ASTM A516 Grade 55 steel plate, also written as ASTM A516 GR 55, ASTM A516 GR.55, or ASTM A 516 GR 55, is a low- to medium-strength carbon steel designed primarily for pressure vessels and boiler fabrication. The material is specified under ASTM A516/A516M steel plate, which covers carbon steel plates intended for moderate- and lower-temperature service in welded pressure vessels.
As a pressure vessel steel specialist, SHH STEEL has been producing and exporting ASTM A516 Grade 55 steel plates to global markets for decades. Compared to higher strength grades such as astm a 516 gr 70, Grade 55 offers an economic balance of weldability, toughness, and cost-efficiency, making it the preferred choice for many mid-range industrial applications.
For more other grade, please check in the following: ASTM A 516/A 516M, ASTM A 516 GR 70, ASTM A 516 GR 65, ASTM A 516 GR 60 and ASTM A 516 gr 55 Steel Grade.
This specification ensures consistent properties that are essential for safe pressure retention in boiler and vessel service.
Chemical Composition
The chemical requirements for ASTM A516 GR 55 steel plate are tightly controlled to optimize weldability and low-temperature toughness:
| Element | Max/Min Content (%) |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.21 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 1.20 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
This low carbon content ensures good welding performance, while manganese enhances strength and ductility. Phosphorus and sulfur are strictly limited to reduce the risk of brittleness.
| Property | ASTM A516 Gr.55 Requirement |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 380 – 515 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 205 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 22 |
| Hardness (HB) | 120 – 160 |
When compared with astm a 516 gr 60 or astm a 516 gr 65, Grade 55 has the lowest strength level, but maintains excellent ductility and impact resistance, making it highly reliable for moderate operating conditions.
ASTM A516 GR 55 steel plates can be supplied in the following conditions:
SHH STEEL provides all conditions depending on customer project requirements.
Plates are manufactured and supplied under dimensional tolerances as per ASTM A20/A20M:
One of the major advantages of ASTM A516 Grade 55 is its good weldability.
This makes ASTM A516 GR 55 versatile for fabrication in diverse industries.
ASTM A516 GR 55 is globally recognized and can be matched with international standards:
Such equivalents allow engineers to confidently substitute ASTM A516 GR 55 for local standards without compromising safety or quality.
Depending on end-use, ASTM A516 GR 55 plates may be supplied with additional testing:
SHH STEEL can accommodate these supplementary requirements to ensure plate reliability in demanding environments.
ASTM A516 GR 55 steel plate is widely used in:
For higher strength and more demanding service, many customers choose astm a 516 gr 70.
SHH STEEL is a leading manufacturer and exporter of boiler and pressure vessel steel plates, including ASTM A516 GR 55. Choosing us guarantees:
ASTM A516 Grade 55 steel plate is a trusted pressure vessel and boiler steel with balanced strength, weldability, and economy. It remains a preferred choice for engineers designing medium-temperature and moderate-pressure vessels across multiple industries.
SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A516 GR 55 with full certifications, global delivery, and competitive prices. We also provide related grades including astm a 516 gr 60, astm a 516 gr 65, and astm a 516 gr 70, ensuring our customers receive the right material for every project.
For reliable boiler and pressure vessel steel plates, SHH STEEL is your global partner of choice.