ASTM A514 Grade F is a high-yield, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate primarily used for structural applications where weight savings and high strength are critical. It is part of a family of steels often referred to by the trade name T-1 steel.
Key Specifications
Yield Strength: Minimum 100 ksi (approx. 690 MPa) for thicknesses up to 2.5 inches.
Tensile Strength: Typically 110–130 ksi.
Condition: Delivered in a quenched and tempered state to achieve its high-strength and tough mechanical properties.
Thickness Range: Standard availability for Grade F is typically up to 2.5 inches (63.5 mm).
Applications
Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to cracks in cold weather, it is commonly used in:
Heavy Equipment: Crane booms, mining truck bodies, and loaders.
Infrastructure: Welded bridges and building frames.
Transport: Heavy vehicle frames, chassis, and transport trailers.
Fabrication Notes
Weldability: Readily weldable but requires specific procedures, such as preheating and using low-hydrogen electrodes, to avoid cracking in the heat-affected zone.
Machinability: Can be machined and cut using plasma, laser, or oxy-fuel methods, though the hardened edges may require post-heat treatment.
Equivalent Grades: Common international equivalents include EN 10025-6 S690QL and Chinese Q690D.
Material Chemistry
|
SI |
FE |
MN |
CR |
MO |
TI |
B |
V |
C |
|
0.28% |
98.0% |
0.85% |
0.48% |
0.2% |
0.02% |
0.003% |
0.05% |
0.27 – 0.30% |
Yield/Tensile Strength
|
Metric |
Imperial |
|
|
Tensile Strength, Ultimate |
760 – 895 MPa |
110,000 – 130,000 psi |
|
Tensile Strength, Yield |
690 MPa |
100,000 psi |
|
Elongation at Break (in 50 mm) |
18% |
18% |
|
Modulus Elasticity |
190 – 210 GPa |
27,557 – 30,458 ksi |
|
Bulk Modulus (Typical for Steel) |
140 GPa |
203,000 ksi |
|
Poissons Ratio |
0.27 – 0.30 |
0.27 – 0.30 |
|
Shear Modulus (Typical for Steel) |
80 GPa |
116,000 ksi |
Mechanical Properties
| Mechanical Properties | Metric | English |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 760 - 895 MPa | 110000 - 130000 psi |
| Tensile strength, yield (@0.200%) | 690 MPa | 100000 psi |
| Bulk modulus (typical for steel) | 140 GPa | 20300 ksi |
| Shear modulus (typical for steel) | 80 GPa | 11600 ksi |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30458 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elongation at break (in 50 mm) | 18% | 18% |
| Hardness, Brinell (@9.50 mm/ 0.374 in, for plates) | 235 - 293 | 235 - 293 |
| Hardness, Knoop (converted from Brinell hardness) | 289 | 289 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (converted from Brinell hardness) | 98 | 98 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (converted from Brinell hardness) | 26 | 26 |
| Hardness, Vickers (converted from Brinell hardness) | 278 | 278 |
1. What is A514 Grade F steel used for?
A514 Grade F is primarily used in high-strength structural applications like heavy construction equipment, crane booms, mining machinery, and bridges where a superior strength-to-weight ratio is required.
2. What is the yield strength of A514 Grade F?
For plates up to 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) thick, the minimum yield strength is 100 ksi (690 MPa). For thicker plates, the yield strength decreases, typically to 90 ksi (620 MPa) up to 2.5 inches.
3. Can A514 Grade F be welded?
Yes, it can be welded, but it requires strict procedures including preheating, the use of low-hydrogen electrodes, and often post-weld heat treatment to prevent cracking due to its high hardenability.
4. How does A514 Grade F differ from Grade E?
The main difference is in chemistry: Grade F has lower carbon and alloy content (and no boron), resulting in better weldability and a lower carbon equivalent, while both grades offer the same minimum yield strength.
5. What is the hardness of A514 Grade F?
The typical hardness range for A514 Grade F is approximately HBW 280-340 (Brinell) or HRC 29-36, but hardness is not a specified property in the ASTM standard.
6. Is A514 Grade F the same as T1 steel?
Yes, A514 Grade F is often commercially referred to as "T1 Type F" or "modified T1." The "T1" name originally came from a trademark, but it's commonly used for this family of high-strength, quenched and tempered steels.
7. What is the European equivalent of A514 Grade F?
The closest European equivalent is S690QL or S690Q/QL1 according to EN 10025-6, which has a similar 690 MPa yield strength and quenched & tempered condition.
8. Can you flame cut A514 Grade F?
Yes, but it requires preheating (typically 300-500°F) and controlled cooling to prevent hardening and cracking along the cut edge. Plasma or waterjet cutting are often preferred alternatives.
9. What is the chemical composition of A514 Grade F?
It has a lower carbon content (max 0.20%) compared to Grade E, along with reduced levels of chromium, molybdenum, and no boron, resulting in a lower carbon equivalent for improved weldability.
10. Why choose A514 Grade F over Grade E?
Choose Grade F when weldability and fabrication ease are top priorities for complex structures, as its leaner chemistry reduces the risk of welding-related cracking compared to the higher-alloy Grade E.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
