What difference between A302 Grade C and A302 Grade D?

Jan 21, 2026 Leave a message

ASTM A302 Grades C and D are manganese-molybdenum (Mn-Mo) alloy steels for boilers and pressure vessels, differing mainly in their nickel content and heat treatment requirements, with Grade D typically having higher nickel for improved properties, both offering excellent strength for high-temperature applications, though Grade C (Mn-Mo-Ni) is often specifically alloyed with nickel for better notch toughness. Both grades aim for similar strength levels (tensile 550-690 MPa, yield >345 MPa) but have distinct chemical compositions and application specifications, especially concerning nickel and heat treatment.

 

Chemical Composition of ASTM A302 Grade C

 

ASTM A302 Grade C Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

A302 Grade C

0.20-0.25

0.13–0.45

1.07-1.62

0,035

0,035

 

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

 

 

 

 

 

0.37-0.73

0.41–0.64

 

Chemical Composition of ASTM A302 Grade D

 

ASTM A302 Grade D Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

A302 Grade D

0.20-0.25

0.13–0.45

1.07-1.62

0,035

0.035

 

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

 

 

 

 

 

0.67-1.03

0.41–0.64

 

Mechanical Property of ASTM A302 Grade C

 

Grade

 

ASTM A302 Grade C Mechanical Property

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

A302 Grade C

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

6-50

345

550-690

20%

50-200

345

550-690

17%

 

Mechanical Property of ASTM A302 Grade D

 

Grade

 

ASTM A302 Grade D Mechanical Property

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

A302 Grade D

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

6-50

345

550-690

20%

50-200

345

550-690

17%

 

Key Differences & Similarities

Composition: Both are Mn-Mo steels, but Grade C often incorporates Nickel (Mn-Mo-Ni), while Grade D also includes Nickel, generally with higher concentrations for enhanced toughness.

Mechanical Properties: They share similar strength ranges, with tensile strengths of 550-690 MPa and minimum yield strength around 345 MPa.

Applications: Used in critical applications like welded boilers, storage tanks, and heat exchangers in oil and gas projects.

Heat Treatment: Plates over 50mm thick must typically be normalized, and supplementary treatments like PWHT (Post-Weld Heat Treatment) or HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) testing can be applied.

Grade C (Mn-Mo-Ni)

Alloy: Manganese-Molybdenum-Nickel.

Benefit: Nickel enhances toughness, making it suitable for demanding high-temperature environments.

Grade D (Mn-Mo-Ni)

Alloy: Manganese-Molybdenum-Nickel.

Key Feature: Contains a higher nickel content compared to Grade C, improving its mechanical properties and toughness.