High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel

ASME SA514 Grade P High Strength Steel Coil: Quenched & Tempered Properties

Complete material data for ASME SA514/SA514M Grade P carbon and low-alloy high-strength steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical performance, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Hot rolling, cold forming, welding, machining, cutting

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Introduction

ASME SA514 Grade P is a quenched and tempered, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel coil designed for structural and pressure vessel applications where high yield strength, good weldability, and excellent notch toughness are required. This grade belongs to the SA514/SA514M specification and offers a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) for thicknesses up to 63.5 mm.

Key characteristics include:

  • High strength-to-weight ratio, enabling lighter structures.
  • Good low-temperature toughness when impact tested.
  • Controlled hardenability through boron addition.
  • Supplied in the quenched and tempered condition for optimal mechanical performance.

Typical applications cover pressure vessels, bridges, heavy machinery, and offshore platforms.

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Chemical Composition

Ladle analysis in accordance with ASME SA514/SA514M Grade P. All values are given as mass percentages unless otherwise noted. The composition is designed to optimize hardenability and strength while maintaining weldability.

  • Boron is added to enhance hardenability without significantly increasing carbon equivalent.
  • Low sulphur and phosphorus levels ensure good cleanliness and toughness.
ElementStandard Range (%)Remarks
Carbon, C0.12 – 0.21Critical for strength and hardenability
Manganese, Mn0.45 – 0.70Contributes to strength and deoxidation
Phosphorus, P≤ 0.035Low level required for toughness
Sulfur, S≤ 0.035Controlled for cleanliness
Silicon, Si0.20 – 0.35Deoxidizer and strength enhancer
Chromium, Cr0.85 – 1.20Improves hardenability and corrosion resistance
Molybdenum, Mo0.45 – 0.60Increases high-temperature strength and hardenability
Nickel, Ni1.20 – 1.50Enhances toughness and low-temperature properties
Boron, B0.001 – 0.005Micro-alloying element for deep hardenability

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

These physical properties are representative for high-strength quenched and tempered steels like A514/SA514 Grade P. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact heat treatment and testing conditions.

  • Thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature.
  • The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is given for the range 20–100 °C.
  • Electrical resistivity is typical for low-alloy steels.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Elastic modulus (E)205 – 210GPaRoom temperature
Shear modulus (G)80 – 81GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.28 – 0.30-Elastic range
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.0 – 12.0×10⁻⁶/K20–100 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)42 – 45W/(m·K)At 100 °C
Specific heat capacity460 – 500J/(kg·K)Room temperature to 100 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.20 – 0.25μΩ·mAt 20 °C

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Mechanical Properties

Tensile and yield properties for ASME SA514 Grade P as specified in the standard. Values are for the quenched and tempered condition. Elongation decreases slightly with increasing thickness.

  • Transverse tension tests are standard for plates/coils.
  • Bend tests are performed on samples from both ends of the coil to verify ductility.
  • Impact toughness is subject to supplementary requirements when specified.
PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 690MPaThickness ≤ 63.5 mm (2.5 in.)
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 620MPaThickness > 63.5 mm up to 152.4 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)760 – 895MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation (A) in 50 mm≥ 16%Thickness ≤ 19.0 mm (3/4 in.)
Elongation (A) in 50 mm≥ 14%Thickness > 19.0 mm up to 63.5 mm
Elongation (A) in 50 mm≥ 14%Thickness > 63.5 mm up to 152.4 mm
Bend Test (180°)No cracks-Bend diameter varies with thickness; typically 1.5T to 2.5T
Charpy V-Notch Impact (KV)As per agreementJOptional supplement, e.g., 27 J at -40 °C common

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Exact Equivalent Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
United StatesASTM A514/A514MGrade PChemically and mechanically identical; interchangeable in design
United StatesASME SA514/SA514MGrade POriginal specification; identical to ASTM A514 Grade P

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Application Introduction

ASME SA514 Grade P steel coil is engineered for demanding applications that require high strength, good weldability, and reliable low-temperature performance. Its quenched and tempered microstructure provides a uniform balance of properties.

Design Considerations:

  • Pre-heating and interpass temperature control are recommended during welding to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking.
  • Post-weld heat treatment may affect strength; consult the standard before applying stress relief.
  • Forming operations are best performed in the as-supplied condition; hot forming may require re-heat treatment.

Product Applications: High-pressure storage spheres and tanks, Reactor vessels, Long-span bridge girders, Crane booms and lattice structures, Offshore platform substructures, Large-diameter penstocks

Processed into products: Welded shell plates for pressure vessels, Chord and web members of truss bridges, Boom extensions and outrigger pads for mobile cranes, Load-bearing frames for heavy mining trucks, Structural nodes for offshore jacket platforms, Thick-wall hydraulic cylinder bodies

Application industries: Pressure vessel and boiler manufacturing, Heavy structural engineering, Mining and earthmoving equipment, Offshore and marine engineering, Bridge construction, Nuclear and thermal power generation

High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks / Analysis
EuropeEN 10025-6S690QL / S690QL1Similar strength level (690 MPa yield) but different alloy design (Cr-Mo vs Ni-Cr-Mo-B). Check toughness and weldability before substitution.
JapanJIS G 3128SHY685High-strength quenched and tempered steel for pressure vessels; yield 685 MPa. Chemical composition not identical, but performance is comparable.
ChinaGB/T 16270Q690D / Q690EWith minimum yield 690 MPa; alloy content differs. Suitable for structural use, verify Charpy requirements.
ISOISO 4950-2E690DDHigh yield strength flat products; similar mechanical properties. The composition may require re-qualification for the intended service.

Notes:

Formability: Hot and cold forming are possible, but cold forming radii should be increased compared to mild steel to avoid cracking.

Corrosion Resistance: The atmospheric corrosion resistance is similar to that of ordinary low-alloy steels; protective coatings are recommended for corrosive environments.

Inspection: Ultrasonic testing per SA578 or SA435 is commonly requested for pressure-boundary applications.

  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message