Which Steel Plate Should You Choose for Your Project?
Steel buyers and engineers often face a critical decision: which steel grade best fits their application-structural, pressure vessel, or general fabrication? This guide provides a clear, at-a-glance comparison of the most common carbon steel plates-ASTM A36, A283, A572 Grade 50, and A516 Grade 70-especially when comparing A36 vs A572 or A516 vs A36 for specific project requirements.
Key Grade Comparisons
1)ASTM A516 vs A36 - Which One Should You Use?
| Feature | A516 Gr.70 | A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Designed For | Pressure vessels, boilers, tanks | General structures, frames |
| Strength | Higher tensile and impact toughness | Standard structural strength |
| Heat / Pressure Suitability | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not designed for pressure |
Key Rule: A516 cannot be replaced with A36 in boilers, pressure vessels, or tank fabrication due to regulatory and safety requirements.
Use Case Judgment:
Storage tanks or steam/heat environment → A516 Gr.70
Building frames, support structures → A36
2) ASTM A569 vs A36 - Real Difference
A569 = Hot-rolled carbon sheet (low carbon, flexible forming)
A36 = Structural plate (higher structural strength)
They are not interchangeable in mechanical strength.
When substitution may be acceptable:
Light-gauge forming work where strength is not the main requirement.
When you must use A36:
Any load-bearing or welded structural component.
3) ASTM A283 Grade C vs A36 - Can It Replace A36?
A283 Gr.C has lower yield strength than A36.
It may be used as a cost-driven alternative in non-critical structures without heavy welding or load stress.
Safety Note:
For structural beams, load frames, or safety-critical engineering, A36 remains the safer choice.
4) A36 vs A572 Grade 50 - Strength and Weight Savings
A572 Gr.50 yield strength ≈ 345 MPa
A36 yield strength ≈ 250 MPa
This difference means weight reduction of approx. 10–20% for the same load capacity.
Recommended:
For bridges, cranes, tower structures, long-span beams → Choose A572 Gr.50.
Mechanical Properties Comparison
Use this table for a quick side-by-side comparison of key grades. Values are typical minimums or ranges.
| Steel Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36 | ≥ 250 | 400–550 | ≥ 20 | General structural fabrication |
| ASTM A283 Gr. C | ≥ 205 | 380–510 | ≥ 22 | Low-carbon steel for non-critical structure |
| ASTM A516 Gr. 60 | ≥ 260 | 415–585 | ≥ 21 | Pressure vessels, tanks |
| ASTM A516 Gr. 70 | ≥ 260 | 485–620 | ≥ 21 | Pressure vessels, heat exchangers |
| ASTM A572 Gr. 50 | ≥ 345 | 450–620 | ≥ 18 | Bridges, cranes, construction |
| ASTM A572 Gr. 65 | ≥ 450 | 550–710 | ≥ 17 | Columns, industrial buildings |
Global Standard Equivalents
Important: The table below provides approximate equivalents for cross-reference. Always consult project specifications and contact our technical team for final material substitution approval.
| ASTM Standard | Grade | Approx. EN Equivalent | EN Standard Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36 | – | S235JR | EN 10025-2 (Structural Steel) | Closest equivalent in mechanical strength |
| ASTM A283 | Grade C | S235JR or S275JR | EN 10025-2 | Depends on thickness and application context |
| ASTM A516 | Grade 60 | P265GH / P295GH | EN 10028-2 (Pressure Vessel) | Used in boilers and pressure vessels |
| Grade 70 | P355GH / 16Mo3 | EN 10028-2 | Often used for higher pressure/temperature | |
| ASTM A572 | Grade 50 | S355JR / S355NL | EN 10025-2 / -3 | High strength structural equivalent |
| Grade 65 | S460NL | EN 10025-3 | Heavy-duty structural applications |
Grade-Specific Details
ASTM A516 Steel Plate (Grades 55–70)
Key Properties: Pressure vessel quality (PVQ) carbon steel. Notch toughness is a key property.
Chemical Composition (Max % – Grade 70): C ≤ 0.30, Mn 0.79–1.30, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.035
Typical Applications: Boilers, pressure vessels, storage tanks for fuels and chemicals.
Equivalent Grades: Gr.70 ≈ EN P355GH, JIS SB410.
ASTM A572 Steel Plate (Grades 42–65)
Key Properties: High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steel. Offers higher strength-to-weight ratio than A36.
Chemical Composition (Max % – Grade 50): C ≤ 0.23, Mn ≤ 1.35, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.040
Typical Applications: Bridges, crane booms, transmission towers, high-rise buildings.
Equivalent Grades: Gr.50 ≈ EN S355JR, Gr.65 ≈ EN S460NL.
ASTM A283 Steel Plate (Grades A–D)
Key Properties: Low-carbon steel plate with good formability, used for lower-strength applications.
Chemical Composition (Max % – Grade C): C ≤ 0.24, Mn ≤ 0.90, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.040
Typical Applications: General machinery parts, tanks, non-critical structural parts.
Equivalent Grades: Similar to EN S235JR, JIS SS330.
ASTM A36 Steel Plate
Key Properties: Excellent weldability and machinability. The most common general-purpose structural steel.
Chemical Composition (Max %): C ≤ 0.26, Mn 0.60–0.90, P ≤ 0.04, S ≤ 0.05
Typical Applications: Building frames, bridges, equipment bases, general fabrication.
Equivalent Grades: EN S235JR, JIS SS400, GB Q235B
How to Choose the Right Steel Plate Grade?
When selecting a grade, consider:
Required Strength & Application: Structural (A36, A572) vs. Pressure Vessel (A516).
Weldability & Fabrication Needs: A36 is easiest; A516 requires specific procedures.
Regulatory Compliance: Must meet project specs (ASTM, EN, etc.).
Operating Environment: Temperature, stress, and exposure conditions.
Simple Guidance:
For boilers, tanks, and pressurized systems: Specify A516 Gr. 60/70.572 or S355. On the other hand, pressure vessel manufacturers typically select A516 or A387 alloy steel plates.
For general construction & frames: Start with A36.
For higher strength without alloy prices: Choose A572 Gr. 50/55.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between common grades like ASTM A36, ASTM A283, ASTM A572 Grade 50, and ASTM A516 Grade 70-and knowing when to choose between A36 vs A572 or A516 vs A36-is key to optimizing your project's cost, performance, and compliance.
If you want to learn more about GNEE's products, you can send an email to alloy@gneesteelgroup.com. We are more than happy to assist you.
FAQ
Q: What Is The EN Equivalent Of A36 Steel?
A: The closest EN equivalent to ASTM A36 is S235JR under EN 10025-2. Both offer similar yield strength (~250 MPa) and are commonly used in general structural applications. Sometimes engineers also ask about A36 steel equivalent in JIS or GB standards, which are SS400 and Q235B respectively.
Q: Is A572 Grade 50 The Same As S355JR?
A: ASTM A572 Gr.50 is often considered equivalent to S355JR in EN standards, with comparable yield strength (~345 MPa). However, detailed mechanical and chemical requirements may differ slightly. Always confirm with project specifications.
Q: Can I Use P355GH Instead Of A516 Gr.70?
A: Yes, P355GH (EN 10028-2) is widely accepted as the EN equivalent of A516 Grade 70, especially for pressure vessel applications. Both have similar tensile strength and notch toughness.
Q: What Is The Difference Between A516 Gr.70 And A572 Gr.50?
A: A516 Gr.70 is a pressure vessel steel, while A572 Gr.50 is a high-strength structural steel. They are not interchangeable. Use A516 for boilers and tanks; use A572 for bridges, frames, or cranes.
Q: Is A283 Gr. C Similar To A36?
A: Yes, A283 Grade C and A36 are both mild carbon steels used for general structural purposes. A36 has slightly higher strength and is more commonly used in modern construction projects.
Q: What Is The Equivalent Of A572 Grade 65 In EN Standard?
A: ASTM A572 Gr.65 roughly corresponds to S460NL in EN 10025-3, which offers similar high yield strength for demanding structural use like towers and bridges.
Q: Can A283 Gr.C Replace A36 In Construction?
A: In some non-critical applications, A283 Gr.C may be used as a low-cost alternative to A36. However, its lower strength may not meet modern structural requirements. Always check engineering standards.
Q: Is ASTM A569 The Same As A36?
A: No. A569 vs A36 is a common query. A569 is a hot-rolled carbon steel sheet, while A36 is a structural steel plate. They differ in mechanical properties and intended applications.
Q: What Is The Difference Between S355JR And S355NL?
A: Both belong to the EN 10025 series, but S355NL is a normalized steel with better low-temperature toughness than S355JR. For cold climate or critical applications, S355NL is preferred.
| Other steel plate | ||||
| Name | Material | Specification (mm) | Tons | Remark |
| Clad steel plate | P265GH+410,S355JR+410,A516Gr70+316, A537CL1+304L,Q235B+304L,Q345B+304, A516Gr70(NACE)+410,A537CL1+904L, A537CL1+316L,A516Gr70+304L,A537CL1+304 ,A516Gr70+410,A516Gr70+904L |
2-300mm(Based plate),1-50mm(Composited plate) | / | UT, AR, TMCP.Normalized, Quenched and Tempered,Z Direction Test, Charpy V-Notch impact TestThe Third Party Test , Coated or Shot Blasting and Painting. |
| Low Alloy | Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, Q345D, Q345E, Q390, Q420, Q460C, ST52-3, S355J2+N, SS400, SA302GrC, S275NL, 35CrMo | 6 - 350 | 5788.56 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| Pressure Vessel Plate | Q245R, Q345R, Q370R, 16MnDR, 09MnNiDR, 15CrMoR, 14Cr1MoR, 12Cr2Mo1R, SA516Gr60, SA516Gr70, SA516Gr485, SA285, SA387Gr11, SA387Gr12, SA387Gr22, P265,P295,P355GH,Q245R(R-HIC),Q345R(R-HIC) | 3 - 300 | 8650 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| High-Strength Plate | WH785D/E,Q960D/E, Q890D/E,WH60D/E,WH70B,Q550D,Q590D,Q690D/E | 8 - 120 | 3086.352 | Quenched and tempered |
| Wear-Resistant Plate | NM360, NM400, NM450, NM500 | 6 - 150 | 3866.297 | Quenched and tempered |
| Bridge Plate | Q235qC, Q345qC, Q370qC, Q420qC, Q345qDNH, Q370qDNH, A709 - 50F - 2, A709 - 50T - 2 | 8 - 200 | 2853.621 | Hot rolling, normalized ,hot rolling controlled rolling, quenched and tempered + toughness and brittleness |
