ASTM A537 CL1, CL2 Steel Plate Heat-treated With Higher Strength than A516

Aug 25, 2025 Leave a message

ASTM-A537-A537M-Standard-Specification.pdf

ASTM A537 CL1, CL2 Steel Plate Heat-treated With Higher Strength than A516

 

ASTM A537 Class 1 (CL1) and Class 2 (CL2) steel plates are heat-treated, higher-strength versions of carbon steel plates used for pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks.

 

Their specific heat treatments-normalizing for Class 1 and quenching and tempering for Class 2-give them greater yield and tensile strength than the more standard ASTM A516 grades.

 

Comparison of A537 CL1, CL2, and A516

Feature

ASTM A537 Class 1 ASTM A537 Class 2 ASTM A516 Grade 70
Heat Treatment Normalized Quenched and Tempered Often supplied in the "as-rolled" condition, but can be normalized.
Yield Strength (min) 50 ksi (345 MPa) for plates 2.5 in. thick 60 ksi (415 MPa) for plates 2.5 in. thick 38 ksi (260 MPa)
Tensile Strength 70–90 ksi (485–620 MPa) 80–100 ksi (550–690 MPa) 70–90 ksi (485–620 MPa)
Mechanical Properties Higher strength and toughness than A516 due to normalizing. The highest strength and hardness of these three grades. The quenching and tempering process produces enhanced strength and notch toughness. Standard strength and toughness for moderate to low-temperature service.
Applications Pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Pressure vessels and boilers for low-temperature service where enhanced toughness and higher strength are required. General pressure vessel and boiler applications for moderate and lower temperature service.
Maximum Thickness 4 inches (100 mm) 6 inches (150 mm) Varies by grade, but generally lower than A537 grades for the same properties.

 

 

 

Applied Alloys International

Key features of A537 steel plates

Manufacturing: A537 plates are manufactured from carbon-manganese-silicon steel. They are produced as "killed steel" to ensure a fine-grain austenitic structure for superior mechanical properties.

Heat Treatment: The specific heat treatment process is the primary difference between the classes.

Class 1: Normalized. This involves heating the steel to a high temperature and cooling it in air to refine its grain structure and improve its strength and toughness.

Class 2: Quenched and Tempered. This two-step process involves rapidly cooling the steel from a high temperature (quenching), then reheating it to a lower temperature (tempering). This creates a material with maximum hardness, strength, and toughness.

Performance: The controlled heat treatments give A537 plates a distinct performance advantage over A516. A537 offers greater resistance to stress and higher toughness, particularly in low-temperature environments where A516 may be prone to brittle fracture.

 

ASTM A537 steel plate is a specification for pressure vessel plates that are heat-treated to improve their mechanical properties. This type of steel is commonly used in the fabrication of pressure vessels and industrial tanks, especially in environments where high strength and improved toughness are required.

 

Based on different strength and heat treatment, it ranges to ASTM A537 Class 1, 2 and 3.

The maximum thickness under ASTM A537 Class 1 is 100 mm [4 inch], and 150 mm [6 inch] for Class 2 and Class 3.

 

ASTM A537 CL1, CL2 Steel Plate Heat-treated Key Properties:

  • Chemical Composition: ASTM A537 typically contains carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur, with a focus on specific ranges to achieve desired mechanical properties.
  • Mechanical Properties:

Yield Strength: Minimum yield strength of 265 MPa (38,000 psi) for class 1 plates; the yield strength increases for higher classes.

Tensile Strength: Ranges from 450 MPa (65,000 psi) to 620 MPa (90,000 psi) based on the class of the plate.

Elongation: Minimum elongation is around 21% in 200 mm, indicating good ductility.

 

Our Supply Carbon Steel ASTM A537 Class 1, 2, 3 Range:

Description: Carbon Steel ASTM A537 Class 1, 2, 3
Manufacturing Types: Hot Rolled
Thickness: 2mm to 150 mm
Width: 0.6m to 3m
Length: 6m, 12m, customized
Surface: Natural, Painted
Packing: Standard sea packing, bundled with streel strip.

 

Applications:

ASTM A537 steel plates are commonly used in:

Construction of pressure vessels for the oil and gas industry.

Manufacturing of industrial storage tanks and equipment.

Structural applications where high strength and toughness are required, particularly in severe environments.

Overall, ASTM A537 steel plates offer a combination of high strength and excellent toughness, making them suitable for demanding applications in various industrial sectors.

 

Referenced Documents

ASTM Standards:

A20/A20M: Specification for General Requirements for Pressure Vessel Plates

A435/A435: For Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Plate

A577/A577M: For Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Examination of Steel Plates

A578/A578M: For Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applications

Manufacturing Notes:

Steel Plate under ASTM A537 Class 1, 2 and 3 shall be killed steel and comply with fine austenitic grain size requirement of Specification A20/A20M.

Heat Treatment Methods

All plates under ASTM A537 shall be heat treated as follows:

ASTM A537 Class 1 plates shall be normalized.

Class 2 and Class 3 plates shall be quenched and tempered. The tempering temperature for Class 2 plates shall not be less than 1100°F [595°C] and not less than 1150°F [620°C] for Class 3 plates.

 

Chemical Requirements of ASTM A537 Class 1, 2 and 3

The steel shall conform to the chemical requirements shown in Table 1 unless otherwise modified in accordance with Supplementary Requirement S17, Vacuum Carbon-Deoxidized STeel, in Specification A20/A20M.

Table 1:

Element

Heat Analysis

Product Analysis

Carbon, max A

0.24

Manganese (Tk≤40 mm or 1-1/2 in)

0.70-1.35

0.64-1.46

Manganese B

1.00-1.60

0.92-1.72

Phosphorus, max A

0.025

Sulfur, max A

0.025

Silicon

0.15-0.50

0.13-0.55

Copper, max

0.35

0.38

Nickel, max

0.25

0.28

Chromium, max

0.25

0.29

Molybdenum, max

0.08

0.09

A: Applies to both heat and product analysis.
B: Manganese may exceed 1.35% on heat analysis, up to a maximum of 1.60%, and nickel may exceed 0.25% on heat analysis, up to a maximum of 0.50%, provided the heat analysis carbon equivalent dose not exceed 0.57^ when based upon the following equation:

CE = C + Mn/5 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

When this option is exercised, the manganese and nickel contents on product analysis shall not exceed the heat analysis content by more than 0.12% and 0.03%, respectively.

 

Mechanical Requirements for A537 CL1, CL2, CL3

Tensile strength and yield strenght: The material as represented by the tension-test specimens shall conform to the requirements shown in Table 2.

For Class 2 and Class 3 plates with a nominal thickness of 3/4 in. [20 mm] and under, the 1 1/2-in. [40 mm] wide rectangular specimen may be used for the tension test, and the elongation may be determined in a 2-in. [50 mm] gage length that includes the fracture and that shows the greatest elongation.

Mechanical Properties

inch and [mm]

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

ksi [MPa]

ksi [MPa]

ksi [MPa]

Tensile Strength

 

 

 

2-1/2 in. and under

70-90

80-100

80-100

[65 mm and under]

[485-620]

[550-690]

[550-690]

Over 2-1/2 to 4 in

65-85

75-95

75-95

[Over 65 to 100mm]

[450-585]

[515-655]

[515-655]

Over 4 to 6 in

A

70-90

70-90

[Over 100 to 150 mm]

A

[485-620]

[485-620]

Yield strength, min:

 

 

 

2-1/2 in. and under

50

60

55

[65 mm and under]

[345]

[415]

[380]

Over 2-1/2 to 4 in

45

55

50

[Over 65 to 100 mm]

[310]

[380]

[345]

Over 4 in to 6 in

A

46

40

[Over 100 to 150 mm]

A

[315]

[275]

Elongation in 2 in

     

[50 mm], min, %B

22

22

22

4 in, [100 mm] and under

A

20

20

Over 4 in [100 mm]

     

Elongation in 8 in

     

[200 mm], min, %B

18

C

C

A: Product is not availabe in this size range.
B: See specification A20/A20M for elongation adjustments.
C: There is no requirement for elgonation in 8 in.

 

What is A537 Cl 1 material?

Applications of ASTM A537 Class 1 Carbon Steel Plate
The material is a normalised steel which is heat treated and as a consequence displays greater yield and tensile strength than the more standard ASTM A516 grades.

 

What is the difference between ASTM A516 and A537?

A537 has similar machinability and ductility to ASTM A516, but its strength and hardness are significantly increased by heat treatment. Like A516, A537 can be normalized, but it also can also be quenched and tempered, another type of heat treatment.

A516 grades are widely used, with tensile strengths ranging from 379 MPa to 586 MPa. They are cost-effective and easy to fabricate. A537 grades provide higher strength and notch toughness and can be normalized or quenched and tempered for enhanced performance.

 

What is ASTM A537 specification?

The ASTM A537 specification is the Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Heat-Treated, Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel used in the applications of fusion welded pressure vessels and structures.

 

What is the material equivalent of ASTM A537?

Class 1 A537 Steel Plate Equivalent Standard :

Steel Grade JIS Germany
ASTM/ASME G3115 DIN17155
A537 / SA537 SPV36 19Mn5

 

What is the yield strength of ASTM A537 Class 1?

Yield Strength: Minimum yield strength of 265 MPa (38,000 psi) for class 1 plates; the yield strength increases for higher classes. Tensile Strength: Ranges from 450 MPa (65,000 psi) to 620 MPa (90,000 psi) based on the class of the plate.

 

What is the price of ASTM A537 Class 1?

ASTM A537 Class 1 Steel Plates A537 CL 1 Plates at ₹ 88/kg ...

ASTM A537 Class 1 Steel Plates A537 CL 1 Plates at ₹ 88/kg | Girgaum | Mumbai |

 

What is the price of ASTM A537 Class 2?

ASTM A537 Class 2 Steel Plates at ₹ 200/kilogram | Pressure Vessel Plates in Mumbai |