ASTM A633 is a specification for normalized high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel plates designed for welded, riveted, or bolted construction requiring superior low-temperature notch toughness at -45°C and higher . All grades are supplied in the normalized condition with fine austenitic grain size, ensuring consistent mechanical properties and enhanced toughness compared to as-rolled materials of similar strength levels.
Key Differences:
Strength Level: Grade E provides 43% higher minimum yield strength (60 vs 42 ksi / 415 vs 290 MPa) than Grade A for plates ≤100mm .
Thickness Capability: Grade E is the only grade certified to 6 in. [150 mm] maximum thickness; Grade A and others are limited to 4 in. [100 mm] .
Chemical Composition: Grade E requires higher manganese (1.15-1.50% vs 1.00-0.35% range) and mandatory vanadium microalloying (0.04-0.11%) , while Grade A permits only optional vanadium ≤0.05% .
Alloy Design: Grade E employs V-N microalloying system with minimum 4:1 V:N ratio or aluminum minimum 0.018% to achieve strength-toughness balance; Grade A uses simpler composition .
Applications: Grade A serves general structural, moderate-strength components in petroleum, chemical, boiler industries . Grade E is specified for demanding applications: offshore platforms, utility pole base plates, construction equipment frames, electric shovel dipper handles, and suspension components requiring maximum strength and low-temperature toughness.
Chemical composition of the Product analysis of grade A633 Grade A
C | Si | Mn | P | S | Al(min) | N |
0.18 | 0.15-0.50 | 1.00-1.35 | 0.035 | 0.04 |
|
|
Cr | Cu | Mo | Nb | Ni | Ti | V |
|
|
| 0.05 |
|
|
|
Chemical composition of the Product analysis of grade A633 Grade E
C | Si | Mn | P | S | Al(min) | N |
0.22 | 0.15-0.50 | 1.15-1.50 | 0.035 | 0.04 |
| 0.01-0.03 |
Cr | Cu | Mo | Nb | Ni | Ti | V |
|
|
|
|
|
| 0.04-0.11 |
Mechanical properties of grade A633 Grade A
Temperature | -35 | -20 | 0 | 25 |
Notch impact test. Min. absorbed energy J | 41 | 54 | 61 | 68 |
Nominal thickness (mm) | to 65 | 65 - 100 | 100 - 150 |
ReH - Minimum yield strength (MPa) | 290 | 290 |
|
Nominal thickness (mm) | To 65 | 65- 100 | 100-150 |
Rm -Tensile strength (MPa) | 430-570 | 430-570 |
|
Gauge Length (mm) | 200 | 50 |
A - Minimum elongation Lo = 5,65 √ So (%) Longitudinal |
18 |
23 |
Mechanical properties of grade A633 Grade E
Temperature | -35 | -20 | 0 | 25 |
Notch impact test. Min. absorbed energy J | 41 | 54 | 61 | 68 |
Nominal thickness (mm) | to 65 | 65 - 100 | 100 - 150 |
ReH - Minimum yield strength (MPa) | 415 | 415 | 380 |
Nominal thickness (mm) | To 65 | 65- 100 | 100-150 |
Rm -Tensile strength (MPa) | 550-690 | 550-690 | 515-655 |
Gauge Length (mm) | 200 | 50 |
A - Minimum elongation Lo = 5,65 √ So (%) Longitudinal |
18 |
23 |
