What Is A517 Grade E
A517 Grade E is a high-strength alloy steel plate specified in ASTM A517, supplied in the quenched and tempered condition and intended primarily for welded pressure vessels and other pressure equipment. The grade combines very high strength with good toughness and weldability, making it suitable for demanding structural and pressure-bearing applications.
Yield Strength Range
For thicknesses up to 65 mm, the minimum yield strength is 690 MPa, equivalent to 100 ksi. For thicknesses over 65 mm up to 150 mm, the minimum yield strength is 620 MPa, equivalent to 90 ksi. The corresponding tensile strength is 795 to 930 MPa for the thinner range and 725 to 930 MPa for the thicker range.
Chemical Composition
Heat analysis limits for Grade E are carbon 0.12 to 0.20 percent, manganese 0.40 to 0.70 percent, phosphorus 0.025 percent maximum, sulfur 0.025 percent maximum, silicon 0.20 to 0.35 percent, nickel 1.50 to 2.00 percent, chromium 1.40 to 2.00 percent, and molybdenum 0.40 to 0.60 percent. The nickel-chromium-molybdenum combination provides deep hardenability for heavy sections.
Mechanical Properties
The minimum elongation in 50 mm is 16 percent for thicknesses up to 65 mm and 14 percent for 65 to 150 mm. Reduction of area is 35 percent minimum on rectangular specimens and 45 percent on round specimens. Impact toughness is typically 27 J or more at minus 20 degrees C, ensuring resistance to brittle fracture in cold environments.
Applications
A517 Grade E is used in heavy machinery such as mining equipment and large cranes, pressure vessels and storage tanks in the energy sector, bridges and building frames, offshore platforms and subsea equipment, heavy trucks and rail components, and general industrial fabrication requiring high strength with reduced weight.
Fabrication Notes
Welding requires qualified low-hydrogen procedures with preheating and controlled heat input, and post-weld heat treatment must be evaluated to preserve base metal properties. The plate is machinable by turning, milling, drilling, and cutting with appropriate tooling, and hardness is typically limited to about 235 HB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the yield strength of A517 Grade E?
A: 690 MPa minimum up to 65 mm and 620 MPa for 65 to 150 mm.
Q: What is the tensile strength of A517 Grade E?
A: 795 to 930 MPa up to 65 mm and 725 to 930 MPa above.
Q: How is A517 Grade E delivered?
A: In the quenched and tempered condition.
Q: Can A517 Grade E be used at low temperatures?
A: Yes, with typical impact energy of 27 J at minus 20 degrees C.
Q: What is the difference between A517 Grade E and A516 Grade 70?
A: A517 Grade E is a high-strength alloy steel; A516 Grade 70 is a carbon steel for general pressure vessels.
Q: What applications use A517 Grade E?
A: Mining machinery, pressure vessels, bridges, offshore structures, and heavy vehicles.
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