ASTM A553 & ASME SA553 Alloy Steel Quenched and Tempered 7, 8, and 9 % Nickel

What’s the difference between ASTM A553 and ASME SA553 ?

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 A553 becomes SA553 when ASME acquires it.

ASTM A553 Type 1

ASTM A553 Type 1 covers 9% nickel alloy steel plates that are used in the fabrication of cryogenic pressure vessels. This material is capable of operating at temperatures as low as -196oC, and has high levels of strength and weldability.

ASTM A553 Type 1 9% nickel is a martensitic steel when it is quenched or tempered up to thicknesses as high as 100 mm. It is a unique martensite as it isn’t brittle or hard, but it is strong and tough which makes it easily to fabricate into pressure vessels.

Our range of ASTM A553 Type 1 9% nickel steels are perfect for containing or transporting cryogenic gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon.

ASTM A553 Type 2

ASTM A553 Type 2 covers 8% nickel alloy steel plates that are used in the fabrication of cryogenic pressure vessels. This material is capable of operating at temperatures as low as -170oC, and has high levels of strength and weldability.

ASTM A553 Type 2 8% nickel is a martensitic steel when it is quenched or tempered up to thicknesses as high as 100 mm. It is a unique martensite as it isn’t brittle or hard, but it is strong and tough which makes it easily to fabricate into pressure vessels.

Our range of ASTM A553 Type 2 8% nickel steels are perfect for containing or transporting cryogenic gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon.