ASTM A516/A516M is the standard specification by ASTM International covering carbon steel plates for moderate and lower-temperature service in welded pressure vessels. The specification defines four strength grades — Grade 55, Grade 60, Grade 65, and Grade 70 — with increasing strength levels. This is by far the most widely used pressure vessel plate specification in the world. The companion specification ASME SA-516 adopts identical requirements for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) compliance.
Zhengzhou Huitong (HT Pipe) supplies ASTM A516 / SA-516 pressure vessel plates in all four grades with full Mill Test Certificates (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1.
1. Standard Scope & Designation
ASTM A516/A516M applies to killed carbon steel plates produced by any manufacturing process and intended for welded pressure vessels where notch toughness at moderate or lower service temperatures is required. Fine grain practice is strongly recommended for improved toughness.
Scope Statement (ASTM A516/A516M-17): "This specification covers carbon steel plates intended primarily for service in welded pressure vessels where improved notch toughness is important. The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the material to meet the specified mechanical property requirements; however, current practice normally limits the maximum thickness to 8 inches [200 mm]."
| Designation |
Issuing Body |
Unit System |
Max Thickness |
Latest Edition |
| ASTM A516 |
ASTM International |
Inch-Pound |
200 mm (8 in) |
A516/A516M-17 |
| ASTM A516M |
ASTM International |
SI (Metric) |
200 mm |
A516/A516M-17 |
| ASME SA-516 |
ASME (BPVC Sec. II Part A) |
Both |
Per ASME BPVC |
2023 Edition |
2. Grades Covered by ASTM A516
ASTM A516 defines four carbon steel grades with increasing minimum tensile strength. Grade 60 and Grade 70 are the most widely used for pressure vessel and tank construction. All grades are killed steel with fine-grain practice recommended.
| Grade |
Min Tensile
(MPa / ksi) |
Min Yield
(MPa / ksi) |
Max C (max) |
Typical Application |
| Grade 55 |
380–515 (55–75) |
205 (30) |
0.18% |
Moderate-strength vessels; excellent weldability |
| Grade 60 |
415–550 (60–80) |
220 (32) |
0.21% |
Pressure vessels, storage tanks, heat exchangers |
| Grade 65 |
450–585 (65–85) |
240 (35) |
0.24% |
Higher-pressure vessels; medium-strength tanks |
| Grade 70 |
485–620 (70–90) |
260 (38) |
0.27% |
High-pressure vessels; high-strength storage tanks |
Note on Fine Grain Practice: All A516 grades are normally killed steel with aluminum or niobium grain-refining additions. The fine-grain microstructure delivers superior notch toughness at low temperatures, which is the primary reason A516 is preferred over A515 for low-temperature service. Fine-grain practice also improves weldability by reducing the heat-affected zone (HAZ) hardness and cold cracking susceptibility.
3. Chemical Composition (ASTM A516)
Values are maximum unless shown as a range. Heat analysis. Per ASTM A516/A516M-17. Killed steel, fine grain practice recommended.
| Element |
Grade 55 (%) |
Grade 60 (%) |
Grade 65 (%) |
Grade 70 (%) |
Notes |
| Carbon (C) |
0.18 max |
0.21 max |
0.24 max |
0.27 max |
Primary weldability driver |
| Manganese (Mn) |
0.60–1.20 |
0.60–1.20 |
0.85–1.20 |
0.85–1.20 |
Mn improves hardenability & weldability |
| Phosphorus (P) |
0.035 max |
0.035 max |
0.035 max |
0.035 max |
— |
| Sulfur (S) |
0.035 max |
0.035 max |
0.035 max |
0.035 max |
— |
| Silicon (Si) |
0.15–0.40 |
0.15–0.40 |
0.15–0.40 |
0.15–0.40 |
Deoxidation element; killed steel requirement |
| Copper (Cu) |
0.30 max (optional; may be added for corrosion resistance) |
Optional alloying element |
Note: Full chemistry per ASTM A516/A516M-17. Controlled P and S levels ensure consistent weldability and resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC). Product analysis tolerances per ASTM A20/A20M apply.
4. Mechanical Property Requirements (ASTM A516)
All values are minimum unless shown as a range. Transverse test direction. Per ASTM A516/A516M-17. Testing per ASTM A370.
| Grade |
Tensile Strength
MPa (ksi) |
Yield Strength (min)
MPa (ksi) |
Elongation in 8" (min %) |
Elongation in 2" (min %) |
| Grade 55 |
380–515 (55–75) |
205 (30) |
23% |
27% |
| Grade 60 |
415–550 (60–80) |
220 (32) |
21% |
25% |
| Grade 65 |
450–585 (65–85) |
240 (35) |
19% |
23% |
| Grade 70 |
485–620 (70–90) |
260 (38) |
17% |
21% |
Note: Elongation values are for transverse test specimens (perpendicular to rolling direction), which is the standard for plate products. Longitudinal values (parallel to rolling) may be higher. Test specimen type: rectangular (plate) per ASTM A370.
Impact Toughness (Supplementary S5): Although Charpy V-notch impact testing is not mandatory in the base A516 specification, it is commonly specified via ASTM A20/A20M Supplementary Requirement S5. Typical S5 values: 18 J (13 ft-lb) minimum average at −50°C (−58°F) for Grade 60 or 70. This toughness requirement is critical for preventing brittle fracture in pressure vessels operating at low ambient temperatures or containing cryogenic fluids.
5. Heat Treatment Requirements
| Plate Thickness |
Required Condition |
Notes |
| ≤ 50 mm (2 inches) |
As-rolled (AR) or Normalized |
AR permitted unless normalized is specified; normalized is recommended for improved toughness |
| > 50 mm (2 inches) |
Normalized mandatory |
Normalizing refines grain structure, improves toughness, and ensures uniform properties through thickness |
| All thicknesses (recommended) |
Normalized + Stress Relieved (N+T) |
PWHT at 600–650°C after normalizing reduces residual stresses from rolling and prepares the plate for welding |
Normalizing & PWHT Details: Normalizing: 900–940°C (1650–1725°F), held 1 hour per 25 mm thickness, air cooled. PWHT (if required): 600–650°C (1110–1200°F), held 1–2 hours per 25 mm thickness, furnace cooled per ASME BPVC Section VIII. Fine-grain practice (Al-added or Nb-added) is strongly recommended for all thicknesses to ensure adequate notch toughness.
6. Testing & Inspection Requirements
| Test |
Requirement |
Reference Standard |
| Chemical Analysis (Heat) |
One per heat; all elements per A516 composition limits |
ASTM A516; A20 |
| Tensile Test |
One per heat/lot; TS, YS, Elongation (transverse) |
ASTM A370 / A20 |
| Charpy V-Notch Impact (S5) |
Optional via S5; typically 18 J min avg at −50°C |
ASTM A370 / A20 S5 |
| Ultrasonic Examination |
Optional per A578/A578M; commonly required for thick plates |
ASTM A578 / A435 / A577 |
| Visual & Dimensional |
Surface condition, flatness, thickness tolerance per A20 |
ASTM A20/A20M |
| Steelmaking Process |
Open-hearth, basic oxygen, or electric furnace |
ASTM A516 |
| Killed Steel Practice |
Mandatory; fine grain practice recommended |
ASTM A20 / A516 |
7. Plate Dimensions & Tolerances
ASTM A516 plates are produced by hot rolling. Common dimensional ranges from mill production:
| Parameter |
Typical Range |
Notes |
| Thickness |
6 mm – 200 mm (1/4" – 8") |
Max 200 mm per A516; thicker by agreement |
| Width |
1,000 mm – 3,500 mm |
Narrower widths available; cut-to-size upon request |
| Length |
2,000 mm – 18,000 mm |
Mill production; longer lengths available for thin plates |
| Finish |
Hot Rolled (HR), Mill Edge or Sheared |
Shot blasting + primer paint available |
Note: Thickness tolerances per ASTM A20/A20M Table 1 (typically ±0.3 mm for plates under 40 mm). Width and length tolerances per ASTM A480/A480M. Mill edge may extend up to 40 mm beyond nominal width. Flatness tolerance: max 1/8" (3.2 mm) in any 5 ft (1.5 m) of length for most grades.
8. Industries & Applications
| Industry |
Recommended Grade |
Typical Service Temp. |
| Oil & Gas (Refining) |
Grade 60 / Grade 70 |
Ambient to 350°C |
| Power Generation (Boilers) |
Grade 60 / Grade 70 |
Ambient to 425°C |
| Storage Tanks (API 650) |
Grade 60 |
Ambient (with S5 impact for cold climates) |
| Petrochemical (Reactors) |
Grade 65 / Grade 70 |
Moderate temp. up to 400°C |
| Heat Exchangers |
Grade 55 / Grade 60 |
Ambient to 300°C |
| LNG & Cryogenic Storage |
Grade 60 (S5 at −50°C) |
Down to −50°C (−58°F) |
9. ASTM A516 vs A515 vs A283 — Pressure Vessel Plate Comparison
| Criteria |
ASTM A516 |
ASTM A515 |
ASTM A283 |
| Primary Service |
Moderate & lower temp. |
Intermediate & high temp. |
Low-to-moderate temp., non-critical |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient to ~425°C; down to −50°C (S5) |
~425–540°C |
Ambient to ~350°C |
| Carbon (Gr. 70, max) |
0.27% |
0.31–0.35% |
0.26% (Gr. D) |
| Min Tensile (Gr. 70) |
485 MPa (70 ksi) |
485 MPa (70 ksi) |
415–550 MPa (Gr. D) |
| Impact Testing (S5) |
Optional (commonly specified) |
Not available |
Not specified |
| Grain Practice |
Killed, fine-grain recommended |
Killed, coarse-grain (mandatory) |
Killed or semi-killed |
| Typical Application |
Pressure vessels, tanks, exchangers |
Boiler shells, reformer vessels |
Non-critical tanks, structural |
Material Selection Rule of Thumb: For pressure vessels and storage tanks operating at ambient temperature or below — use A516 with S5 impact testing. For process vessels and boiler shells operating at elevated temperatures (above 425°C) where creep resistance matters — use A515. For non-critical, low-pressure storage tanks where cost is the primary driver — A283 Grade C or D may be considered, but A516 Grade 55 or 60 is usually preferred for better quality control and traceability.
10. Related Standards
| Standard |
Scope |
Relationship to A516 |
| ASME SA-516 |
ASME BPVC Section II Part A — Boiler Code adoption |
Identical requirements; mandatory for ASME Code-stamped vessels |
| ASTM A20/A20M |
General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels |
Governing specification for testing, tolerances, and S5 impact |
| ASTM A515 |
Pressure Vessel Plates for High-Temperature Service |
Alternative for high-temp. service; coarser grain, higher C |
| ASTM A387 |
Chrome-Moly Alloy Steel Plates |
For higher-temp. service (above A516 range); creep-resistant |
| API 650 |
Welded Tanks for Oil Storage |
Referencing A516 Grade 60/70 for storage tank shells and roofs |
| ASTM A370 |
Mechanical Testing of Steel Products |
Governs tensile, impact, and bend test procedures |
| ASME BPVC Sec. VIII |
Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels |
Governs design, fabrication, and inspection of A516 vessels |
| ASME BPVC Sec. II-D |
Materials — Allowable Stresses & Properties |
Tables of allowable tensile and yield stresses for A516 at temperature |
11. How to Order — Required Information
| No. |
Item |
Requirement / Example |
| 1 |
Specification |
ASTM A516 / ASME SA-516 |
| 2 |
Grade |
Grade 55, Grade 60, Grade 65, or Grade 70 |
| 3 |
Dimensions |
Thickness × Width × Length (mm or inches) |
| 4 |
Heat Treatment |
Normalized (N), or Normalized + PWHT (N+T) |
| 5 |
Supplementary S5 (Impact) |
Specify test temperature (e.g., S5, 18 J min at −50°C) |
| 6 |
Surface Condition |
Mill finish, shot blasted, or primer coated (e.g., 15 μm epoxy) |
| 7 |
Certification |
EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 Certified Mill Test Report (CMTR) |
| 8 |
Quantity |
Metric tons (MT) or pieces |
Download ASTM A516 / A516M Standard (PDF)
The official ASTM A516/A516M PDF is available from our HT Pipe Download Center. The document includes full chemical composition tables, mechanical property requirements, heat treatment provisions, impact testing (S5), and testing procedures per ASTM A20/A20M.
Go to Download Center | Request MTC / Quotation
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ASTM A516 Grade 70 plate used for?
ASTM A516 Grade 70 is the most widely used pressure vessel plate grade worldwide. It is the standard material for welded pressure vessels, storage tanks (per API 650), heat exchangers, and process equipment in petroleum refining, petrochemical, and power generation. Its minimum tensile strength of 485 MPa and yield of 260 MPa provide excellent design economics, while the fine-grain practice (normally aluminum-killed) delivers adequate notch toughness for most ambient-temperature services. For low-temperature service, Grade 70 with Supplementary Requirement S5 (Charpy impact) is specified down to −50°C.
Q: What is the difference between ASTM A516 and ASME SA-516?
Technically identical in chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and testing requirements. ASME SA-516 is ASTM A516 adopted into ASME BPVC Section II Part A. The critical difference is regulatory: SA-516 is used for ASME Code-stamped pressure vessels (BPVC Section VIII for pressure vessels, Section I for power boilers). When purchasing plates for an ASME Code-stamped vessel, specify SA-516 to ensure compliance with authorized inspection requirements, CMTR documentation, and material traceability. Most steel mills supply dual-certified A516/SA-516 plates at no additional cost.
Q: What Supplementary Requirement S5 (impact testing) should be specified?
S5 specifies Charpy V-notch impact testing requirements. The most common specification is: S5, 18 Joules (13 ft-lb) minimum average absorbed energy, with no single specimen below 14 J (10 ft-lb), tested at the design minimum temperature. For storage tanks in cold climates (e.g., northern China, Canada, Russia), S5 at −50°C (−58°F) is standard. For less severe climates, S5 at −30°C or −40°C may be sufficient. Always confirm the design minimum temperature with the pressure vessel design engineer before specifying S5.
Q: Can ASTM A516 Grade 60 be used for a storage tank in cold weather?
Yes, provided Supplementary Requirement S5 is specified at the tank's minimum design temperature. Grade 60 has lower carbon content (max 0.21% vs 0.27% for Grade 70) and therefore better weldability — making it the preferred choice for large-diameter, field-welded storage tanks per API 650. Specify: ASTM A516 Grade 60, normalized, S5 (18 J min at −50°C), EN 10204 3.1. The lower carbon also reduces the preheat temperature requirement and the risk of hydrogen-induced cold cracking in the field welding of large tanks.
Q: What is the maximum allowable stress for ASTM A516 Grade 70 at elevated temperatures?
Per ASME BPVC Section II Part D (2023 edition), the allowable tensile stress for ASTM SA-516 Grade 70 at key temperatures is approximately: 20°C (68°F) — 133 MPa (19,300 psi); 300°C (570°F) — 133 MPa; 400°C (750°F) — 114 MPa (16,500 psi); and 425°C (800°F) — 96 MPa (14,000 psi). Above approximately 425°C, A516 may begin to lose strength, and ASTM A515 or A387 chrome-moly steel should be considered. Always use the latest ASME BPVC Section II Part D tables for design calculations, and consult ASME Section VIII for vessel design rules.
Request a Quote — ASTM A516 / SA-516 Pressure Vessel Plate
Zhengzhou Huitong (HT Pipe) supplies ASTM A516 / SA-516 Grade 55, 60, 65, and 70 pressure vessel plates in all standard thicknesses. Full EN 10204 3.1 CMTRs, competitive pricing, and mill-direct delivery from major Chinese and international steel mills.
