ASTM A285 & ASME SA285 For Pressure Vessel Plates

What’s the difference between ASTM A285 and ASME SA285 ?

In fact, the mechanical and chemical properties of the steels are identical and it is the producer of the standard that is the key difference. ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, produces standards that define limits and parameters on a product’s properties and the methods of testing those properties. ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, specifies materials to be used in the manufacture and construction of particular items. The relevance of this to pressure vessels is that ASME publishes design codes and standards for the manufacture of vessels and within these a particular material standard will be endorsed. ASME “acquires” ASTM specifications in this way and its pressure vessel code committee assigns an “S” to the relevant ASTM standard. So A285 becomes SA285 when ASME acquires it.

The ASTM A285 specification covers low to intermediate tensile strength carbon steel for use in non–critical pressure vessel applications.

The plate is used as a weldable material in the fabrication of pressure vessels and industrial boilers using fusion welding i.e. the joining of the material by melting them together to form one. The plate is offered at a maximum thickness of 50mm for all grades to ensure internal robustness.

As ASTM A285 does not promote high tensile strength, it is used commonly in the fabrication of storage tanks and low pressure temperature controlled vessels.

We offers the most common grade, ASTM 285 Grade C, in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and is available as ex–stock or directly shipped from the mill. As with all our steels, our plates come with mill test certification and stampings and we can arrange for a variety of tests to be performed on the material if specified.

Alternatively, the customer can arrange testing via a third party testing house.

ASTM A285 Grade C

Although only effective in lower pressure environments, ASTM 285 Grade C is found throughout industry in a wide range or low pressurized applications. ASTM A285 Grade C is used in a range of other applications including structural, mechanical and general engineering purposes.

ASTM A285 Grade C is a low to intermediate yield steel used in the fabrication of carbon steel pressure vessels and boilers.

The steel is intended for use in standard tanks and boilers rather than high pressurized vessels due to the steels lower yield strength. ASTM A285 Grade C is supplied throughout the oil gas and petrochemical industry, and We hold this material in stock.

The material has good forming and welding characteristics under conventional methods.
(Chemical values are maximum unless stated otherwise. Mechanical properties are minimum values)
(Please note: the technical information above is for guidance only – for exact specifications please check with our Sales Team)

Table 1: Chemical & Mechanical Values for ASTM A285 Grade C

C	0.16
Si	0.35
Mn	0.4/1.2
P	0.03
S	0.03
Al	0.02
Cr	0.3
Cu	0.3
N	0.3
Mo	0.08
Nb	0.01
Ti	0.03
V	0.02
Tensile (N/mm²)	360/480
Yield/min (N/mm²)	235