ASTM A516 Grade 55(A516GR55) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

Overview Chemical Composition Mechanical Properties Applications Technical Documentation FAQ Get a Quote

Overview

ASTM A516 Grade 55 (A516Gr55) is a carbon steel plate specifically designed for boiler and pressure vessel applications, offering good notch toughness and weldability. It is commonly used in moderate and lower-temperature service environments.

Chemical Composition

Grade	Chemical Composition(%)
Grade	C	Mn	Si	P (Max)	S (Max)
A516 Grade 55 (A516GR55)	0.18-0.26	0.55-1.3	0.13-0.45	0.035	0.035

Mechanical Properties

Grade	Mechanical Property
Grade	Tensile Strength(MPa)	Yield Strength(MPa)	Elongation (%)	Impact Test (Charpy V-Notch)
A516 Grade 55 (A516GR55)	380-515	≥205	≥23	≥ 20 J (15 ft-lb) at -50°F (-45°C) (for normalized plates)

Applications

1. Pressure vessels

2. Power boilers

3. Oil & gas storage tanks

4. Process heat exchangers

5. Petrochemical equipment

Other Information

Comparable Standards:

ASME SA516 Grade 55 (identical to ASTM A516 but for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code use)

EN 10028-2 P265GH (European equivalent)

Comparison with Other Grades:

The key grades of ASTM A516 (55/60/65/70) are primarily distinguished by their tensile strength:

Grade	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Key Use Case
A516 Grade 55	380-515	205	Low-pressure applications
A516 Grade 60	415-550	220	Intermediate pressure
A516 Grade 65	450-585	240	Higher pressure
A516 Grade 70	485-620	260	High-pressure & low-temp

Heat Treatment:

Typically supplied in normalized condition for improved toughness.

May also be supplied as hot-rolled or stress-relieved depending on application requirements.

Advantages:

1. Good weldability and formability

2. Suitable for low-temperature service (down to -29°C / -20°F)

3. Cost-effective for moderate-pressure applications

Technical Documentation

FAQ

Q1:

What custom processing services do you offer for LR Grade AH36 shipbuilding steel plates?

A:

We provide one-stop value-added processing services, including precision cutting, bending, drilling, beveling, surface derusting, shot blasting, anti-corrosion treatment, and heat treatment, to meet all custom manufacturing and installation requirements for high-standard offshore engineering projects.

Q2:

Does your LR Grade AH36 shipbuilding steel plate support third-party inspection?

A:

Yes. All of our LR Grade AH36 shipbuilding steel plates fully support third-party inspections by internationally recognized organizations such as SGS and BV. They come with complete official LR certification and original factory test certificates, ensuring comprehensive quality traceability.

Q3:

What is the application of LR Grade AH36 shipbuilding plate?

A:

LR Grade AH36 shipbuilding steel plate is a high-strength hull structural steel certified by Lloyd’s Register (LR). It is primarily used in ultra-large ocean-going vessels, deep-sea offshore platforms, heavy-duty offshore engineering facilities, and high-load-bearing ship structures, and serves as a core load-bearing material for high-grade offshore engineering projects.

Q4:

Is LR Grade AH36 marine steel plate compatible with other classification society standards?

A:

Yes. This product fully complies with the relevant marine steel standards of major classification societies such as CCS, ABS, BV, and DNV. We can provide dual or multiple classification society joint certifications based on customer requirements to meet marine engineering acceptance standards in different countries or regions.

Q5:

What is the main difference between LR Grade AH32 and LR Grade AH36 shipbuilding steel plates?

A:

Both are high-strength hull structural steels certified by Lloyd’s Register (LR). The key difference lies in their yield strength grades: LR AH32 has a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa, while LR AH36 has a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa.

Therefore, LR AH32 is suitable for conventional-tonnage vessels and general offshore engineering projects, offering better cost-effectiveness; LR AH36, on the other hand, is intended for applications requiring higher strength, such as ultra-large vessels and high-load-bearing offshore structures.

Q6:

Does your LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plate support third-party inspection?

A:

Yes. All of our LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plates support inspections by internationally recognized third-party organizations such as SGS, BV, and DNV. They come with complete official LR certification and original mill test certificates, ensuring full quality traceability.

Q7:

What processing services can you provide for LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plates?

A:

We offer one-stop value-added processing services, including precision cutting, bending, drilling, beveling, surface derusting, shot blasting, anti-corrosion treatment, and heat treatment, to meet all custom manufacturing and installation requirements for offshore engineering projects.

Q8:

Does LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plate require special welding procedures?

A:

LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plate offers excellent overall weldability, stable material properties, and a low carbon equivalent. It is suitable for all conventional shipbuilding welding processes and does not require complex preheating or special protective measures.

Standard marine welding operating procedures ensure consistent weld quality, effectively reduce construction difficulties, and improve project efficiency.

Q9:

What is the application of LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plate?

A:

LR Grade AH32 shipbuilding steel plate is primarily used in the construction of commercial vessels, conventional offshore platforms, coastal marine infrastructure, and the maintenance of marine equipment. It is suitable for various marine engineering applications that require high strength and stable overall structural performance.

Q10:

What is the weldability of LR Grade E shipbuilding steel plates?

A:

The weldability is good, and the carbon equivalent (CEV) is typically controlled at ≤ 0.40% (depending on the specific thickness).

For thicknesses of 40 mm or less, preheating is generally not required at ambient temperatures (≥0°C), but low-hydrogen electrodes must be used.

For plates thicker than 40 mm or highly constrained joints, preheating to 50°C–100°C is recommended to reduce the cooling rate and prevent cold cracks.

Important Note: Welding consumables approved by the classification society and compatible with LR Grade E must be used.

Q11:

What is the main difference between LR Grade D and Grade E marine steel?

A:

The basic strength parameters of the two grades are the same; the key difference lies in low-temperature impact resistance and application scenarios.

LR Grade D must pass an impact test at -20°C and is suitable for conventional cold-water regions; LR Grade E must pass an impact test at -40°C and offers superior low-temperature toughness and resistance to brittle fracture, making it suitable for polar and extremely cold marine environments.

Q12:

What is the application of LR Grade E shipbuilding steel plates?

A:

LR Grade E shipbuilding steel plate is a high-performance, ordinary-strength marine structural steel plate with exceptional impact toughness at ultra-low temperatures of -40°C. It is primarily used in polar icebreakers, polar research vessels, ultra-cold ocean-going vessels, extremely cold offshore structures, and high-end marine infrastructure requiring resistance to brittleness at extremely low temperatures. It serves as an upgraded replacement for LR Grade D shipbuilding steel plate in polar and extremely cold marine environments.

Q13:

What are the delivery conditions for LR Grade D shipbuilding steel plates?

A:

The standard delivery conditions for LR Grade D shipbuilding steel plates are as follows:

1) Hot-rolled (HR): Suitable for thin plates with a thickness of ≤12 mm; this is the standard supply condition.

2) Thermomechanically Controlled Process (TMCP): The primary delivery condition for medium- and thick plates; grain refinement ensures compliance with impact toughness requirements at -20°C without the need for additional heat treatment.

3) Normalized (N): Suitable for thick plates with a thickness of ≥50 mm; used for critical components with stringent low-temperature toughness requirements.

All delivery conditions must pass LR third-party inspection prior to shipment.

Q14:

What processing services do you offer for LR Grade D marine steel plates?

A:

We provide one-stop value-added processing services, including precision cutting, bending, drilling, beveling, surface derusting, shot blasting, anti-corrosion treatment, and heat treatment, to meet all custom manufacturing and installation requirements for extreme-low-temperature offshore engineering projects.

Q15:

Does your LR Grade D shipbuilding steel plate support third-party inspection?

A:

Yes. All of our LR Grade D shipbuilding steel plates are fully compatible with inspections by internationally recognized third-party organizations such as SGS, BV, and DNV. They come with complete official LR certification and original factory test reports, ensuring comprehensive quality traceability.