ASTM A517 Grade B is a quenched and tempered high-strength alloy steel plate under ASTM A517/A517M, mainly used for welded pressure vessels, storage tanks, heat exchangers, and other structural components requiring high strength, toughness, and weldability. Alloyed with chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and small amounts of boron, it achieves high yield strength and good low-temperature impact performance. Supplied in the quenched and tempered condition, it has a refined microstructure and consistent mechanical properties across different thicknesses. Because of its balanced characteristics, it is widely applied in heavy machinery, offshore structures, and pressure-containing equipment under demanding operating conditions.
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A517 grade BChemical Composition |
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Grade |
The Element Max (%) |
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C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
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A517 grade B |
0.13-0.23 |
0.13-0.37 |
0.64-1.10 |
0.035 |
0.035 |
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Cr |
Mo |
B |
Ti |
V |
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0.36-0.69 |
0.12-0.28 |
0.0005-0.005 |
0.01-0.05 |
0.02-0.09 |
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Grade |
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A517 grade B Mechanical Property |
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Thickness |
Yield |
Tensile |
Elongation |
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A517 grade B |
mm |
Min Mpa |
Mpa |
Min % |
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6-65 |
690 |
795-930 |
16% |
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65-150 |
620 |
725-930 |
14% |
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Tensile Requirements
| 2.50 in. [65 mm] and Under | Over 2.50 to 6 in. [65 to 150 mm] | |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 115-135 [795-930] | 105-135 [725-930] |
| Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa] | 100 [690] | 90 [620] |
| Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, % | 16 | 14 |
| Reduction of area, min, %: | ||
| Rectangular specimens | 35 | – |
| Round specimens | 45 | 45 |
applications
Pressure Vessels and Storage Tanks:
ASTM A517 Grade B is widely used in the construction of welded pressure vessels, including those for oil and gas processing, chemical plants, and power generation. Its high yield strength and good weldability allow designers to reduce plate thickness while maintaining structural integrity, resulting in lighter and more cost-effective equipment.
Heat Exchangers and Process Equipment:
The steel's combination of strength and toughness makes it suitable for heat exchangers, boilers, and other process equipment operating under high pressure and temperature. Its ability to withstand thermal cycling and resist creep ensures reliable performance in demanding industrial environments.
Heavy Machinery and Structural Components:
It is commonly employed in the manufacturing of heavy machinery, such as cranes, excavators, and offshore platforms. Key structural parts, including boom sections, chassis components, and load-bearing members, benefit from the material's high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent fatigue resistance.
Offshore and Subsea Structures:
Due to its good low-temperature toughness and resistance to harsh marine conditions, ASTM A517 Grade B is used in offshore structures, including jackets, decks, and pipeline components. It provides the necessary strength to withstand wind, wave, and operational loads.
Bridges and High-Rise Buildings:
In civil engineering, it is used for critical structural elements in bridges and high-rise buildings where high strength and durability are essential. Its use helps optimize design, reduce material weight, and enhance overall structural performance.
advantage
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio:
ASTM A517 Grade B offers exceptional yield and tensile strength, allowing designers to reduce plate thickness while maintaining structural integrity. This results in lighter, more cost-effective equipment and structures, particularly in pressure vessels and heavy machinery.
Excellent Toughness:
The steel provides good low-temperature toughness, enabling reliable performance in cold environments. Its ability to absorb impact energy helps prevent brittle fracture, a critical advantage for offshore and subsea applications.
Good Weldability:
Despite its high strength, A517 Grade B maintains favorable weldability when proper procedures are followed. This allows for efficient fabrication of large, complex structures such as pressure vessels and storage tanks without sacrificing joint quality.
Consistent Mechanical Properties:
The quenched and tempered heat treatment refines the microstructure, ensuring uniform strength and toughness across various thicknesses. This consistency reduces material variability and improves predictability in engineering designs.
Resistance to Fatigue and Wear:
The steel's fine-grained structure and high hardness contribute to good fatigue resistance and wear performance, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications such as crane booms, chassis components, and offshore platforms.
Wide Range of Applications:
Its balanced combination of strength, toughness, and weldability allows use in diverse industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and heavy equipment manufacturing, providing design flexibility and operational reliability.
Request a professional quotation for A517 Grade B from GNEE Steel.
Is A517 Grade B weldable?
Yes, A517 Grade B has good weldability. To avoid weld cracks and ensure the integrity of welded joints, proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment are recommended during welding.
What is the maximum thickness of A517 Grade B plates usually supplied?
The maximum thickness of A517 Grade B plates typically supplied is around 200 mm, and it can be customized according to specific project requirements and the manufacturer's production capabilities.
What is the difference between A517 Grade B and A516 Grade 70?
A517 Grade B is high-strength quenched and tempered steel, while A516 Grade 70 is carbon steel. The former has higher tensile/yield strength and better toughness, suitable for more demanding working conditions.
What surface treatment methods are suitable for A517 Grade B?
Suitable surface treatments include sandblasting, pickling, phosphating and painting. These methods can remove surface impurities, prevent corrosion and effectively extend the service life of steel components.
Does A517 Grade B require preheating before welding?
Yes, preheating is recommended before welding A517 Grade B. The usual preheating temperature is 100-150°C, which can reduce the cooling rate and avoid cold cracks in the weld.
What testing methods are used to inspect A517 Grade B?
Common testing methods include tensile testing, yield strength testing, impact testing, hardness testing, ultrasonic testing (UT) and visual inspection to ensure it meets relevant standard requirements.
Can A517 Grade B be used in pressure vessel manufacturing?
Yes, it is a preferred material for pressure vessel manufacturing. Its high strength, good toughness and excellent weldability make it suitable for vessels carrying high-pressure fluids or gases.
What is the elongation requirement of A517 Grade B?
A517 Grade B requires a minimum elongation of 18% in the tensile test. This parameter indicates its good ductility, allowing the steel to undergo a certain degree of plastic deformation without breaking.
Can A517 Grade B be machined easily?
It can be machined with proper tools and parameters. Due to its high strength, compared with ordinary carbon steel, it may require higher cutting forces and wear-resistant machining tools.
What is the purpose of post-weld heat treatment for A517 Grade B?
Post-weld heat treatment can relieve residual stresses in the weld zone, improve weld toughness, reduce the risk of weld cracking, and ensure the overall performance of the welded component.
What standard does A517 Grade B comply with?
A517 Grade B complies with the ASTM A517 standard, which specifies technical requirements for high-strength carbon and alloy steel plates used in pressure vessels and structural applications.