ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate: Chemistry, Mechanical & Physical Properties

Detailed material data for ASME SA572 Grade 42 (SA572GR42) carbon steel plate, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, equivalent standards, and application guide.

Hot rolling, normalizing, cutting, welding, bending, machining, cold forming

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Introduction

ASME SA572 Grade 42 (SA572GR42) is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) carbon steel plate primarily used in structural and pressure vessel applications. Under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, it adopts the chemical and mechanical requirements of ASTM A572 Grade 42, with a specified minimum yield strength of 42 ksi (290 MPa). The steel is typically supplied in the as-rolled or normalized condition and offers good weldability, formability, and notch toughness at ambient temperatures.

  • Minimum yield strength: 290 MPa (42 ksi)
  • Tensile strength: 415–550 MPa (60–80 ksi)
  • Fine-grain practice with optional microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti)
  • Suitable for welded structures, bridges, storage tanks, and pressure-retaining components

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition limits are in accordance with ASME SA572/SA572M Grade 42. The steel must be made to fine-grain practice, with one or more microalloying elements (niobium, vanadium, titanium, etc.) added to achieve grain refinement. Specific ranges for these elements are typical but not mandatory; the manufacturer ensures the required mechanical properties.

  • Maximum carbon content ensures good weldability.
  • Manganese level depends on plate thickness; for plates over 3/4 in. (20 mm) the manganese minimum applies.
  • Sulfur and phosphorus levels are controlled for cleanliness and toughness.
ElementStandard Value (max. unless range given)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.21%Heat analysis
Manganese (Mn)1.35% (max.)For plates ≤3/4 in. (20 mm); Mn ≥0.80% for plates >3/4 in.
Phosphorus (P)0.04%Heat analysis
Sulfur (S)0.05%Heat analysis
Silicon (Si)0.40%
Copper (Cu)0.20% (min.)When copper steel is specified
Niobium (Nb)0.005–0.05%Typical range for grain refinement; optional but common
Vanadium (V)0.01–0.15%Typical range for grain refinement; optional but common
Titanium (Ti)0.005–0.05%Optional microalloy; may be used singly or in combination
Nitrogen (N)0.015% (max.)If not bound by strong nitride formers

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The physical property data are typical values for carbon steel of this type at room temperature unless otherwise noted. These values are not specified in the material standard but are provided for design and engineering calculations. The properties may vary slightly depending on exact heat treatment and microalloying content.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)205GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)79.3GPaRoom temperature
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.26Room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.710⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.510⁻⁶/K20–200°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)486J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.142μΩ·m20°C

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties are determined on test specimens taken from plates in the as-rolled or normalized condition. All values meet ASME SA572 Grade 42 requirements. Tensile and yield strength are given for longitudinal direction. Elongation is reported for both 8-inch (200 mm) and 2-inch (50 mm) gauge lengths, depending on plate thickness. Note: Impact toughness is not mandatory and is available only when supplementary requirements are specified.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 290MPa (ksi)Plate thickness ≤ 100 mm; transverse specimen possible per agreement
Tensile Strength (Rm)415 – 550MPa (ksi)Plate thickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A) in 8 in. (200 mm)≥ 20%%Plate thickness ≤ 3/4 in. (20 mm); 8-inch gauge
Elongation (A) in 8 in. (200 mm)≥ 18%%Plate thickness >3/4 in. to 1.5 in. (20–40 mm)
Elongation (A) in 8 in. (200 mm)≥ 17%%Plate thickness >1.5 in. to 2 in. (40–50 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm)≥ 24%%Plate thickness ≤ 3/4 in. (20 mm); 2-inch gauge
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm)≥ 22%%Plate thickness >3/4 in. to 1.5 in. (20–40 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm)≥ 21%%Plate thickness >1.5 in. to 2 in. (40–50 mm)
Bend Test (180°)No cracks on outside of bent portionBend diameter = 1.5 × specimen thickness (t) for plates ≤ 3/4 in.; larger radii for thicker plates per standard

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGrade/DesignationRemarks
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 42Identical chemistry and mechanical properties; the source specification for ASME SA572.
USAASME SA572/SA572MGrade 42 (SA572GR42)The present material; equivalent to ASTM A572 Gr. 42.
CanadaCSA G40.20/G40.21300WYield strength 300 MPa, tensile 450–620 MPa; closely matches but with slightly higher yield.
EuropeEN 10025-2:2019S275J2Yield 275 MPa, tensile 410–560 MPa; acceptable substitution for non-critical applications with design adjustment.
JapanJIS G3106:2020SM400BYield 245 MPa, tensile 400–510 MPa; slightly lower strength; may be used where design allows.

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Application Introduction

ASME SA572 Grade 42 is extensively used in welded structural components requiring moderate strength, good toughness, and reliable weldability. It can be fabricated into a wide range of products using conventional cutting, bending, and welding processes.

  • Structural frameworks, beams, and columns
  • Pressure vessel shells and heads (under ASME Section VIII Div.1)
  • Storage tanks and silos
  • Offshore platform topsides and substructures
  • Heavy machinery frames and supports

Product Applications: Bridges and pedestrian overpasses, API 650 storage tanks, ASME U-stamped pressure vessels, Structural steel for high-rise buildings, Excavator booms and crane lattice structures, Wind turbine tower internals

Processed into products: Welded I-beams and box girders, Cylindrical shells and formed heads, Flanges and stiffeners, Support brackets and base plates, Plow and scraper blades (after hardening), Pin-connected structural links and eyebars

Application industries: Construction and civil engineering, Pressure vessel and storage tank fabrication, Shipbuilding and offshore structures, Heavy machinery and transportation equipment, Mining and material handling

ASME SA572 Grade 42 Carbon Steel Plate Similar/Comparable Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardGrade/DesignationRemarks
USAASTM A36/A36MA36Lower yield (250 MPa), general structural steel; may substitute in less demanding strength applications.
EuropeEN 10025-2S275JR/J0/J2Yield 275 MPa; widely available; use with welding and toughness considerations.
ChinaGB/T 1591Q345BYield 345 MPa; higher strength; requires attention to welding procedures.
InternationalISO 630-2Fe 430BYield 285 MPa; very similar strength level; may be used as direct substitute.

Notes:

Supplementary requirements may apply: The base standard does not require impact testing. For low-temperature service, specify supplementary requirement S5 (Charpy V-notch test) or order SA572 Grade 42 with a letter suffix such as Grade 42S (structural quality with toughness). Weldability: Preheating is usually not necessary for thicknesses up to 1.5 in. (40 mm), but the carbon equivalent (typically CE ≤ 0.42%) should be verified. Formability: The steel can be cold-formed with a minimum bend radius of 1.5t for plates up to 3/4 in. thickness. Hot forming above 1100°C may require subsequent normalizing to restore fine grain structure.

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