
SA514 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate known for excellent toughness, weldability, and impact resistance, especially at low temperatures, used in heavy equipment, construction, and mobile platforms. It offers a minimum yield strength of 100 ksi (up to 2.5" thick) and 90 ksi (over 2.5" to 6" thick), featuring specific alloy additions like Chromium and Molybdenum for enhanced performance in demanding structural applications.
Key Characteristics
High Strength: Provides high yield and tensile strength for lightweight yet strong components.
Toughness: Excellent impact toughness, even in cold environments, making it ideal for low-temperature service.
Weldability: Designed for structural use, it's weldable with proper preheat and restricted heat input.
Chemical Composition: Contains Chromium (1.40-2.00%) and Molybdenum (0.40-0.60%), along with controlled Carbon, Manganese, Silicon, Titanium, and Boron.

What Is The Yield Strength Of SA514 Grade E?
The yield strength of SA514 Grade E depends on the thickness of the material being used, which is a key characteristic of this high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel.
Here are the detailed specifications per the ASTM A514 / A514M standard:
SA514 Grade E Yield Strength (Minimum)
| Product Thickness (t) | Minimum Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) |
|---|---|
| Plates up to 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) incl. | 100 ksi (690 MPa) |
| Plates over 1.25 in to 2.5 in (31.75 to 63.5 mm) incl. | 90 ksi (620 MPa) |
Important Notes & Context:
1.Thickness is Critical: As you can see, the yield strength decreases for thicker sections. This is because thicker material cools more slowly during the quenching process, resulting in a slightly less hardened microstructure. Always specify the thickness when requesting or using this grade.
2.Tensile Strength: For completeness, the tensile strength range for SA514 Grade E is:
Up to 1.25 in: 110-130 ksi (760-895 MPa)
Over 1.25 in to 2.5 in: 100-130 ksi (690-895 MPa)
3.Typical Applications: SA514 Grade E is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in demanding structural applications such as:
Heavy construction equipment (cranes, booms, frames)
Mining equipment
Bridges (especially where weight reduction is critical)
High-rise building construction
Other structural components requiring extreme strength and toughness.
4.Weldability: While it is weldable, it requires strict adherence to proper pre-heating, post-weld heating, and specific welding procedures (often using low-hydrogen electrodes) due to its high hardenability and carbon equivalent (CE). Incorrect welding can lead to cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
5.Alternative Designation: This grade is often referred to commercially as "T1" steel, a trademarked name from its original developer. However, "T1" is sometimes used generically, so specifying the exact ASTM A514 Grade E is crucial for procurement.
Summary:
For most common applications (plate thickness ≤ 1.25 inches), the minimum yield strength of SA514 Grade E is 100 ksi (690 MPa). Always confirm the required thickness and consult the latest edition of the ASTM A514 standard or your material supplier for critical applications.
ASME SA514 Gr.E/SA514 Grade E Alloy Steel Plates Chemical Composition
| Grade | C | Mn | P | S | SI | Ni | Cr | Mo | V | Ti | Zr | Cu | B |
| SA514 Gr.E | 0.12-0.20 | 0.40-0.70 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.04 | 0.20-0.35 | ~ | 1.40-2.00 | 0.40-0.60 | ~ | 0.04-0.10 | ~ | 0.20-0.40 | 0.0015-0.005 |
ASME SA514 Gr.E/SA514 Grade E Alloy Steel Plates Mechanical Property
| Grade | Thickness Inch | Yield Strength | Tensile Strength | Elongation in 50mm | Hardnees Brinell |
| SA514 Gr.E | less 3/4 inch | 690 Mpa | 760-895 Mpa | 18% | 235 |
| over 3/4 to 2 1/2 | 690 Mpa | 760-895 Mpa | 18% | ~ | |
| over 2 1/2 to 6 inch | 620 Mpa | 690-895 | 16% |
~ |
1. What Is SA514 Grade E Steel?
SA514 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate within the ASTM A514/SA514 specification, designed for applications requiring a balance of high yield strength and excellent toughness.
2. What Is The Yield Strength Of SA514 Grade E?
The minimum yield strength of SA514 Grade E is 100 ksi (690 MPa) for thicknesses up to 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). For thicker plates, the minimum yield strength decreases.
3. What Is The Difference Between SA514 Grade E And Grade F?
The primary difference is the chemical composition. Grade E typically contains different levels of alloying elements (like Chromium, Molybdenum, and Boron) compared to Grade F, which can affect hardenability, weldability, and specific application suitability, though both have a 100 ksi min yield.
4. Is SA514 Grade E Weldable?
Yes, but with strict procedures. It requires preheating, the use of low-hydrogen electrodes, and controlled heat input to prevent cracking and maintain mechanical properties in the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
5. What Is SA514 Grade E Used For?
It is used in highly stressed structural components for heavy construction and mining equipment, such as crane booms, excavator arms, and frames where extreme strength and toughness are required.
6. What Is The Chemical Composition Of SA514 Grade E?
Its typical composition includes Carbon (~0.15-0.21%), Manganese (~0.80-1.10%), Silicon (~0.40-0.80%), Chromium (~0.50-0.80%), Molybdenum (~0.18-0.28%), Vanadium (~0.03-0.08%), and Boron (0.0005-0.005%).
7. What Is The Hardness Of SA514 Grade E?
The typical Brinell hardness range for SA514 Grade E is 235-293 HBW (approximately 22-30 HRC), similar to other grades like Grade F, as it is also a quenched and tempered steel.
8. How Does SA514 Grade E Compare To T1 Steel?
SA514 Grade E is a type of T1 steel. "T1" is the historic tradename for A514/SA514 quenched and tempered steels. Grade E is one specific chemical composition variant under this standard.
9. Can SA514 Grade E Be Flame Cut?
Yes, it can be flame cut, but it requires a controlled process. Preheating before cutting and slow, controlled cooling (often by using heating torches) are necessary to prevent the formation of hard, crack-sensitive zones along the cut edge.
10. What Is The Equivalent Of SA514 Grade E In Europe?
There is no direct, identical European equivalent. The closest grades in terms of high strength and quenched & tempered condition are S690QL or S690QL1 (EN 10025-6), though their chemical compositions differ.
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.


