What is ASTM A537 Class 3 Heat-Treated Plate?

Oct 11, 2025 Leave a message

ASTM-A537-A537M-Standard-Specification.pdf

What is ASTM A537 Class 3 (A537 Cl.3) Steel Plates?

 

 ASTM A537 Class 3

As your reliable supplier, GNEE offers ASTM A537 Cl 3 steel plates tailored for welded pressure vessels requiring balanced properties between Class 1 and 2.

 

This grade undergoes quenching and tempering-rapid cooling after heating, followed by controlled reheating-to optimize hardness and ductility for services with moderate temperatures and pressures.

 

It's compliant with ASME SA537/SA537M steel plate standards, ideal for sour gas resistance when HIC-tested.

 

At GNEE, we source and process plates for boiler heads, storage spheres, and separators, allowing efficient designs in challenging conditions.

Compared to ASME SA 537 Class 1, it provides enhanced yield for cost savings in intermediate applications.

 

Chemical Composition of ASTM A537 Class 3

 

The composition focuses on controlled carbon for weldability and manganese for strength adjustment by thickness.

In astm a537 class 3 boiler steel chemical composition details, low impurities ensure durability, with silicon for deoxidation.

Optional alloys like nickel improve low-temperature performance if specified.

 

Composition table:

Element

Composition (%)

Carbon (C)

0.24 max

Manganese (Mn)

0.70-1.35 (≤40mm thickness) 1.00-1.60 (>40mm thickness)

Phosphorus (P)

0.035 max

Sulfur (S)

0.035 max

Silicon (Si)

0.15-0.50

Copper (Cu)

0.35 max (if specified)

Nickel (Ni)

0.25 max (if specified)

Chromium (Cr)

0.25 max (if specified)

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.08 max (if specified)

 

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A537 Class 3

 

A537 Class 3 offers solid properties for versatile use, with yield varying by thickness.

Per a537 cl.3 mechanical properties and density guide, it balances strength for moderate vessels.

 

Properties table:

Property

Value

Tensile Strength

75-95 ksi (515-655 MPa) (≤65mm) 70-90 ksi (485-620 MPa) (>65-100mm) 65-85 ksi (450-585 MPa) (>100-150mm)

Yield Strength

55 ksi (380 MPa) min (≤65mm) 50 ksi (345 MPa) min (>65-100mm) 40 ksi (275 MPa) min (>100-150mm)

Elongation (in 50mm)

22% min (≤100mm) 20% min (>100mm)

Reduction in Area

Not specified, typically high

 

Density and Delivery Condition

 

Density aligns with a537 cl.3 mechanical properties and density guide at 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³).

Plates are delivered quenched and tempered, with GNEE providing options like impact testing and PWHT simulation.

 

Available Specifications and Models

 

GNEE manufactures A537 Class 3 in flexible dimensions to suit various project requirements:

  • Thickness: 6mm to 150mm
  • Width: 1500mm to 3500mm
  • Length: 3000mm to 18000mm

Specifications: Compliant with ASTM A537 Class 3 and ASME SA537 Class 3; custom beveling, edge preparation, and ultrasonic testing available upon request.

We also offer value-added models with HIC resistance or Z-direction properties for thick sections, ensuring no issues during fabrication.

 

Pricing Insights for ASTM A537 Class 3

 

As of September 29, 2025, current pricing for astm a537 class 3 pressure vessel plates ranges $800-2,800 per metric ton.

Standard plates (20-50mm) average $900-1,500/ton, with premiums for customized or tested options.

 

In Asia, prices start at $850/ton; Europe/NA at $1,600-2,500.

 

GNEE quotes from $900/ton for bulk, influenced by alloy costs and market demand.

 

Equivalent Materials for ASTM A537 Class 3

 

 ASTM A537 Class 3Equivalents facilitate international projects with similar properties.

From the USA, ASME SA537 Class 3 is direct.

  • In the European Union, EN 10028-3 P420NH offers comparable quenched and tempered fine-grain structure.
  • Germany's DIN 17102 WStE355 provides matching toughness for welded vessels.
  • Japan's JIS G3115 SPV450 is a high-strength boiler equivalent with good weldability.
  • The UK's BS EN 10028-3 P420NH aligns for elevated temperature service.
  • China's GB 713 14Cr1MoR matches in heat-resistant alloying.
  • Korea's KS D 3560 SPV450 offers parallel mechanicals for tanks.
  • France's AFNOR 15CD4-05 provides equivalent composition for pressure equipment.
  • India's IS 2002 Gr.2 is similar for boiler plates.
  • Australia's AS 1548 PT430N shares normalized/Q&T options.

 

Table:

Standard/Country

Grade/Equivalent

Key Features

Applications

ASTM (USA)

Class 3

Q&T, yield 380 MPa

Moderate-pressure vessels

ASME (USA)

Class 3

Identical

Boilers

EN (EU)

P420NH

Similar composition

Elevated temp service

DIN (Germany)

WStE355

High strength and toughness

Structural vessels

JIS (Japan)

SPV450

High-strength

Pressure boilers

GB (China)

14Cr1MoR

Alloyed for heat resistance

Petrochemical reactors

KS (Korea)

SPV450

Good weldability

Industrial tanks

AFNOR (France)

15CD4-05

Comparable mechanicals

Welded pressure equipment

IS (India)

2002 Gr.2

Boiler-grade strength

Storage tanks

AS (Australia)

1548 PT430N

Normalized/Q&T

High-temp vessels

 

 

Applications and Advantages in Boiler Systems

 

A537 Class 3 suits intermediate boilers, chemical tanks, and gas separators.

It resists moderate corrosion, supports efficient welding, and allows balanced designs for cost savings.

In power generation, it handles steam pressures; in refining, mild corrosives.

Advantages include creep resistance, reducing failures in cyclic operations.

 

In summary, ASTM A537 Class 3 (A537 Cl.3) steel plates from GNEE offer balanced strength and toughness for moderate applications, with customizable specs and reliable performance. As your trusted supplier, we provide competitive pricing and global delivery-reach out for quotes on ASTM A537 Cl 3 steel plates to support your next project.

astm a537 class 3 boiler steel chemical composition details, a537 cl.3 mechanical properties and density guide, current pricing for astm a537 class 3 pressure vessel plates

 

Request A Quote

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 ASTM A537 Class 3 Material?

A: ASTM A537 Class 3 is a quenched and tempered carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate for pressure vessels, offering intermediate strength (yield 55 ksi min) between Classes 1 and 2. Heat-treated for balanced toughness, it's ideal for moderate-temperature services, with tensile 75-95 ksi and elongation 22% min. Equivalent to ASME SA537 Class 3, it's used in boilers and tanks, providing HIC resistance for sour environments when tested.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A537 Class 2 And Class 3?

A: A537 Class 2 has higher yield (60 ksi min) for demanding high-pressure services, while Class 3 offers lower yield (55 ksi min) but better formability for moderate applications. Both are quenched/tempered, but Class 3 suits intermediate needs with tensile 75-95 ksi vs Class 2's 80-100 ksi. Class 3 is cost-effective for less extreme conditions, with similar welding but potentially easier fabrication.

Q: What Applications Suit A537 Class 3 Plates?

A: A537 Class 3 is suitable for moderate-pressure boilers, chemical storage tanks, and gas processing vessels. It's used in power plants for steam components, petrochemicals for reactors, and oil/gas for separators. Its toughness fits low to moderate temp services, with HIC testing for corrosives, making it versatile for balanced designs extending lifespan in cyclic loads.

Q: Is A537 Class 3 Equivalent To SA537 Class 3?

A: Yes, A537 Class 3 is equivalent to ASME SA537 Class 3, with identical composition (carbon 0.24% max) and properties (yield 55 ksi min). ASTM A537 is material-focused, SA537 for ASME codes like Section VIII. Equivalents include EN P420NH and JIS SPV450; verify for projects.

Q: What Thickness Ranges Are Available For A537 Class 3 Plates?

A: A537 Class 3 ranges from 6mm to 150mm thick, with properties adjusting: yield 55 ksi (≤65mm), 50 ksi (65-100mm), 40 ksi (100-150mm). GNEE offers widths to 3500mm and lengths to 18000mm, with custom cuts. Thicker plates suit heavy vessels, with Z-testing available.

Q: Does A537 Class 3 Require Impact Testing?

A: Yes, Charpy V-notch testing is common, at -20°C or lower, ensuring 27J min energy for fracture resistance. Essential for low-temp or sour services, GNEE provides tested plates compliant with API 934.

Q: Can A537 Class 3 Be Used In Sour Service?

A: Yes, with HIC/SCC testing per NACE TM0284/TM0177, its low sulfur minimizes cracking. Certified to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, it's suitable for oil scrubbers. GNEE offers variants with enhanced purity for aggressive media.

 

Grades Of Pressure Vessel Plates Supplied By GNEE
ASTM ASTM A202/A202M ASTM A202 Grade A ASTM A202 Grade B    
ASTM A203/A203M ASTM A203 Grade A ASTM A203 Grade B ASTM A203 Grade D ASTM A203 Grade E
ASTM A203 Grade F      
ASTM A204/A204M ASTM A204 Grade A ASTM A204 Grade B ASTM A204 Grade C  
ASTM A285/A285M ASTM A285 Grade A ASTM A285 Grade B ASTM A285 Grade C  
ASTM A299/A299M ASTM A299 Grade A ASTM A299 Grade B    
ASTM A302/A302M ASTM A302 Grade A ASTM A302 Grade B ASTM A302 Grade C ASTM A302 Grade D
ASTM A387/A387M ASTM A387 Grade 5 Class1 ASTM A387 Grade 5 Class2 ASTM A387 Grade 11 Class1 ASTM A387 Grade 11 Class2
ASTM A387 Grade 12 Class1 ASTM A387 Grade 12 Class2 ASTM A387 Grade 22 Class1 ASTM A387 Grade 22 Class2
ASTM A515/A515M ASTM A515 Grade 60 ASTM A515 Grade 65 ASTM A515 Grade 70  
ASTM A516/A516M ASTM A516 Grade 55 ASTM A516 Grade 60 ASTM A516 Grade 65 ASTM A516 Grade 70
ASTM A517/A517M ASTM A517 Grade A ASTM A517 Grade B ASTM A517 Grade E ASTM A517 Grade F
ASTM A517 Grade P ASTM A517 Grade J    
ASTM A533/A533M ASTM A533 Grade A Class1 ASTM A533 Grade B Class1 ASTM A533 Grade C Class1 ASTM A533 Grade D Class1
ASTM A533 Grade A Class2 ASTM A533 Grade B Class2 ASTM A533 Grade C Class2 ASTM A533 Grade D Class2
ASTM A533 Grade A Class3 ASTM A533 Grade B Class3 ASTM A533 Grade C Class3 ASTM A533 Grade D Class3
ASTM A537/A537M ASTM A537 Class1 ASTM A537 Class2 ASTM A537 Class3  
ASTM A612/A612M ASTM A612      
ASTM A662/A662M ASTM A662 Grade A ASTM A662 Grade B ASTM A662 Grade C  
EN EN10028-2 EN10028-2 P235GH EN10028-2 P265GH EN10028-2 P295GH EN10028-2 P355GH
EN10028-2 16MO3      
EN10028-3 EN10028-3 P275N EN10028-3 P275NH EN10028-3 P275NL1 EN10028-3 P275NL2
EN10028-3 P355N EN10028-3 P355NH EN10028-3 P355NL1 EN10028-3 P355NL2
EN10028-3 P460N EN10028-3 P460NH EN10028-3 P460NL1 EN10028-3 P460NL2
EN10028-5 EN10028-5 P355M EN10028-5 P355ML1 EN10028-5 P355ML2 EN10028-5 P420M
EN10028-5 P420ML1 EN10028-5 P420ML2 EN10028-5 P460M EN10028-5 P460ML1
EN10028-5 P460ML2      
EN10028-6 EN10028-6 P355Q EN10028-6 P460Q EN10028-6 P500Q EN10028-6 P690Q
EN10028-6 P355QH EN10028-6 P460QH EN10028-6 P500QH EN10028-6 P690QH
EN10028-6 P355QL1 EN10028-6 P460QL1 EN10028-6 P500QL1 EN10028-6 P690QL1
EN10028-6 P355QL2 EN10028-6 P460QL2 EN10028-6 P500QL2 EN10028-6 P690QL2
JIS JIS G3115 JIS G3115 SPV235 JIS G3115 SPV315 JIS G3115 SPV355 JIS G3115 SPV410
JIS G3115 SPV450 JIS G3115 SPV490    
JIS G3103 JIS G3103 SB410 JIS G3103 SB450 JIS G3103 SB480 JIS G3103 SB450M
JIS G3103 SB480M      
GB GB713 GB713 Q245R GB713 Q345R GB713 Q370R GB713 12Cr1MoVR
GB713 12Cr2Mo1R GB713 13MnNiMoR GB713 14Cr1MoR GB713 15CrMoR
GB713 18MnMoNbR      
GB3531 GB3531 09MnNiDR GB3531 15MnNiDR GB3531 16MnDR  
DIN DIN 17155 DIN 17155 HI DIN 17155 HII DIN 17155 10CrMo910 DIN 17155 13CrMo44
DIN 17155 15Mo3 DIN 17155 17Mn4 DIN 17155 19Mn6