ASTM A516 GR 55 (ASTM A516GR55) Carbon Steel Plates

ASTM A516 GR 55 (ASTM A516GR55) Carbon Steel Plates

ASTM A516 Gr.55 carbon steel plates are medium-strength, notch-tough materials for pressure vessels and boilers. With 380–515 MPa tensile and 205 MPa yield strength, they operate safely under moderate temperature and pressure, widely applied in petrochemical, refinery, and power plant projects by SHH STEEL.
Specification:
ASTM A516/A516M-17 for pressure vessels and boilers
Dimensions:
5–500 mm thickness, max 4600 mm width, max 12000 mm length
Hardness/Density:
ASTM A516 Gr.55 Hardness 120–160 HB, Density 7.85 g/cm³
Equivalent Material:
P295GH (EN10028-2), SPV355 (JIS G3115), 20R (GB/T713)
Share:
General Description
Material Specification
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
Delivery Conditions
Tolerances
Weldability
Equivalent Material
Supplementary
Applications
Why Choose Us
FAQ
Conclusion

What is ASTM A 516 Gr 55 steel plate?

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.

What is ASTM A516 Grade 55 Material Specification?

  • Standard: ASTM A516 / A516M – 17 (latest edition for pressure vessel plates)
  • Grade: ASTM A516 Grade 55
  • Delivery Conditions: As Rolled (AR), Normalized (N), or Stress Relieved (SR)
  • Thickness Range: 5 – 500 mm
  • Width Range: up to 4600 mm
  • Length Range: up to 12000 mm
  • Product Forms: Cut-to-length plates, profiled parts, welded pressure vessel shells

This specification ensures consistent properties that are essential for safe pressure retention in boiler and vessel service.

ASTM A516 Grade 55 Chemical Composition

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.

Mechanical Properties

 

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 Delivery Conditions

ASTM A516 GR 55 steel plates can be supplied in the following conditions:

  • As Rolled (AR): For standard service applications where enhanced toughness is not required.
  • Normalized (N): Improves notch toughness and uniformity of mechanical properties.
  • Normalized + Stress Relieved (N+SR): Recommended for thicker plates or highly stressed vessels.

SHH STEEL provides all conditions depending on customer project requirements.

Tolerances

Plates are manufactured and supplied under dimensional tolerances as per ASTM A20/A20M:

  • Thickness tolerance depending on plate size and rolling condition
  • Width and length tolerances as per standard or customer request
  • Flatness and straightness tolerances ensuring proper fabrication of vessels

 

Weldability

One of the major advantages of ASTM A516 Grade 55 is its good weldability.

  • Suitable for SMAW, SAW, GMAW, and GTAW welding methods.
  • Preheating is generally unnecessary for thin and medium sections.
  • For thicker plates (>50 mm), limited preheat may be applied to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking.
  • Post-weld heat treatment can be specified for critical applications.

This makes ASTM A516 GR 55 versatile for fabrication in diverse industries.

ASTM A516 Gr 55 Equivalent Material Grade

ASTM A516 GR 55 is globally recognized and can be matched with international standards:

  • EN 10028-2: P295GH
  • JIS G3115: SPV355
  • GB/T713: 20R
  • ASME SA516 GR 55: Equivalent to ASTM standard

Such equivalents allow engineers to confidently substitute ASTM A516 GR 55 for local standards without compromising safety or quality.

 

Supplementary Requirements

Depending on end-use, ASTM A516 GR 55 plates may be supplied with additional testing:

  • Impact Testing (Charpy V-Notch) at specified temperatures
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for internal soundness
  • Through-thickness Testing (Z-quality) for lamellar tear resistance
  • NACE MR0175 compliance for sour service applications

SHH STEEL can accommodate these supplementary requirements to ensure plate reliability in demanding environments.

 

Applications

ASTM A516 GR 55 steel plate is widely used in:

  • Boilers and steam drums in thermal power plants
  • Petrochemical storage tanks for oil and gas
  • Refinery equipment such as fractionating columns
  • Heat exchangers and pressure vessels in chemical plants
  • Food processing industry where pressure vessels are required
  • Shipbuilding auxiliary boilers and marine engineering applications

For higher strength and more demanding service, many customers choose astm a 516 gr 70.

Why Choose SHH STEEL?

SHH STEEL is a leading manufacturer and exporter of boiler and pressure vessel steel plates, including ASTM A516 GR 55. Choosing us guarantees:

  • Complete Product Range: From ASTM A516 Grade 55 to 60, 65, and 70.
  • Global Export Capability: Supplying to Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
  • Third-party Inspection: SGS, BV, LR, TUV certification available.
  • Customization: Plates cut, profiled, or rolled to customer requirements.
  • Competitive Pricing: Direct-from-mill pricing ensures best cost efficiency.
  • Technical Expertise: Professional support on welding, fabrication, and design considerations.

FAQ: Common Questions About ASTM A516 GR 60 Steel Plate

What is ASTM A516 Grade 55 steel plate mainly used for?
ASTM A516 Grade 55 is primarily used for boilers and pressure vessels that operate under moderate pressure and temperature. Industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, and power generation are the biggest users.
What is the difference between ASTM A516 Grade 55 and ASTM A516 Grade 70?
A516 Grade 55 has lower tensile and yield strength (380–515 MPa vs. 485–620 MPa). While GR 55 is more economical for moderate conditions, GR 70 is selected for higher stress applications.
Is ASTM A516 GR 55 the same as ASME SA516 GR 55?
Yes. ASTM A516 and ASME SA516 are technically identical, and both designations are widely accepted in engineering projects.
What are the equivalent grades of ASTM A516 Grade 55?
Equivalent grades include P295GH (EN), SPV355 (JIS), and 20R (GB). These allow international projects to source compatible materials.
What is the equivalent of A516 Gr.60 in EN standards?
The closest EN equivalent is P295GH (EN 10028-2), with 410-570 MPa tensile and 295 MPa yield, ideal for EU boilers. SHH STEEL offers dual-certified options.
Can ASTM A516 GR 55 plates be welded without preheating?
Can ASTM A516 GR 55 plates be welded without preheating? Yes, for most applications. Preheating is only recommended for thicker plates or highly restrained joints to avoid cracking.
What is the difference between A516 Gr.60 and A516 Gr.55?
A516 Gr.60 offers higher tensile (415-550 MPa vs. 380-515 MPa) and yield (220 MPa vs. 205 MPa) than Gr.55. Gr.60 handles moderate pressure better. See our ASTM A 516 Gr 55 page.
What is the difference between A516 Gr.65 and A516 Gr.60?
What is the difference between A516 Gr.65 and A516 Gr.60? A: A516 Gr.65 has higher tensile (450-585 MPa vs. 415-550 MPa) and yield (240 MPa vs. 220 MPa) than Gr.60. Gr.65 suits higher pressure (500 bar), while Gr.60 is for moderate use. Visit our ASTM A 516 Gr 60 page.

Conclusion

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.

Contact Us

Quality Steel Needed? Inquire for Offers

Need quality steel for your project? Inquire now to get tailored offers. Our team ensures quick responses, matching your needs with reliable steel solutions. Start your inquiry today.

    *

    *

    *

    *



    Related Products

    +86 18939509537
    sale@steelspecs.com
    +86 021-62716097
    Shenghonghe: Get Your Steel Quote—Inquire Now for Quick Response

      *

      *

      *

      *



      X