ASTM A285 Grade C Steel Plate | A285 Gr C Pressure Vessel Plate
What is ASTM A285 Grade C Steel Plate?
As a professional steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A285 Grade C Steel Plate (also known as A285 Gr C or A285 Grade C,ASTM A285GRC).
ASTM A285 Grade C is a carbon steel plate of intermediate tensile strength designed for fusion-welded pressure vessels, boilers and storage tanks. Among the three grades in the A285 specification, Grade C provides the highest strength while still offering 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 C 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 C 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 C | Full compliance |
| Heat Treatment | As-rolled (not heat-treated) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Steel Plate | Available |
| Thickness Range | 6 mm – 300 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 C is controlled for a balance of higher strength and good weldability.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.28 | 0.28 max | Higher 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 C is supplied in the as-rolled condition with the following mechanical properties:
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 380 – 515 MPa (55 – 75 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 27% | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 200 mm | ≥ 23% | ASTM A370 |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | — |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL, as a China Mill-Direct Supplier, supplies ASTM A285 Grade C 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 C 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 C offers good weldability. It can be welded by common processes including SMAW, SAW, GMAW and FCAW. Due to the slightly higher carbon content compared with Grade B, low-hydrogen electrodes are recommended, and preheating may be considered for thicker sections. Post-weld heat treatment may be required depending on the design code and service conditions.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A285 Grade C | ASTM A285 / ASME SA-285 | — |
| SA285 Grade C | ASME | Identical |
| P235GH | EN / Other | Intermediate strength carbon steel for pressure vessels |
| Q245R | GB | Similar intermediate-strength pressure vessel steels |
Applications
ASTM A285 Grade C is used for moderate-pressure equipment where higher strength than Grade B is required while still maintaining good fabricability. Typical applications include:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Pressure Vessels | Moderate-pressure vessels – A285 Grade C Pressure Vessel |
| Storage Tanks | Storage tanks, silos – A285 Gr C Storage Tank |
| Boilers | Boiler components – A285 Grade C Boiler |
| Heat Exchangers | Shells and components – A285 Gr C Heat Exchanger |
| Oil & Gas | Process equipment for moderate pressure – A285 Grade C Oil Gas |
| General Fabrication | Welded structures requiring higher strength – A285 Gr C Fabrication |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Exporter of ASTM A285 Grade B and Grade C
. 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 B and Grade C?Grade C has higher tensile strength (380–515 MPa) and higher yield strength (≥ 205 MPa) compared with Grade B (345–485 MPa tensile and ≥ 185 MPa yield). Grade C also allows a higher maximum carbon content (0.28% vs 0.22%).
- Is ASTM A285 Grade C heat-treated?No. ASTM A285 Grade C is normally supplied in the as-rolled condition (not normalized or quenched and tempered).
- Can SHH STEEL supply cut-to-size A285 Grade C plates?Yes. As a China Mill-Direct Supplier, we provide flame cutting, plasma cutting and other processing services according to customer drawings.
- When should I choose A285 Grade C instead of A516?A285 Grade C is suitable for lower-to-moderate pressure applications where cost is a major consideration. For higher pressure, better toughness requirements, or more critical service, A516 (especially Grade 70) or A537 is generally preferred.
Conclusion
ASTM A285 Grade C (A285 Gr C) Steel Plate from SHH STEEL provides higher strength than Grade B while retaining good weldability and formability for moderate-pressure vessels, tanks and boilers. As a China Mill-Direct Exporter, we offer competitive pricing, fast delivery and consistent quality backed by full mill certifications. Trust SHH STEEL for your ASTM A285 Grade C pressure vessel steel plate requirements.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, pricing and technical support.




