ASTM A517 Grade A and E are high-strength, quenched & tempered alloy steel plates for pressure vessels, but Grade E is a specific, tougher composition with controlled elements like Chromium (Cr) and Molybdenum (Mo), offering superior properties for critical applications like nuclear or cryogenic tanks, while Grade A signifies a base, perhaps less alloyed, offering high strength, but Grade E provides higher alloyed performance with excellent toughness. Both meet ASTM A517 specs for fusion-welded boilers, but Grade E adds specific alloying for enhanced performance, especially at low temperatures, requiring careful welding considerations.
A517 grade A Chemical Composition
|
A517 grade A Chemical Composition |
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|
Grade |
The Element Max (%) |
||||
|
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
|
|
A517 grade A |
0.13-0.23 |
0.34-0.86 |
0.74-1.20 |
0.035 |
0.035 |
|
Cr |
Mo |
B |
Zr |
|
|
|
0.46-0.84 |
0.15-0.31 |
0.0025 |
0.04-0.16 |
|
|
A517 grade E Chemical Composition
|
A517 grade E Chemical Composition |
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|
Grade |
The Element Max (%) |
||||
|
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
|
|
A517 grade E |
0.10-0.22 |
0.08-0.45 |
0.35-0.78 |
0.035 |
0.035 |
|
Cr |
Mo |
B |
Ti |
V |
|
|
1.34-2.06 |
0.36-0.64 |
0.001-0.005 |
0.005-0.11 |
|
|
A517 grade A Mechanical Property
|
Grade |
|
A517 grade A Mechanical Property |
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|
Thickness |
Yield |
Tensile |
Elongation |
|
|
A517 grade A |
mm |
Min Mpa |
Mpa |
Min % |
|
6-65 |
690 |
795-930 |
16% |
|
|
65-150 |
620 |
725-930 |
14% |
|
A517 grade E Mechanical Property
|
Grade |
|
A517 grade E Mechanical Property |
||
|
Thickness |
Yield |
Tensile |
Elongation |
|
|
A517 grade E |
mm |
Min Mpa |
Mpa |
Min % |
|
6-65 |
690 |
795-930 |
16% |
|
|
65-150 |
620 |
725-930 |
14% |
|
ASTM A517 Grade E (High Performance)
Type: High-strength, Quenched & Tempered Alloy Steel.
Key Elements: Contains specific amounts of Chromium (Cr) and Molybdenum (Mo) for enhanced properties.
Properties: High strength, excellent toughness, good plasticity, suitable for very low temperatures (cryogenic).
Applications: Unfired pressure vessels, nuclear facilities, cryogenic storage.
ASTM A517 Grade A (Base High Strength)
Type: High-strength, Quenched & Tempered Alloy Steel.
Properties: High tensile strength (e.g., 100 ksi yield strength for thicker plates), good for general pressure vessels.
Key Difference: While also high strength, Grade E is specifically alloyed for superior performance, particularly in demanding service conditions.
Key Similarities & Differences
Shared Standard: Both fall under ASTM A517 for pressure vessels.
Heat Treatment: Both require Quenching & Tempering (Q&T).
Strength: Both offer high strength, with Grade E being a specific, often more complex alloy formulation for tougher environments.




