct Supplier, we provide flame cutting, plasma cutting and other processing services according to customer drawings.
- Is A285 Grade B suitable for high-pressure applications?A285 Grade B is intended for low-to-moderate pressure service. For higher-pressure or more critical applications, grades such as A516 or A537 are generally preferred.
Conclusion
ASTM A285 Grade B (A285 Gr B) Steel Plate from SHH STEEL offers a cost-effective solution for moderate-pressure vessels, tanks and boilers with excellent weldability and formability. As a China Mill-Direct Exporter, we provide competitive pricing, fast delivery and consistent quality backed by full mill certifications. Trust SHH STEEL for your ASTM A285 Grade B pressure vessel steel plate requirements.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, pricing and technical support.
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