ASTM A514 Grade E (A514Gr.E) High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate

ASTM A514 Grade E (A514Gr.E) High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate

ASTM A514 Grade E (A514Gr.E) High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate - Properties & Applications

Discover ASTM A514 Grade E high-yield structural steel plate: chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, equivalent grades, and typical uses in heavy equipment and construction.

Welding, cutting (plasma, oxy-fuel, laser), cold forming, hot forming, machining, heat treatment (supplied in quenched & tempered condition; further tempering not recommended)

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Introduction

ASTM A514 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate designed for structural applications where weight savings and excellent weldability are crucial. This steel typically delivers a minimum yield strength of 100 ksi (690 MPa) in thicknesses up to 2.5 in., combining high tensile strength with good notch toughness at low temperatures. Key features include:

  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing lighter designs
  • Low-temperature impact toughness down to -50 °F
  • Good weldability with proper procedures
  • Resistance to brittle fracture in demanding service conditions

Grade E is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy with additions of vanadium, titanium and boron for fine-grain strengthening and hardenability. It is widely employed in mobile cranes, heavy-duty machinery, bridges, and offshore structures where high static and dynamic loads are encountered.

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The typical chemical composition of ASTM A514 Grade E according to ASTM A514/A514M is shown below. The steel is a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy with microalloying elements (V, Ti, B) to promote fine grain size and deep hardenability. Note: Unless otherwise specified, maximum limits apply. The values are based on heat analysis.

ElementStandard Value (max unless range given)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.12–0.20Heat analysis
Manganese (Mn)0.40–0.70Heat analysis
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.025
Silicon (Si)0.20–0.35Heat analysis
Nickel (Ni)1.80–2.20
Chromium (Cr)1.40–1.80
Molybdenum (Mo)0.40–0.60
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.50Residual element
Vanadium (V)0.02–0.06Micro-alloying
Titanium (Ti)0.01–0.03Grain refinement
Boron (B)0.001–0.005Hardenability enhancer

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical room-temperature physical properties of A514 Grade E are listed below. These values may vary slightly with heat treatment and actual composition. They are representative for engineering calculations.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³20 °C
Elastic Modulus (E)207GPa20 °C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated, typical
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30-20 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.710⁻⁶ / K20–100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)100 °C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.178µΩ·m20 °C

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The following mechanical properties are achieved in the quenched and tempered condition. All values are derived from ASTM A514/A514M. Yield strength and tensile strength depend on plate thickness. Impact testing is performed on Charpy V-notch specimens; typical requirement is 20 ft·lbf (27 J) at -50 °F (-45 °C) for longitudinal specimens.

PropertyStandard Required ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH) min100 (690)ksi (MPa)Thickness ≤ 2.5 in. (63.5 mm)
Yield Strength (ReH) min90 (620)ksi (MPa)Thickness > 2.5–4 in. (63.5–101.6 mm)
Yield Strength (ReH) min80 (550)ksi (MPa)Thickness > 4–6 in. (101.6–152.4 mm)
Tensile Strength (Rm)110–130 (760–895)ksi (MPa)Thickness ≤ 2.5 in. (63.5 mm)
Tensile Strength (Rm)105–130 (725–895)ksi (MPa)Thickness > 2.5–4 in. (63.5–101.6 mm)
Tensile Strength (Rm)100–130 (690–895)ksi (MPa)Thickness > 4–6 in. (101.6–152.4 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm) min18%Thickness ≤ 2.5 in. (63.5 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm) min17%Thickness > 2.5–4 in. (63.5–101.6 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm) min16%Thickness > 4–6 in. (101.6–152.4 mm)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (KV)≥ 20 ft·lbf (27 J)ft·lbf (J)Longitudinal, -50 °F (-45 °C)
Bend Test (Diameter to Thickness Ratio)d = 3t for plates up to 2.5 in., d = 4t for >2.5 in.-180° bend

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
United StatesASTM A514/A514MGrade E (A514Gr.E)Direct standard; other suppliers may use dual certification to EN 10025-6 S690QL, but chemical composition may differ
EuropeEN 10025-6S690QL / S690QL1Closest European equivalent in strength and toughness, but minimum yield 690 MPa for thicknesses ≤50 mm; chemistry differs (C, Mn, etc.). Not an exact match.Substitution requires careful review of chemical and mechanical specifications

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Application Introduction

ASTM A514 Grade E is engineered for demanding structural applications where high strength, good low-temperature toughness, and reliable weldability are essential. Its high yield-to-tensile ratio allows engineers to reduce section thickness and weight without sacrificing safety. Typical applications sectors include:

Product Applications: All-terrain and crawler crane booms and outriggers, Bridge girders and orthotropic deck plates, Mining dump truck frames and excavator booms/arms, Heavy-duty trailers and transport equipment, Offshore platform structural nodes and braces, High-pressure gas cylinders and spherical storage tanks

Processed into products: Welded H-beams, box sections and built-up girders, Crane telescoping boom sections and pivot pins, Load-bearing machine frames and chassis, Structural stiffeners and splice plates, Lifting lugs, pad eyes and shackles, Riprap and cut-resistant wear plates (where combined with hardfacing)

Application industries: Construction and heavy civil engineering (bridges, stadiums, high-rise structures), Mobile crane and lifting equipment manufacturing, Mining and earth-moving machinery, Offshore and marine structures (jack-up rigs, crane pedestals), Pressure vessel and boiler fabrication (when certified to A517), Military and defense vehicle armor/structural parts

ASTM A514 Grade E High-Strength Quenched & Tempered Steel Plate Similar/Alternative Substitute Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
United StatesASTM A514/A514MGrade QAnother A514 grade with similar strength and toughness; chemistry modified for improved weldability or properties. Often interchangeable with Grade E in some applications.
United StatesASTM A517/A517MGrade E (A517Gr.E)Similar chemistry and properties but intended for pressure vessel applications (A517); yield strengths match A514.
United StatesASTM A709/A709MGrade 100/100WHigh-strength structural steel for bridges; Grade 100 has similar yield strength (100 ksi) but different chemistry and toughness requirements.
EuropeEN 10025-6S690Q/QL/QL1Closest European high-strength Q&T steel; yield 690 MPa, impact tested at -20 °C or -40 °C. Used in mobile cranes and structural applications.
JapanJIS G 3128SHY 685High yield strength steel for welded structures; minimum yield 685 MPa; often used as a substitute but chemistry and toughness differ.

Notes:

  • Welding of A514 Grade E requires strict heat input control and preheat/interpass temperature management to avoid hydrogen cracking and maintain heat-affected zone toughness. Low-hydrogen electrodes and practices are mandatory.
  • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is generally not recommended because it can degrade the carefully balanced quenched and tempered properties. If stress relief is unavoidable, the temperature and time must be closely controlled as per AWS D1.1 or equivalent.
  • The Charpy impact values listed are minimum requirements; actual values are often significantly higher, especially when fine-grain practice and controlled rolling are employed.
  • Plates can be ordered with additional testing (ultrasonic, Z-direction properties) for critical applications.
  • This data is based on ASTM A514/A514M standards and typical manufacturer information. Always consult the material test certificate for specific lot properties.
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