
SA 285 Gr.C is a low- to intermediate-strength carbon steel plate listed in ASME Section II (under SA-285), used primarily for welded pressure vessels operating at low or moderate pressures and temperatures. It corresponds to ASTM A285 Grade C, with "SA" indicating ASME approval for boiler and pressure vessel service.
Chemical Composition and Pricing Relevance
|
Element |
Composition (%) |
|---|---|
|
Carbon (C) |
0.24 max |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.90 max |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
0.035 max |
|
Sulfur (S) |
0.035 max |
Mechanical Properties of ASME SA285 Gr C
|
Property |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Tensile Strength |
55-75 ksi (380-515 MPa) |
|
Yield Strength |
30 ksi (205 MPa) min |
|
Elongation (in 50mm) |
27% min |
applications
Pressure Vessels & Boilers:
With its balanced strength and reliable pressure-bearing performance, SA‑285 Gr.C is widely used in the fabrication of welded pressure vessels and low-to-moderate pressure boilers. It is commonly specified for components such as steam generators, process tanks, pressure vessels, and reactor shells where cost-effectiveness and good weldability are important considerations.
Storage Tanks:
The material is frequently employed for constructing storage tanks handling a variety of liquids and gases under moderate pressure or atmospheric conditions. Typical applications include tanks for oil products, chemicals, water, and other non-corrosive or mildly corrosive media in refineries, chemical plants, and industrial facilities.
Heat Exchangers:
Thanks to its good thermal conductivity and formability, SA‑285 Gr.C is suitable for use in certain types of heat exchangers, particularly those operating at moderate temperatures and pressures. It can be formed into shells, tubesheets, and other pressure-containing parts in shell-and-tube and other heat exchanger designs.
Process Equipment:
In the chemical, petrochemical, and allied industries, SA‑285 Gr.C is used for fabricating a range of process equipment. This includes piping systems, valves, fittings, and various pressure-containing components that are part of process lines handling non-severe service conditions.
Power Generation:
Within power plants, especially those with lower pressure and temperature requirements, SA‑285 Gr.C finds application in boiler components, such as certain sections of boiler drums, headers, and associated pressure parts. It is also used in auxiliary equipment and systems where moderate strength and good weldability are sufficient.
General Industrial:
Beyond pressure equipment, SA‑285 Gr.C is utilized in various general industrial applications. These include shipbuilding (for certain structural and pressure parts), water treatment plants, and a variety of structural and heavy fabrication projects where a cost-effective, weldable carbon steel plate is appropriate.
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.
What is SA 285 Gr.C?
SA 285 Gr.C is a low- to intermediate-strength carbon steel plate approved by ASME for use in welded pressure vessels. It corresponds to ASTM A285 Grade C and is widely used in low- and moderate-pressure applications.
What are the key characteristics of SA 285 Gr.C?
It offers good weldability, formability, and machinability, with moderate strength and cost-effectiveness. It is designed for reliable performance under non-severe operating conditions.
What temperature and pressure conditions is SA 285 Gr.C suitable for?
It is typically used in low- to moderate-pressure and temperature service. It is not recommended for high-temperature, high-pressure, or highly corrosive environments.
What are the common applications of SA 285 Gr.C?
It is commonly used for pressure vessel shells, storage tanks, heat exchanger shells, boiler components, process equipment, and general structural fabrications.
How is the weldability of SA 285 Gr.C?
SA 285 Gr.C has excellent weldability and can be joined using all standard welding processes. Preheating or post-weld heat treatment may be required for thicker sections or highly restrained joints.
How does SA 285 Gr.C differ from the SA 387 series?
SA 285 Gr.C is a plain carbon steel for moderate service conditions. The SA 387 series consists of chromium-molybdenum alloy steels designed for high-temperature and hydrogen-resistant applications.
Does SA 285 Gr.C require heat treatment?
In most cases, no special heat treatment is needed. However, stress relief heat treatment may be applied based on thickness, welding conditions, or design requirements.
In what condition is SA 285 Gr.C usually supplied?
It is commonly supplied in the as-rolled or normalized condition, depending on the manufacturer and customer specifications.
What is the corrosion resistance of SA 285 Gr.C?
It has moderate corrosion resistance and is suitable for non-corrosive or mildly corrosive media. Additional protection or higher alloy content is needed in aggressive environments.
Is SA 285 Gr.C the same as A285 Gr.C?
Their chemical composition and mechanical properties are essentially identical. The "SA" designation indicates that the material is approved by ASME for use in boilers and pressure vessels.

