A516 Alloy Steel Plate – Boiler & Pressure Vessel Grade

A516 steel plate, also known as boiler-grade plate or pressure vessel plate, is one of the most widely used carbon alloy steel plates in heavy industries, especially for manufacturing pressure vessels, boilers, and heat exchangers. It is produced in accordance with the ASTM A516 international standard and features a unique chemical composition that enhances its performance under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

Technical Characteristics and Structure of A516 Plate

A516 plate belongs to the family of high-strength carbon steels and includes alloying elements such as carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, molybdenum, and occasionally nickel or chromium, depending on the grade and manufacturer.
This composition grants the plate:

Excellent weldability
High thermal stability
Superior mechanical strength
Good impact resistance
Suitability for heat treatment processes

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A516 Grades and Mechanical Properties

A516 plates are available in multiple grades (Gr 55, 60, 65, and 70), each offering specific mechanical properties to suit different industrial applications.

Grade	Yield Strength (MPa)	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)
A516 Gr 55	305	380–515	23٪
A516 Gr 60	325	415–550	21٪
A516 Gr 65	345	450–585	19٪
A516 Gr 70	380	485–620	17٪

Among these, Grade 70 is the most commonly used due to its higher strength, superior crack resistance, and stability under extreme pressure and heat. It is important to note that as the grade increases, tensile strength improves, but ductility slightly decreases.

Chemical Composition of A516 Grade 70 (Typical Values)

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Element	Content (Approximate)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.27%
Manganese (Mn)	0.85–1.20%
Silicon (Si)	≤ 0.40%
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.035%
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.035%

The exact composition may vary slightly by manufacturer or grade, but all products must conform to ASTM A516 standards.

Manufacturing Process and Standard

A516 plates are produced according to ASTM A516/A516M, a standard developed by ASTM International. During production, the plates are normalized through heat treatment to refine their grain structure and stabilize mechanical properties for optimal performance in critical applications.

Applications of A516 Steel Plate

Thanks to its outstanding mechanical and chemical characteristics, A516 is widely used in industries such as:

Pressure vessel manufacturing
Industrial steam boilers
Heat exchangers and condensers
Petrochemical distillation towers
Industrial reactors
Chemical storage and transport tanks
Offshore and marine structures
Bridges and vibration-resistant structures

Thickness and Dimensions

A516 steel plates are available in a wide range of thicknesses — typically from 6 mm to 250 mm, with certain grades like Gr 55 available up to 350 mm. Standard widths range from 1000 mm to 2500 mm, and custom lengths are also available upon request.

Brands and Availability in the Iranian Market

In the Iranian market, A516 plates are supplied by several domestic and international manufacturers, including:

POSCO (South Korea) – Premium export-grade quality
Mobarakeh Steel Co. (Isfahan, Iran) – High quality with diverse thicknesses
Oxin Steel (Khuzestan, Iran) – Ideal for large-scale industrial projects
Chinese and Russian brands – Cost-effective options for non-critical applications

SSAB STEEL SAZEH is a trusted supplier of A516 alloy steel plates from reputable domestic and international brands. Our inventory includes high-quality imported plates from China as well as locally produced sheets from Oxin Steel and Mobarakeh Steel Mill.
All available grades and thicknesses are ready for immediate delivery and come with certified mill test reports (MTC). Customers can rely on our technical support and consulting services to select the right product for their project’s specific requirements.
For more information, quotations, or technical assistance, feel free to contact SSAB STEEL SAZEH – your reliable partner in steel solutions.