Mittal Plate Fabrication Guide

Guidelines for
Fabricating and Processing

Plate Steel
Quenching and Tempering Forming
Thermal Cutting Welding

Mittal Steel USA - Plate
GUIDELINES FOR
FABRIC ATING AND PROCESSING

P L ATE S T E E L
GUIDELINES FOR
FABRIC ATING AND PROCESSING

P L ATE S T E E L
BethForm, BethStar, Clean-Cut, Duracorr, Fineline,
Hardwear, Integra, Mayari-R, MTD, Spartan, Tartan, T-
Star, and V-Star are trademarks of Mittal Steel USA -
Plate.
T-1 is a registered trademark of Mittal Steel USA - Plate.
Cover Photos: Mittal Steel would like to thank Sun Steel

Treating, Inc. and Logan Corporation for photographs
from their facilities.
Important
The information provided herein is based on testing or Mittal Steel
USA - Plates experience and is accurate and realistic to the best
of our knowledge at the time of publication. However,
characteristics described or implied may not apply in all
situations. Mittal Steel USA - Plate reserves the right to make
changes in practices that may render some information outdated
or obsolete. In cases where specific plate properties are desired,
Mittal Steel USA - Plate should be consulted for current
information and/or capabilities.

Plate Production Facilities
Burns Harbor, IN
Coatesville, PA
Conshohocken, PA
Phone: 1-800-966-5352
www.mittalsteel.com
DEDIC ATI ON
Douglas A. Thomas 1949

1997
During the five years Doug Thomas worked at the Lukens Steel
Company as a senior field service metallurgist, he was very active in
dealing with customer processing problems. Chapter 9 in this book
was, in fact, one of the early focuses of Dougs activities, as he
presented dozens of Thermal Cutting Seminars at customer plants.
His visits to customers primarily in the Midwest helped identify the
need for Chapter 7 on Quenching and Tempering. Doug died in an
airplane crash on January 9, 1997, while returning from a customer
visit. His passing was a major loss to Lukens and the steel industry, as
it was to his family and friends. We would like to dedicate this book
to Dougs memory.
D EDICA TION
T ABLE OF vii
CONTENTS
Dedication............................................................................................. v
Table of Contents.......................................................................... vii
Preface........................................................................................ viii
Characteristics of Plate Steel................................................................1
Chapte Plate 2
r1 Chemistry........................................................................
Chapte Melting and 5
r2 Casting............................................................................
Chapte Heat Treatment 6
r3 .......................................................................................
Chapte Thermo-Mechanical-Controlled- 7
r4 Processing...........................................
Chapte Mechanical 1
r5 Properties...................................................................... 0
Chapte Corrosion and Weathering 1
r6 Performance .............................................. 5
Processing of Plate Steel......................................................................19
Chapter 7 Quenching and Tempering...........................................20
Chapter 8 Forming.............................................................................26
Chapter 9 Thermal Cutting..........................................................31
Chapter 10 Welding...................................................................38
Welding and Other Data.......................................................................45
Chapter 11 Structural Plate Steel...................................................46
Chapter 12 Pressure Vessel Plate Steel..........................................67
Reference Information.........................................................................87
Chapter 13 Physical Properties of Plate Steel.................................88
Glossary.................................................................................................89
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
viii P R E FAC E
Guidelines for Fabricating

and Processing Plate Steel
Guias para la fabricacion y
el procesamiento de
laminas de acero
Plate steel is defined as a flat, as-rolled or heat treated product sold

in cut lengths in thicknesses of at least 316 in. and widths of at least
48 in. Plate steel is widely used
in a variety of end-user markets. For plate to be utilized, it must be
further processed after shipment from the steel mill. This processing
may be performed by service centers, plate processors, fabricators or
original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Four processes account for
the majority of this additional processing: quenching and tempering,
forming, thermal cutting and welding. The following book provides
guidelines on these processes. Also, to provide an introduction to plate
steel terminology, a brief review is presented on the characteristics of
plate steel.
This book is a combined effort of previously published brochures by

Bethlehem Steel and the former Lukens Steel. Portions of the
Bethlehem Plate Selector Guide, as well as the Lukens Steel Technical
Service Bulletins, were incorporated in the document.
The editor would like to especially acknowledge the significant

contributions to
this document by Frank J. Marcocci. Also, the assistance of the
following individuals is acknowledged: Richard L. Bodnar, Thomas
M. Dean, Frederick B. Fletcher, Murali Manohar, Kenneth E. Orie,
Katherine G. Pella, Samuel J. Radziviliuk,
Harold S. Reemsnyder, Jerry E. Shick, Rose Terriman, Herbert
E. Townsend and Kelly Simonsen Wisneski.
Special thanks also to Stacy Novosat of Godfrey Advertising

for her graphic design services.
Alexander D. Wilson, Editor

P REF ACE
C HARACTERISTICS
OF P L ATE S TE E L
1
C HAPTER1
P LATE
C HEMIS
TRY
ation of is specified or required for aluminum, boron, chromium, cobalt, columbium
P L ATE C iron and (niobium), molybdenum,
HEMISTR carbon. nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium or zirconium, or any other element added
The to obtain a desired alloying effect; when the specified minimum copper
Y carbon does not exceed 0.40%; when the maximum content specified for any of the
content following elements does not exceed the percentages noted: manganese
normally 1.65, silicon 0.60, copper 0.60.
P ranges
l between HSLA steels are carbon steels with small additions, typically less than 0.1%
several of microalloying elements, vanadium, columbium or titanium. They may also
a hundredt contain small additions of copper, nickel and chromium for improved
t hs and atmospheric corrosion resistance.
e 1%.
Many
Alloy steels comprise those grades which exceed the above limits,
other
C elements
plus any grade to which any element other than those mentioned above
is added for the purpose of achieving a specific alloying effect. Carbon
h are
and HSLA steels usually have a lower base price than alloy steels and,
e added in
therefore, are much more widely applied.
small
m amounts
i to vary
For structural applications, plates normally do not exceed 0.30% carbon and
1.50% manganese. Plates can be ordered to chemistry limits, but are more
s the
frequently ordered to ASTM specifications, which also include mechanical
t mechani
properties. Besides the standard ASTM industry-wide specifications, there are
cal
r character
additional code-writing bodies such as API, ASME, ABS, AASHTO, SAE, U.S.A.
y istics of
Military and others with their own specifications. Individual consuming
company specifications are also accepted. Mittal Steel USA - Plate also
the
offers its own proprietary grades for a number of applications.
S steel.
t
Effects of Elements
e Plate
e The effects of the commonly specified chemical elements on the properties of
steel
l hot-rolled and heat-treated carbon, HSLA and alloy plates are discussed here by
generally
considering the various elements individually. In practice, however, the effect of
falls in
i any particular element will often depend on the quantities of other elements
the
s present in the steel. For example, the total effect of a combination of alloying
category
elements on the hardenability of a steel is usually greater than the sum of their
of either
e individual contributions. This type of interrelation should be taken into account
a carbon
s whenever a change in a specific analysis is evaluated.
steel, a
s high
e strength Carbon is the principal hardening element in steel, with each additional
n low alloy increment of carbon increasing the hardness and tensile strength of steel in
t (HSLA) or the as-rolled, normalized or quenched and tempered condition. For structural
i an alloy applications, the carbon level is generally less than 0.30%. For improved
a steel: ductility, weldability and toughness, carbon contents below 0.20% are
l preferred. A compromise must be maintained between higher carbon levels
l required for tensile properties and lower carbon levels associated with
Carbon
y improved ductility, weldability and toughness.
steels
comprise
a those Manganese is present in all commercial steels, and contributes significantly
grades to a steels strength and hardness in much the same manner but to a lesser
c where extent than does carbon. Its effectiveness depends largely upon, and is
o no directly proportional to, the carbon content of the steel. Another important
m minimu characteristic of this element is its ability to decrease the critical cooling rate
b m during hardening, thereby increasing the steels hardenability. Its effect in
i content this respect is greater than that of any of the other commonly used alloying
n elements.
P L ATE C H E M I S T R Y
Manganese is an active deoxidizer and shows less tendency to

segregate than most other elements. Its presence in a steel is also
highly beneficial to surface quality in that it tends to combine with
sulfur, thereby minimizing the formation of iron sulfide, the causative
factor of hot-shortness, or susceptibility to cracking and tearing at
rolling temperatures.
Phosphorus is generally considered an impurity except where its beneficial effect

on machinability and resistance to atmospheric corrosion is desired. While
phosphorus increases strength and hardness to about the same degree as
carbon, it also tends
to decrease ductility and toughness or impact strength, particularly for steel in the
quenched-and-tempered condition. The phosphorus content of most steels is,
3
therefore, kept below specified maxima, which range up to 0.04%.
In the free-machining steels, however, specified phosphorus

content may run as high as 0.12%. This is attained by adding
phosphorus to the ladle, commonly termed rephosphorizing.
Sulfur is generally considered an undesirable element except where

machinability is an important consideration and resulfurized, free
machining steels may be ordered. Examples are Mittal Steel USA -
Plates Clean-Cut and C1119. Whereas sulfides in steel act as
effective chip-breakers to improve machinability, they also serve to
decrease transverse ductility and toughness. Moreover, increasing
sulfur impairs weldability and can have an adverse effect on surface
quality.
Mittal Steel USA - Plate produces Integra and Fineline quality plates
with maximum sulfur levels as low as 0.001% with calcium treatment for
inclusion shape control. By controlling sulfur levels, significant
improvements in mechanical properties are possible.
Impact and fatigue properties improve. Ductility increases,
especially in the through-thickness direction. Weldability
and formability also improve.
Fineline and Integra Steels, Low Sulfur with Inclusion Shape Control
Introduced % Sulfur Max.
Conventional 0.035
Electric Furnace Quality 0.025

Integra 1980 0.006

Fineline 1977 0.010
Fineline Double-O-Five 1985 0.005

Fineline Double-O-Two 1990 0.002*
1991 0.001**

All Fineline Steels are vacuum degassed.
* Available in popular grades.
** Available in selected grades only.
Silicon is one of the principal deoxidizers used in the manufacture

of carbon and alloy steels and, depending on the type of steel, can
be present in varying amounts up to 0.40%. Silicon is also a ferrite
strengthener and is sometimes added as an alloying element up to
approximately 0.5% in plate steel.
Nickel is one of the fundamental steel alloying elements. When present

in appreciable amounts, it provides improved toughness, particularly at
low temperatures. Nickel lowers the critical temperatures of steel,
widens the temperature range for effective quenching and tempering,
and retards the decomposition of austenite. In addition, nickel does
not form carbides or other compounds which might be difficult to
dissolve during heating for austenitizing. All these factors contribute to
easier and more successful thermal treatment. Because of the tight
adherent scale formed on reheating nickel containing steels, the
surface quality of plates with nickel is somewhat poorer than those
without nickel. Nickel is also added to copper containing steels to
prevent copper induced hot-shortness.
P LAT EC H E M IS TRY
P L ATE C H E M I S T RY
Chromium is used in alloy steels primarily to increase

hardenability, provide improved abrasion resistance and promote
carburization. Of the common alloying elements, chromium is
surpassed only by manganese and molybdenum in its effect on
hardenability. Chromium forms a carbide that gives high-carbon
chromium steels exceptional wear-resistance. And because its
carbide is relatively stable at elevated temperatures, chromium is
frequently added to steels used for high-temperature applications.
Chromium is also a very important alloy addition to stainless steels,
such as Mittal Steel USA - Plates Duracorr.
P LATE C HEMISTRY
Molybdenum strengthening agent in HSLA steels. Vanadium additions are
exhibits a normally 0.10% or lower. Vanadium bearing steels are strengthened
greater effect by both precipitation hardening and refining the ferrite grain size.
on hardenability Precipitation of vanadium carbide and nitride particles in ferrite
per unit added can provide a marked increase in
than any other strength. Thermo-mechanical-controlled-processing (for example, control
commonly rolling) increases the effectiveness of vanadium. Vanadium is also
specified effective in increasing the hardenability and resistance to loss of
alloying strength on tempering in the quenched and tempered steels. Mittal
element except Steel USA - Plates V-Star grades rely on vanadium additions.
manganese or
boron. It is a Columbium (Niobium) is most often used in steels that receive
nonoxidizing controlled thermomechanical treatment. Small additions of
element, columbium in the range from 0.02% to 0.04% provide a significant
making it highly improvement in yield strength. For a given addition, columbium is
useful in the approximately two times as effective as vanadium as a
melting of strengthener. When the steel is finished below about 1700F,
steels where columbium improves notch toughness primarily by refining grain
close size. At higher finishing temperatures,
hardenability
it may be detrimental to toughness. Mittal Steel USA - Plates BethStar
control is
grades rely on both columbium and vanadium additions for strength and
desired.
toughness.
Molybdenum is
unique in the
Copper is added to steel primarily to improve the steels resistance to
degree to which
atmospheric corrosion, such as Mittal Steel USA - Plates weathering
it increases the
steels. In the usual amount between 0.20% to 0.50%, the copper does
high-
not significantly affect the mechanical properties. In levels to 1.00%,
temperature
copper (in combination with nickel) can increase strength by
tensile and
precipitation aging as in Mittal Steel USA - Plates Spartan and A710
creep strengths
steels. Copper contributes to hot-shortness (unless nickel is also added)
of steel and
and a more adherent mill scale which adversely affects surface quality.
thus it is used
together with
chromium in Boron has the unique ability to increase the hardenability of steel when
A387 alloy added in amounts as small as 0.0005%. This effect on hardenability is
steels for high- most pronounced at the lower carbon levels, diminishing with increasing
temperature carbon content. Because boron is ineffective when it is allowed to
pressure combine with oxygen or nitrogen, its use is limited
vessels. Its to aluminum-killed and titanium treated steels. Unlike many other
use also elements, boron does not increase the ferrite strength of steel. Boron
reduces a additions, therefore, promote improved machinability and formability at
steels a particular level of hardenability. It will also intensify the
susceptibility to hardenability effects of other alloys and, in some instances, decrease
temper costs by making possible the reduction of total alloy content.
embrittlement. Examples of boron containing steels are Mittal Steel USA - Plates
A514, T-1 and RQC grades.
Vanadium is
widely used Aluminum is used principally to control grain size and achieve
as a deoxidation. The fine- grained steels produced by aluminum killing
show improved notch toughness over coarse-grained steels.
C HAPTER2
M E LTING AND C A S T I N G
Melting and Casting
Entrapped gases are deleterious to mechanical properties of steel.

Several techniques exist to remove oxygen from the molten steel. Mittal
Steel USA - Plate reserves the right to select the most suitable method to
meet the requirements of individual specifications.
In most steelmaking processes, a primary reaction involves the

combination of carbon and oxygen to form carbon monoxide. Proper
control of the amount of gas evolved during solidification determines
the type of steel. If no gas is evolved, the steel is termed killed.
Increasing degrees of gas evolution characterize semi-killed capped
or
5
rimmed steel. All Mittal Steel USA - Plate product is produced from killed steel, unless
otherwise specified.
Killed steels are strongly deoxidized and are characterized by a relatively

high degree of uniformity in composition and properties. Most strand-cast
plate steel is killed. In ingot steels, metal shrinks during solidification,
and a cavity or pipe forms in the uppermost portion. A refractory hot-
top is placed on the mold before pouring and filled with metal after the
ingot is poured. The pipe formed will be confined to the hot-top section of
the ingot, which is removed by cropping during subsequent rolling. The
most severely segregated areas of the ingot will also be eliminated by
this cropping.
While killed steels are more uniform in composition and properties than
any other type, they are nevertheless susceptible to some degree of
chemical segregation. As in the other grades, the top center portion of
the ingot will exhibit the greatest degree of positive chemical
segregation.
The uniformity of killed steel renders it most suitable for applications

involving such operations as hot forging, cold extrusion, carburizing and
thermal treatment.
Continuous Casting
In traditional steelmaking, molten steel is poured into molds to form
ingots. The ingots are removed from the molds, reheated and rolled into
semifinished products blooms, billets or slabs.
Continuous casting (also referred to as strand casting and slab casting)

bypasses the operations between molten steel and the semifinished
product. Molten steel is poured at a regulated rate via a tundish into
the top of an oscillating water-cooled mold with a cross-sectional size
corresponding to that of the desired slab. As the molten metal begins to
freeze along the mold walls, it forms a shell that permits the gradual
withdrawal of the strand product from the bottom of the mold into a
water-spray chamber where solidification is completed. With the straight-
type mold, the descending solidified product may be cut into suitable
lengths while still vertical or bent into the horizontal position by a series
of rolls and then cut to length. With the curved-type mold, the solidified
strand is roller-straightened after emerging from the cooling chamber
and then cut to length. In both cases, the cut lengths are then
reheated and rolled into
finished products as
Figure 2-1: Continuous Slab Caster in the conventional
manner.
M ELTING AND C ASTING
C HAPTER3
H E AT T RE ATM E N T
6
Heat Treatment of Plate Steel
The versatility of steel is attributable in large measure to its

response to a variety of thermal treatments. While a major
percentage of steel is used in the as-rolled
condition, thermal treatments greatly broaden the spectrum of
properties attainable. Heat treatments fall into two general categories:
(1) those which decrease hardness and promote uniformity by slow
cooling and (2) those which increase strength, hardness and toughness
by virtue of rapid cooling from above the transformation range.
Annealing, normalizing and stress relieving fall in category 1, while
quenching and tempering is
a typical category 2 treatment. Mittal Steel USA - Plate is equipped to
normalize, anneal, stress-relieve, quench and temper, and normalize and
temper plates.
Annealing indicates a single thermal treatment intended to place the

steel in a suitable condition for subsequent fabrication. Annealing may be
required where machining or severe forming is involved. The steel is
heated to a temperature either slightly below or above the
transformation temperature followed by slow cooling. The exact
temperature and cooling rate or cycle depend on the properties desired
by the purchaser.
Normalizing consists of heating the steel above its critical temperature

range (typically 1650F to 1700F for plate steel) and cooling in air. This
heat treatment is commonly specified to obtain uniform grain refinement
and results in improved notch toughness compared to as-rolled steels.
Normalizing is commonly specified for plates of pressure vessel quality.
Stress Relieving consists of heating the steel to a suitable

temperature after flattening or other cold working, shearing or gas
cutting to relieve stresses induced by these operations. Stress relieving
is primarily a function of temperature, with time at temperature a
secondary factor. A typical stress relieving treatment for plate steel
involves heating in the range of 1000F to 1200F followed by slow
cooling. For quenched and tempered steels, the stress relief
temperature should be maintained below the original tempering
temperature of the plate.
Quenching and Tempering is used to improve the strength and

toughness of plate steel. The treatment consists of heating the steel to
the proper austenitizing temperature (for example, 1650F could be used
for a 0.20% carbon steel), holding it at temperature to allow complete
transformation to austenite, then quenching in water. Mittal Steel USA
- Plate uses various water-quenching processes, including roller
quenching, platten quenching and a large water tank for quenching thick
plate. After quenching, the steel is tempered at an appropriate
temperature, normally in the range of 400F to 1300F. The purpose of
tempering is to relieve internal stresses and improve ductility and
toughness.
H EAT T R EAT ME N T
immediat
T H E RM O -M E C H A N I C AL -C O N T R O L L E D ely after
-P R O C E S S I N G the final
rolling
operation
.
Thermo-Mechanical-Controlled-Processing (TMCP) (Schemat
ically,
As an alternative or substitute for heat treatments that require this is
additional material handling and furnace facilities, improved shown in
properties can also be obtained through special processing Figure 2-
techniques at the rolling mill. 4.)
Accelerat
Controlled-Rolling ed
cooling
Controlled-rolling is widely practiced to increase strength and
after
improve notch toughness of plate steel. A plate rolling practice,
either
controlled-rolling tailors the time-temperature deformation
controlle
process by controlling the rolling parameters. The parameters of
d-rolling
primary importance are (1) the temperature for start of
or
controlled-rolling in the finishing stand,
controlle
(2)the percentage reduction from start of controlled-rolling to the final
d-
plate thickness, and (3) the plate finishing temperature.
finishing
temperat
As seen in Figure 2-3, controlled-rolling involves deformation at ure
much lower finish rolling temperatures than hot rolling, usually in rolling
the range from 1300F to 1500F. leads to
In contrast, a normal hot-rolling practice takes advantage of the additional
better hot workability of the material at higher temperatures. Hot- structural
rolled plates are finished as quickly as possible, frequently at refineme
temperatures of 1800F and above. For controlled-rolling, nt and,
a hold or delay is generally taken to allow time for the partially hence, an
rolled slab to reach the desired intermediate temperature before improved
start of final rolling. combinati
on of
Controlled-rolling practices are designed specifically for use with propertie
microalloyed grades, which take advantage of the alloying elements s.
influence on recrystallization and grain growth, in combination with
the specific reduction schedule. Because of practical considerations, Accelerate
primarily mill load and delay times, control-rolled plates d cooling
are not normally produced above about 1 in. thickness. can
improve
Controlled-Finishing Temperature Rolling properties
The term controlled-finishing temperature rolling is used to of plates in
differentiate from the term controlled-rolling. Controlled- the
finishing temperature rolling is a much less severe practice than approximat
controlled-rolling and is aimed primarily at improving notch e thickness
toughness for plate up to 2 12 in. thick. The finishing temperatures range of 12
in this practice (approximately 1600F) are higher than required through 4
for controlled-rolling. However, because heavier plates are inches. A
involved, mill delays to reach the desired temperature are still specificatio
encountered. By controlling the finishing temperature, fine-grain n covering
size can be obtained with resulting excellent notch toughness. thermome
chanically
Accelerated Cooling processed
Accelerated cooling is a controlled-cooling cycle (water cooling to a plates,
temperature of about 1000F to 1100F, followed by air cooling) including
the accelerated cooling process, is ASTM A841. The Burns Harbor, IN C HAPTER4
160-inch plate mill (Figure 2-2) is capable of TMCP of a variety of
plate steel grades.
T H E R M O -M E C H A
NICAL- C ONTROLLE
D -P R O C E S S I N G
T HE RM O -M E C H AN I C A L -C O N T R O L L E D -P R O C E S S I N G
Figure 2-2: Burns Harbor 160-Inch Plate Mill
Continuo Accelerat
us Pre- ed
Furnace 2-High 4-High Cooling
Roughing Finishing
Stand Stand
In & Out Bo Interstand Isotope 3500-Ton

Cooling Thickness Primary
Figure 2-3: Schematic of temperature versus deformation plot

showing differences between conventional hot rolling
and controlled-rolling
Figure 2-4: A schematic of accelerated cooling
T H E R M O -M E C H A N I C A L -
C O N T R O L L E D -P R O C E S S I N G
T H E RM O -M E C H A N I C AL -C O N T R O L L E D -P R O C E S S I N G
Steckel Mill Rolling
The Conshohocken, PA Steckel mill is a very cost-effective rolling mill for

producing thin plate (0.17 .63 in.) in coiled form. As shown in Figure 2-
5, heated coiling furnaces on either side of the 4-high finishing mill
contain heated mandrels, which maintain heat in the product as the
plate is passed from one side to the other and reductions in thickness
are made. Because of this processing, the final product is more uniform
than discrete plate production. The plate is accelerated cooled prior to
coiling in a down coiler. These coils are processed on cut-to-length lines
where the coiled plate is leveled and then sheared to width and length.
9
Figure 2-5: Conshohocken Steckel Mill
Coiling Coiling
X-Ray
Thickne
Pinch ss
Finishing
Finishing Mill Coiling Furnace

Capabilities Capabilities
HGC, Roll Shift & Bend 73 In. Max. Dia., 102 In.
11,000,000 lbs. Force Wide Coil
T H E R M O -M E C H A N I C A L
- C O N T R O L L E D -P R O C E S S I
NG
C HAPTER5
M E C HAN I CALP R O PE R TIE S
10
material ductility and formability by measuring elongation and reduction
M of area. Elongation and reduction of area are stated as percentages of the
E original gauge length and cross-sectional area, respectively. The ASTM
specifications typically list requirements for yield strength, tensile strength
C and elongation for either 2-in. or 8-in. gauge lengths.
H
A Flat tensile specimens are generally used for all plate grades up to
approximately 34 in. thickness. For plate grades over 34 in., either flat or
N 0.505-in. diameter round specimen type is at the producers option.
I
Elevated Temperature Properties
C
Figure 2-6 shows a band of short-time tensile properties for typical
A structural steels such as A36. For temperatures up to 700F, there is no
L appreciable loss in yield or tensile strength. At temperatures above 700F,
the steel shows a drop in strength. The short- time tensile results are not
applicable for long-time service conditions of 700F and higher, as creep
P becomes a factor and reduced stress levels must be considered. Design
information is obtained from creep and creep rupture tests. Section VIII of
R the ASME Code for Pressure Vessels Division 1 provides allowable design
O stresses for steels over the temperature range from 650F to 1200F.
P Toughness
E Fracture toughness is a measure of a steels capacity to carry load in the
R presence of a crack or crack-like notch. Notch toughness is an indication of
a steels capacity to absorb energy when a stress concentrator or notch is
present.
T
Notch Toughness
I
Notch toughness can be an important factor for applications of plate
E steel involving joints with restraint and lower temperature service.
S Structural steels are susceptible to a lowering of absorbed impact
energy with decreasing temperature. This change
in energy is accompanied by a transition from a ductile to a brittle-
appearing fracture. The temperature at which some specified level of
energy or fracture appearance occurs can be used to define a transition
Mechanic temperature. Transition temperature is an important concept because it
al defines a change in mode of fracture from one that is affected
Propertie predominately by a shear mechanism (ductile fracture) to one that
propagates primarily by cleavage (brittle fracture).
s
Static There are a number of methods for specifying material with adequate notch
Properties toughness.
Yield and tensile The most common approaches are Charpy V-Notch, drop weight,
strength are the dynamic tear and drop weight tear testing and fracture mechanics.
primary These are described in the following discussion.
mechanical
properties of Charpy V-Notch (CVN) testing is the most widely applied test for
concern to the determining notch toughness following ASTM E23. The specimen is notched
designer. These perpendicular to the plate surface. The direction (longitudinal or
properties are transverse) of the specimen axis is selected according to the appropriate
obtained from specifications for plate steel. The specimen is held for
standard tensile 10 minutes at test temperature and then broken in the appropriate
specimens that Charpy-type impact machine by a single blow of a freely swinging
can be either full- pendulum.
plate thickness or
0.505-in. diameter On breaking the Charpy specimen, three criteria are commonly
or other sized measured. The loss of energy in the pendulum swing provides the
round specimens. energy in terms of foot-pounds (ft-lb)
The tensile absorbed in breaking the specimen. The fracture appearance of the broken
specimen also can specimen in terms of ductile and brittle failure can be rated. In addition, the
be used as an lateral expansion at the
indication of
M E C H AN I C AL P R O P ER TIES
Figure 2-6: Effect of temperature on the short-

time tensile and yield strengths of
A36 plate steel grades
11
Figure 2-7: Typical Charpy transition curve
base of the fracture opposite the notch can be measured. Any of these criteria can
be plotted versus temperature, as shown in Figure 2-7, to obtain the
typical transition curve. The notch toughness varies with specimen
orientation and requirements are generally negotiated between the
customer and the supplier, with a given energy
at a specified temperature being the most common criteria.
The Charpy testing approach suffers from the fact that a small
specimen is tested in conditions that are not the same as the material
in an actual structure. Therefore, the test results are most useful in
rating material on a comparison basis. The dynamic tear test (ASTM
E604) is sometimes of use for specialized applications because it uses
a thicker specimen and a sharper notch. Available CVN guarantee
levels for popular structural and pressure vessel steels are given in
Chapters 11 and 12.
Drop Weight Testing is also used to characterize the toughness of welded surface down, and
plate steel by determining the nil-ductility temperature. This test is then struck by a guided, free-
carried out in accordance with ASTM E208. Rectangular pieces are cut falling weight. A crack must
from the test plate and a crack starter bead is deposited across the initiate from the crack starter
specimen. A notch is machined across the weld bead. Specimens are for the test to be valid. If the
tested as a function of temperature. A specimen is set on an anvil, crack runs to the edge of the
specimen, the specimen is considered a break (failure). The test is
strictly a go/no-go result. The NDT (nil-ductility transition) temperature
is defined as the maximum temperature at which a drop weight
specimen breaks in the test.
M ECHANICALP ROPERTIES
M E C H A N I C A L P R O P E RT I E S
There is no general correlation between the NDT temperature and

the Charpy test.
The physical significance of the NDT value to the designer is if a
material is selected whose NDT is lower than the expected service
temperature, brittle failure will not occur at a small crack subjected to
yield stress levels under conditions of dynamic loading.
Additionally, this information (NDT) can be used to determine
tolerable crack size at lesser stress levels.
Actual application of this approach requires that the designer know the
mode of fracture initiation, size of the structure, environmental
conditions, strength level and residual stresses in structures having
complex shapes and loading.
12
Unfortunately, there is no exact correlation between the drop weight

test results and Charpy testing. The dynamic tear test does correlate
better with drop weight results3. The choice between the Charpy test,
dynamic tear test and the drop weight test still lies with the designer
and is most frequently based on existing specifications and prior
experience.
Fracture Mechanics
In recent years, the development of fracture mechanics has offered the
design engineer a new tool for predicting crack growth under cyclic
(fatigue) or increasing loading (as in a fracture test). The fracture
mechanics approach was developed from the stress analysis of cracked
bodies and presupposes linear elastic conditions, i.e. plastic deformation
confined to a very small region near the crack tip. The fracture
mechanics approach is based on the stress intensity factor , which
combines the effects of stress, crack length and geometry.2 For the case
of an axially loaded plate containing a central through crack, = {c
where is a finite width correction factor, is the nominal or
gross section stress, and c is the half-crack length. The units of
are psi {in. or
ksi {in.
Laboratory tests of compact-type (pin-loaded, edge crack specimens) or

bend specimens enable one to determine the critical value of at onset
of unstable fracture. Provided the material is sufficiently thick to
ensure a linear elastic load-deflection response and satisfies a variety of
other criteria defined in ASTM Standard E399, the critical value
qualifies as being the lower bound or plane strain fracture toughness
IC.
The linear-elastic fracture mechanics approach is most applicable to the

toughness assessment of high-strength, low-toughness materials at
ambient temperatures or lower- strength materials at very low
temperatures. For materials that are too tough to obtain valid estimates
of IC in the thicknesses of typical usage, other elastic-plastic fracture
mechanics parameters such as the J-integral and crack tip opening
displacement (CTOD) are possible alternatives for ranking material
toughness 2.
Whether using linear-elastic or elastic-plastic fracture mechanics

approaches, each helps to define allowable stresses for a given range
of operating conditions. The fracture mechanics approach can be used
to calculate the crack growth rate and the critical crack size for a
given load. This information can be used to define the inspection period
required to find cracks before they could lead to failure under the
operating loads.
At present, fracture toughness testing is not within the routine
capability of the plate mills. Consequently, Charpy requirements are
still the most widely accepted criteria for notch toughness.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the process by which a part, component or structure
degrades or fails when it experiences cyclic loading. Fatigue can
account for as much as 90% of all failures. In general, fatigue involves
two stages: (1) the initiation of a crack and (2) its
subsequent growth to failure. Failure ultimately occurs when the crack
M ECHANICAL P ROP is large enough
ERTIES
M E C H AN I C AL P R O P ER TIES
that the uncracked section or ligament is unable to support the applied

load. The relative importance of each stage of the cracking process
depends on numerous factors, including the presence of stress raisers
(welds, holes, changes in section), the strength of the material, the
applied stress range, and the size of the member. In the case of
unnotched specimens, initiation can occupy the largest fraction of life,
while propagation is the dominant stage when notches are present.
Crack Initiation occurs when plastic deformation accumulates in a local

region.
Changing materials to
In absence of a stress raiser, plastic deformation changes flat surface to
increase the fracture
a notch-peak topography with many small cracks initiating at the base of
toughness increases the
the surface notches. As cyclic loading progresses, these small cracks
crack length at failure under
join to form a larger one, which can grow in response to the applied
a given loading condition and
cyclic loads. In the presence of a notch (hole, weld toe), this same
increases the margin of
sequence occurs at an accelerated rate. The number of loading cycles
safety against overloads
required for crack initiation depends on the material, cyclic load range,
causing failure when cracks
stress concentration factor of the notch and other factors.
are small. However,
increasing fracture
Crack Propagation is similar to crack initiation in that its driving force is toughness will not markedly
the localized plasticity that occurs at the crack tip in response to the lengthen fatigue life because
applied loads. As the tensile stress is increased, the crack grows and the bulk of life is spent in
ultimately the crack-tip is enlarged or blunted. On unloading, the crack- crack growth when the crack
tip radius is resharpened for the next loading cycle. The rate at is much smaller than the
which a crack grows during one loading cycle is usually expressed in critical crack size.
terms of the range in stress intensity factor, (a function of the load
range, crack length and the
specimen geometry) and is typically insensitive to the strength of the
material. There are numerous references dealing with the kinetics of
crack propagation, i.e. plots of crack growth rate versus the range in
stress intensity factor. For more details on crack growth, see the
references listed at the end of this chapter.
Variables Affecting Fatigue

Some of the most important variables affecting fatigue are:
Stress range life decreases as stress range increases.

Residual stresses life decreases for tensile
residual stress and increases for compressive
residual stress.
Notches or welds reduce fatigue life.
Material properties long life fatigue strength (10 6 to
107 cycles) increases with increasing tensile strength in
the absence of a notch.
Corrosive environmenttypically degrades fatigue performance.
In addition, other variables such as stress state, stress ratio,

surface condition, microstructure, inclusions, grain size, heat
treatment, and deoxidation practice can play a role in the fatigue
process. However, the influence of these variables is generally
of secondary importance relative to those listed above.
Material Effects in Fatigue, caused by the absence of a sharp notch,

are primarily controlled by the tensile strength, with higher strength
materials having proportionally higher long life (10 6 to 107 cycle) fatigue
resistance. In the presence of a sharp notch, fatigue life is insensitive to
differences in strength level because crack propagation,
the dominant phase of life in this case, is insensitive to differences in
strength level. In practice, manufactured products frequently have
notches or details which act like notches. Thus, it is seldom possible
to achieve greater fatigue life through material selection alone.
13

M E C H AN I C AL P RO PE R TIES
Suggestions for Controlling Fatigue and Fracture
Fatigue and fracture are best controlled by proper methods of design,
fabrication and inspection. Improved material properties and quality will
not compensate for poor performance in any of the following.
1. Design information may be obtained from the publications and

specifications of the following agencies:
Agency Type of Information

SAE Ground vehicles
14
ABS Ships
ASME Pressure vessels
AASHTO, AWS, AREA, AISC Bridges,
buildings API Offshore
platforms
2. Every effort should be made to minimize the severity of notches

or, at the least, to reduce the stress in the vicinity of the notch.
3. In the presence of a sharp notch, such as the toe of a weldment,
most of the fatigue life will be spent in crack propagation. Several
ways to improve the fatigue life of welded joints include:
Grinding off the butt weld reinforcement.

Dressing fillet welds and avoiding undercut.
Locating the weld in a low-stress region.
Avoiding joints with large variation in stiffness.
Avoiding use of intermittent welds.
Redesigning the weld joint to have lower fatigue susceptibility.
4. High-strength bolted friction joints have much greater

fatigue resistance than most welded details.
5. In most instances, cracks initiate at notch-like areas on the
surface of parts. Manufacturing practices to improve the
properties of surface material (i.e., carburizing, nitriding, shot
peening) can serve as a means of improving fatigue
resistance. However, elimination of the presence of notches in
areas of high stress is most important.
6. Measurement or estimation of the loading history, and testing of
prototypes, are necessary for optimizing fatigue design in
terms of weight, cost and safety.
7. Variability in properties within and between plates must be
considered when setting design-allowable stresses.
8. Initial and periodic inspections are necessary to the
development of a rational plan for controlling fatigue and
fracture.
9. A thorough fatigue design will consider the possible influences of
temperature and environment, as well as other phenomena such
as fretting.
References
1. R. W. Hertzberg, Deformation and Fracture Mechanics of

Engineering Materials, John Wiley and Sons, 1976.
2. S. T. Rolfe and J. M. Barsom, Fracture and Fatigue Control in Structures
Applications of Fracture Mechanics, Prentice Hall, Second Edition,
1987.
3. A. D. Wilson, Comparison of Dynamic Tear and CVN Impact
Properties of Plate Steel, ASME J. of Eng. Mat. and Tech., April 1998.
4. J. F. Knott, Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics, John Wiley and Sons,
1973.
C O R R O S I O N AND W E ATH E R I N G P E R F O R M AN C E The severity of

atmospheric
attack is a
Corrosion and Weathering Performance function of steel
composition and
Corrosion and appropriate preventive measures are parameters that the corrosivity of
must be considered when deciding on a material for a particular the atmosphere.
application. Their importance varies according to the circumstances. The latter
While for the selection of plate steel, mechanical properties and increases with
weldability are of primary concern, there is hardly an application the presence of:
in which corrosion can be totally neglected.
Industrial pollutants such as SO2,
H2S, and chlorides.
Corrosion is defined as the destruction or deterioration of metal by
Nitrogen compounds.
electrochemical interaction with its environment.
Airborne dusts and solids.
Seawater spray.
Rusting (atmospheric attack) by alternate drying and wetting in air. Increase in relative humidity above
Underground or underwater corrosion a certain critical level.
electrochemical action between the steel and
surrounding environment.
Stress corrosion cracking premature failure of a
steel member under static load, in an aggressive
environment.
Corrosion fatigue premature failure of a steel
member under a cyclic load in an aggressive
environment.
The corrosion of plate steel may be retarded by several methods.
Preventing the plate steel from coming into contact with

water or high humidity, thereby preventing rusting.
Coating or plating the surface of the steel to prevent
contact between the steel and its environment.
Coating the steel with a sacrificial metallic coating galvanizing with zinc.
Cathodic protection by an impressed voltage or sacrificial anodes.
Alloying the steel with copper and other elements to reduce
or halt the loss of thickness by means of a tight self-healing
oxide that protects the steel plate after a sufficient
thickness of oxide has formed.
The type of corrosion of most concern to plate users is atmospheric

attack or rusting of steels. In certain applications, however,
underground and underwater corrosion
and other corrosion-related phenomena, such as stress-corrosion
cracking and corrosion fatigue, may also be important. The latter two
occur in specific environments and manifest themselves as premature
failure of structural members under static tensile
and cyclic stresses, respectively.
Atmospheric Conditions
Atmospheric corrosion occurs when unprotected steel is exposed to
air containing moisture. The attack generally is uniform on plain
surfaces, and may be affected by corners or other appurtenances.
The damage can usually be measured in terms of loss of
thickness in thousandths of an inch (mils) per year. However, the
rate of attack varies with location and time and, therefore, it is not
possible to describe accurately with an average value. Other
parameters, such as time to exhibit a specified loss of thickness,
are, therefore, employed to compare the atmospheric corrosion
resistance of different steels.
C HAPTER6
15
C ORROSION AND
W EAT H ER I N G P ER F OR MAN C E
C O R R O S I O N AN D W E ATH E R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E
The washing effects of rain or heavy condensation may

sometimes be beneficial in reducing corrosion. Other factors that
may affect atmospheric corrosion are:
Initial exposure conditions.

The degree to which steel is sheltered from the atmosphere.
Air movements and temperature.
Details, pockets, corners, collection of debris.
Steel Composition
In general, the process of manufacture and the slight variations in
composition from
16
heat to heat that usually occur in steels of the same quality are relatively
unimportant
factors with respect to atmospheric corrosion. An important
exception is the variation in copper and other alloying element
content.
The presence of copper increases the atmospheric corrosion resistance

of steels through its ability to form a dense, adherent rust layer that
acts as a self-healing barrier against further corrosion. As a rule, 0.2%
copper in steel provides at least twice the atmospheric corrosion
resistance of an otherwise similar steel without copper. Nickel,
chromium, phosphorus, molybdenum and silicon, in the presence of
copper, lead to further improvements in corrosion resistance1. This
information has been used in the development of weathering steels,
which are used in the unpainted condition in
such applications as bridges and buildings.
Weathering Steel
The superior corrosion resistance of weathering steels in marine,
rural and industrial atmospheres has been clearly documented.2 It
has been shown that ASTM A588 Grade B weathering steel (Mayari-
R50) is:
6 to 19 times more durable than the steel without copper.

2 to 10 times more durable than the steel containing 0.21%
copper.
These comparisons were made on the basis of a calculated time ratio to

exhibit a
0.010 in. loss in thickness. The performance of Mittal Steel USA -
Plates Mayari-R50 meets the ASTM A588 specification, which
describes the atmospheric corrosion resistance of weathering steel
as approximately two times that of carbon structural steel with
copper.
C O R R OS ION AN D New York State Thruway bridge fabricated with A709 Grade HPS-70W
W EATHERING P ERFORMAN weathering steel.
CE
CORROSION AND WE AT H E R I N G PERFORMANCE
Thickness Loss (Micrometers)
Figure 2-8: Atmospheric corrosion of plate steel in typical industrial environment
25
0
Carbon
20 Steel +
0 0.021%
Cu
100
A24 17
5
0
0 5 1 1 2
Time of Exposure
(Years)
To demonstrate the advantages of weathering steels, four steels are

compared in Figure 2-8, which shows loss of thickness due to
atmospheric corrosion on exposure over a 16-year period.
Testing conducted by Mittal Steel USA - Plate has shown atmospheric

corrosion resistance is increased by alloying with the elements
phosphorus, silicon, chromium, carbon, copper, nickel, tin and
molybdenum. On the other hand, sulfur increases the corrosion rate in
atmospheric corrosion.3
Presence of mill scale affects the rate of atmospheric corrosion during the initial
stages of exposure, but it is not an important factor over a prolonged
period. Similarly, ordinary variations in grain size and heat treatment
are relatively unimportant in atmospheric corrosion.
To obtain maximum corrosion performance from weathering steel,

several design considerations require close attention. The composition
of fasteners, rivets and weld metal used in weathering steel structures
and plate assemblies should be the same as that of the base metal. In
certain applications, such as highway guide rail, galvanized fasteners
have been used successfully with weathering steel.4 Since a good
exposure to the atmosphere is important in developing a protective
rust layer, crevices and sheltered areas should be avoided as far as
possible. Also, areas exposed to direct contact with corrodants such as
chlorides or sea water spray may be unable to develop full protection,
and this must be kept in mind during designing.
Mittal Steel USA - Plate makes numerous grades of weathering steel:
Mittal Steel USA - Plate Weathering Steel Grades

A242 (Mayari-R)
A514/A517 Grades E,
F, P, Q
A588 (Mayari-R50)
A709 Grades 50W, HPS-70W,
100W A710
A85
2
A87
1
Mayari-R60
See Mittal Steel USA - Plates
Booklet 3791, Weathering Steel,
for greater detail.
Underwater Conditions
Under total immersion conditions in natural waters, all ferrous structural
C ORROSION AND
plate materials corrode uniformly at about the same rate. In sea water,
W EATHERING P ERFORMANC
the rate is about a 0.005 in. loss of thickness per year. The rate of E
corrosion, however, is strongly dependent on such
C O R R O S I O N AN D W E ATH E R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E
environmental factors as the degree of aeration, agitation, presence of

dissolved salts, pH, and presence of protective deposits and
temperature. Presence of mill scale is highly injurious and may lead to
pitting of steel by a galvanic action. In underwater, as well
as underground corrosion, weathering steels and copper-bearing grades
have no advantages over copper-free steels.
Coating
Painting provides sufficient protection to most structural steel in the
atmosphere. More corrosion-resistant grades show better paint
performance than the carbon steels. Good surface preparation and
proper paint application practice are essential to ensure good
18
protection. Paints and other protective coatings may also give satisfactory
performance
in underwater exposure conditions, but in such applications, recourse
is usually made to other techniques such as cathodic protection, in
which the metal structure is made the cathode of a galvanic couple
by an impressed voltage or by sacrificial anodes. It should, however,
be emphasized that cathodic protection and other corrosion-control
techniques are matters to be decided by a qualified corrosion
engineer. This article is in no way intended to be a guide to
corrosion-prevention measures which are to be employed in
applications of plate steel.
References
1. H. E. Townsend: Effects of Silicon and Nickel on the Atmospheric
Corrosion Resistance of ASTM A588 Weathering Steel, Atmospheric
Corrosion, STP 1239. W. W. Kirk and H. H. Lawson, Eds., American Society
of Testing and Materials, pp 85100, Philadelphia, 1995.
2. H. E. Townsend and J. C. Zoccola, STP 767, ASTM pp 4549,
Philadelphia, 1982.
3. H. E. Townsend, The Effects of Alloying Elements on the Corrosion
Resistance of Steel in Industrial Environments, Proceedings of the
Fourteenth International Corrosion Congress, Corrosion Institute of South
Africa, September 1999.
4. H. E. Townsend, C. D. Gorman and R. J. Fischer, Atmospheric
Corrosion of Hot-Dip Galvanized Bolts for Fastening Weathering
Steel Guiderail, Materials Performance, 38(3) pp 6670, 1999.
C O R R OS ION AN D
W EATHERINGP ERFORMANCE
PROCESSING
OF P L AT E S
TEEL
A review by the Customer Technical Service

Department of Mittal Steel USA - Plate has
identified recent experience with customer
problems in the processing of plate steel.
This analysis identified four areas that stood
out as most often causing cracking
19
problems in customer plants. These processes
and the cracking cause were as follows:
Quenching and Tempering

Cracking of parts during
quenching, quench
cracking
Forming
Cracking during cold, warm or hot
forming
Thermal Cutting
Cracking from heat-
affected-zone, stress-
cracking
Welding
Hydrogen-assisted cold cracking
The following chapters provide detailed 4

analysis of these problems and supply
guidelines to prevent occurrence in
customer shops.
C HAPTER 7 Q U E N C H I N G AND T E M P E R I N G
Quenching and Tempering (Q&T) of
Mittal Steel USA - Plate Steel
Dealing with Quench Cracking
Problems
The properties of medium carbon steel can be significantly improved by a
quenching and tempering heat treatment. Quenched and tempered steels are
the backbone of many industries using these steels to produce components
that are hard and tough. However, the Q&T process subjects steels to
enormous stresses, which can lead to cracking if good part design, and heat
treating and quenching practices are not followed. This chapter presents
guidelines for minimizing quench cracking in medium carbon and alloy
steels, e.g. 4140 and 4340. These guidelines may
also be appropriate for dealing with lower and higher carbon steels.
Appearance of Quench Cracks

Quench cracking appears in a quenched and tempered part, either between
the quenching and tempering operations or after tempering. Quench
cracking is caused by the interaction of factors related to part design, heat
treating and quenching practices. During the quenching of steel in oil or water,
very high stresses are caused
by nonuniform cooling, thermally induced deformation and the actual martensite
phase transformation. Most often all three mechanisms must be considered to
prevent quench cracking. As shown in Figure 3-1a to 3-1c, when the carbon level
of steel increases,
20
the hardness capable of being achieved increases. The martensite formed, while
being
harder, is more brittle and susceptible to cracking. The actual cracking takes
place at notches, holes, slots, grooves or the plate centerline and may be in
various orientations. An example is shown in Figure 3-2.
Heat treating of parts

made from plate steel.
Figure 3-1a: Relation of carbon content and percentage

martensite to Rockwell C hardness
7
Hardness, HRC
99.9%
martensite
2
0 0.25 0.50 1.0
0.75
Carbon, %
Q UENCHING AND T EMPERING

QUENCHING AN
ANDD TEMPERING
TEMPERING
Figure 3-1b
7
Hardness, HRC
90%
martensite
2 0 0.25 0.50 1.0
0.75
Carbon, %
From ASM Metals Handbook, Volume 4, 1991
Figure 3-1c
7
21
Hardness, HRC
50%
martensite
2 0 0.25 0.50 1.0
0.75
Carbon, %
From ASM Metals Handbook, Volume 4, 1991
Figure 3-2: Complex machined part with
extensive quench cracking noted
by arrows
QUENCHING AND TEMPERING
AND
TEMPERING
Metallographically, quench cracking has a distinctive appearance

and is most often intergranular in nature, as shown in Figures 3-3 to
3-5. A light gray temper scale is often noted within the crack.
If the crack existed before the Q&T operation, a region of

decarburization near the crack would be created, as shown in Figure
3-6. The use of protective atmosphere furnaces may eliminate
decarburization and the formation of temper scale at pre- existing
cracks.
Figure 3-3: Unetched micrograph showing

quench crack with some temper scale
within crack
22
Figure 3-4: Unetched micrograph showing

interaction of quench crack with
inclusions
Figure 3-5: Etched micrograph showing intergranular nature of

quench crack
QUENCHING AN
ANDD TEMPERING
TEMPERING
Quench cracking can also be associated with banding in the
microstructure, as displayed in Figure 3-7. Banding is a naturally
occurring condition in all medium carbon and alloy steels that results
from the ingot or continuous casting process. Experience has shown
the root cause of most instances of quench cracking is not the banded
structure, but rather the heat treating or part design variables to be
discussed below.
While a quench crack may appear to propagate along a banded area,
it is rare the crack was initiated by this microstructural feature.
Heat Treating Parameters

Several operations or parameters in the Q&T process can influence
the susceptibility to quench cracking.
Heating RateIf a part is heated too quickly or a cold part is placed

in a very hot furnace, the thermal shock alone may initiate cracking.
Susceptible steels and parts should therefore be charged in a warm
furnace and the temperature should be gradually increased to the
austenitizing temperature.
Austenitizing TemperatureHeating of the part to a very high

temperature can add thermal shock, as well as influence
microstructural effects. Although most low carbon alloy steels are
austenitized at 1650F, 0.40 percent carbon alloy steels are best
processed at 1525 to 1575F. It is important actual furnace
temperatures be checked with thermocouples on the part to be sure
the part is not overheated.
23
Figure 3-6: Etched micrograph showing extensive

decarburization area near crack, indicating
this was a stress-crack from thermal cutting
and not a quench crack
Figure 3-7: Etched micrograph showing quench crack

associated with typical banded microstructure
QUENCHING AND
TEMPERING
Quenching MediaWhereas most 0.20 to 0.30 percent carbon

steels may be successfully quenched in water, higher carbon steels
need special liquid quench media, such as oil. Some additives are
available for oil, which develop varying cooling rates from that of
pure oil. Caution should be used, since some of these modified oils
may approach water in cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the cooling
rate can be slowed further by heating the quenching liquid. Hot oil
quenches at 150F have been found to be particularly useful for
susceptible steels and parts.
The choice of quench media is a balancing act. The cooling rate must
be quick enough to give the through-hardening needed for the part
design, but not so severe as to cause cracking. Agitation of the
quenching liquid is also important to provide uniform cooling. It is
important the part has been thoroughly cooled to approximately
150F and the metallurgical transformation has been completed.
Time to TemperAfter a part has been quenched, it must be

tempered very soon thereafter. The significant residual stresses in an
as-quenched part can cause cracking during the delay before
tempering. Tempering acts as a stress relieving operation to reduce
these stresses. Very susceptible steels or parts should be tempered
within eight to 24 hours after quenching. If this is not possible, a snap
temper at 400F will stabilize a part until a final higher tempering
temperature treatment can be performed.
Part Design
24
Very complex machined parts can be susceptible to quench
cracking particularly in higher carbon steels. Often a small
modification in the design of a part can reduce the problem.
NotchesVery sharp notches provide stress concentration where

cracking can initiate. Well-radiused, gradual transitions in corners or
slots are important (See Figure 3-8).
Figure 3-8: Grooves will cause a shaft to warp in heat treating
(top). A keyway with sharp corners often initiates quench
cracks (middle). This cracking is avoided by designing in
a radius (bottom).
Groov
e
Cracked in
Heat
Treatment

QUENCHING AN D TEMPERING
Changes in Cross-SectionsEven when significant radii are

provided between changes in cross-section, cracking may still result. A
very small section will cool much more rapidly than a larger one. This
may require a complete part redesign or use of a new steel.
HolesWhether threaded or not, holes are areas where non-uniform

cooling takes place during quenching. Cracking may occur in the holes
or in regions near them. To minimize these problems, packing
the holes with an insulating material (Kaowool,
mud, steel wool) will lead to more uniform cooling. If this is not
acceptable then flush quenching of holes is advisable.
Orientation During QuenchingWhen parts are immersed in the

quenching liquid, they should be inserted in a manner that leads to a
uniform cooling along the piece.
General
Other operations can also influence the susceptibility to
cracking of quenched and tempered parts. For example, if
chromium or nickel plating is performed after
Q&T, hydrogen may be picked up in the steel which leads to
cracking that looks like quench cracking. To prevent these problems,
plated parts should be baked to remove the hydrogen.
More detailed discussions of the metallurgy and mechanics of quench cracking

problems are presented in the literature. The ASM Handbook, Volume 4, is a 25
particularly useful reference source.
C HAPTER 8 FORMING
Forming of Mittal Steel USA - Plate Steel
Cold, warm and hot forming are important processes used in the
conversion of plate steel to useable parts and machinery. One of the
critical properties of steel is ductility, which allows it to be shaped.
There are, however, a wide variety of steel grades and forming
processes that may be utilized. Therefore, guidelines for the safe and
effective processing of plate steel are appropriate. The following
guidelines were developed with particular emphasis on those practices
that minimize the potential for cracking during the forming operation.
Cold Forming
Cold forming is a term that applies to forming operations performed
at ambient shop temperatures, typically 5090F. Cold forming is also
referred to as roll forming, press brake bending and cold pressing.
These processes can be performed on carbon, high- strength low-
alloy, alloy, stainless and clad plate steel. Guidelines for these
processes are presented in three areas.
Steel PropertiesThe mechanical properties of the particular steel

grade being formed dictates the loads required for forming and the care
that should be taken during the process. A low yield strength steel such
as ASTM A36 (36 ksi minimum yield strength) will not require as high
a load to form as higher strength steels, such as ASTM A514 (100 ksi
minimum yield strength) or Mittal Steel USA - Plate Hardwear 400F
(nominal
26
140 ksi yield strength). The bend forming loads can be estimated
from formulas,
displayed in Figure 3-9. The higher loads in high strength steels
dictate more care should be taken because of the greater stored
energy in a piece during forming. Furthermore, higher strength level
steels tend to demonstrate more spring-back during the process.
Cold
bending
of plate
steel.
Figure 3-9: Bend load formula for determining

press load
P = (0.833 x U x t2 x
P = L)/ W
estimated press load,
tons
U = ultimate tensile
strength, ksi
t = thickness of plate
L = length of plate to
bend, inches
W= width of die
opening, inches
F ORMING
FORMING
Steel ductility, measured as percent elongation in a tensile test, is also

an important property. Higher tensile ductility levels allow more
deformation during bending, particularly in the outer/tensile surface.
Most often ductility decreases with increasing yield strength.
Moreover, steel toughness, as measured by the Charpy V-Notch
impact test, is useful in predicting cracking tendency during forming of
plate. If a steel has sufficient toughness it will be more resistant to
crack propagation from stress concentrations on the work-piece.
Metallurgical processes such as heat treatment, low sulfur processing
(including inclusion shape control) and fine grain practices can improve
toughness and minimize cracking problems during forming. The
benefits of forming at warmer shop temperatures is a result of the
influence of toughness on formability. This will be discussed on page
29.
Plate CharacteristicsSpecific characteristics of the actual

plate being formed also influence its formability.
ThicknessThicker plates not only require increased forming

loads, but also are more susceptible to cracking because of
higher surface tensile stresses and typically lower toughness of
thicker plates.
OrientationHot rolling of plate steel results in directionality
of properties being created. Non-metallic inclusions in
conventional structural steels are elongated in the primary
rolling direction. These become sites for localized deformation
and eventual cracking. Thus there is an optimum forming
27
orientation for severe bending applications, as shown in Figure 3-10.
Rolling
Direction
Rolling
Direction
Figure 3-10: Orientation of bend with respect to
rolling direction
F ORMING
Bad direction, longitudinal bend

FORMING
Figure 3-11: Approximate depths of heat affected zones in
oxygen cut steels
Oxy-fuel Cut Edge HAZ Depth

Thicknes (Inches)*
s Low Carbon High Alloy
(Inches) Steels Carbon Steels
1 1 1 1
U 2 Under 32 16 and
nd
1 1 1 1 greater
1
2 32 32 t 16 8 and
1 1 o greater
6 8 8 t 1 4 1
4 and
o greater
*Depth of hardened coarse grain HAZ is considerably less
Figure 3-12: Example of cracking in HAZ that lead to

failure of bend
28
Edge ConditionA major cause of cracking during forming is

the condition of the plate edge in the vicinity of the bend. An
oxy-fuel gas-cut or plasma-cut edge has a hardened, low
toughness heat affected zone (HAZ), which may initiate a crack
during forming. The hardened edges should be removed by
localized grinding or heat treatment. Even sheared plates may
have a remnant, cold worked edge that should be removed by
grinding. Figure 3-11 shows the approximate depths of the HAZ
in oxygen cut edges. Figure 3-12 shows an example of an
untreated gas-cut edge that cracked in the HAZ and led to
failure of an A515 Grade 70 plate during forming.
Surface ConditionThe surfaces of as-rolled and/or heat treated
plates may have pits, scratches or gouges caused by processing or
handling. The tensile/ outer surface in the vicinity of the bend
should be inspected and gross defects smoothed out by grinding.
Pun
Other surface conditions such as die stamps, arc strikes or areas
where lifting lugs may have been attached would have similar
concerns.
Forming PracticesThe Figure 3-13: Important

techniques and equipment parameters in bend
used in cold forming can have forming
a significant influence on
successful processing.
F ORMING
x
Forming Parameters
R
operation includes the radius of the punch and the
W
geometry of the die, as demonstrated in Figure T
Guidelines for forming of Punch bend forming severity
were developed by an AISI ratioR/T Die bend forming
severity ratioW/T
summarized and published in ASTM A6 Appendix
X4.
V-
FORMING
Die ConditionsIf the surface of the female die is heavily

gouged, smooth metal movement is inhibited. The surfaces of
the V-die should be ground smooth. To further assist metal
sliding over the V-die surfaces, lubrication may be utilized.
Forming waxes and greases are available for these
applications.
Clad ProductsIn severe cold forming applications for roll-
bonded clad, a weld bead, tying in the two clad layers, will
minimize the potential for separation of the layers.
Warm Forming
Increasing the local or general temperature of the formed part can be
helpful in difficult forming applications, as long as specific guidelines
are followed. Warm forming is most often used to describe forming
done at elevated temperatures that does not significantly change the
properties of the base plate.
Reduced LoadsForming loads can be reduced if the temperature of

the work-piece is increased to 900F or higher. However, if the
temperature used is too high, the strength and hardness of the base
plate will be reduced. Refer to the mill test report for the heat
treatment history of the plate. As a general guideline, do not heat as-
rolled or normalized steels above 1050F, and do not heat quenched
and tempered steels
to within 50F of the mill tempering temperature. In the case of Mittal
Steel USA - Plates quenched and tempered Hardwear, which is
tempered at 400F, a maximum
forming temperature should be 350F.
29
Reduced CrackingAs was mentioned earlier, steel toughness is an

important property to resist cracking during forming. Because ferritic
steels go through a transition in toughness versus temperature, the
effective toughness of a steel can be enhanced
by increasing the temperature. This is shown schematically in Figure
3-14. Typically increasing the forming temperature to the range of
200300F can significantly improve the toughness of the steel and
minimize certain cracking problems.
Hot Forming
When very thick plates must be formed, the required loads may be
beyond machine capability. Hot forming allows a significant reduction
in these loads because the typical temperatures used (1600
2000F+), result in a major drop in the yield strengths of all steel
products. However, exposure of the plate steel to these higher
temperatures results in a significant change in the properties and
microstructure of the base plate.
Steel ChemistryIn very challenging hot-forming applications, the

copper level in the steel is critical. A problem called copper-
checking occurs in structural steels when the copper level is over
0.15% (and there is no matching nickel level). Susceptible
applications include head spinning and fluing or swagging of
nozzle openings in
Figure 3-14: Schematic CVN curve showing better toughness at higher temperatures.
CVN Energy, ft-lb
20
0 - 0 +10 +20 +30
Test
Temperature,
15
0
10
0
F ORMING
FORMING
Figure 3-15: Nozzle openings showing Cu-checking
problem
pressures vessels. Steels used in these applications should be

ordered with a copper restriction of 0.15% maximum. An example of
this problem is shown in Figure 3-15.
30
Forming PracticesBecause the plate steel is being heated
to such a high temperature, there are several guidelines to
observe.
The uniformity of heating is very important. Also, care must be

taken to make sure there is no direct impingement of the
burner flame on the steel surface.
Because the steel may be at high temperatures for a period of
time, the atmosphere conditions in the furnace should be
monitored (fuel/air ratios). Excessive localized oxidation of the
steel can result in pitting of the steel surface.
Heat Treatment of Finished PartBecause the properties of the

base plate change during the hot forming operation, subsequent heat
treatment of the formed part may be required.
NormalizingIf the hot forming operation was intended to act as

a normalizing heat treatment as well, the steel mill should have
been requested to run a capability lab test on the plate. Use of the
same heating temperature is important. Furthermore, a normalizing
heat treatment requires air cooling after heating. Formed parts
should not be stacked and should be positioned to allow uniform
cooling. Sometimes fan cooling may be required to achieve the
cooling rate necessary to achieve mechanical properties.
Quenching and TemperingIf a hot formed part must be
quenched and tempered, the mill capability test heat treatment
must be followed. A uniform and effective water quench of the
part is required. Water circulation and a large enough vessel to hold
sufficient water are important. The water temperature should not
exceed 100F to ensure an effective quench. The tempering
temperature and time must also be followed to assure achieving
mechanical properties.
F ORMING
THERMAL
C HAPTER 9
CUTTING
Thermal Cutting of Mittal Steel USA - Plate Steel
Thermal cutting, burning, or oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) of plate steel with

an oxygen torch is a combination of oxidation and melting.
Chemically produced intense heat is generated by the rapid
oxidation of iron with a stream of high purity oxygen. This reaction is
exothermic; that is, heat is given off as the combination takes place.
The majority of the information in this chapter deals with OFC.
Some guidelines are also provided for plasma and laser beam
cutting.
Burning begins by heating a small portion of the plate surface to red

hot (approximately 1600F) with an oxy-fuel gas flame and directing a
stream of high purity oxygen against it. Oxidation, or burning, begins
almost instantly. The heat from the reaction is so intense that a
considerable amount of adjacent metal is melted and flows away
from the cutting slot, or kerf, with the oxidized material. This slag
typically may contain 30% melted steel and 70% iron oxides (FeO,
Fe2O3 and Fe3O4).
The conventional cutting torch is equipped with a tip that contains a

cutting oxygen orifice surrounded by a ring of small oxy-fuel gas
ports. A number of gases are commonly used for the oxy-fuel mix
including acetylene, MPS, natural gas, propane and propylene. 31
Flames from the oxy-fuel ports help initiate the cut, descale the plate,
add heat to maintain cutting and shield the oxygen stream. After
initiation of the reaction, the kerf cut through the plate section will
continue to advance as long
as the oxygen stream is supplied.
Oxy-fuel
cutting of
plate steel.
Cutting Process Parameters

For burning, one pound of iron requires 4.6 ft 3 of oxygen. Oxygen
consumption will vary depending on the quality of cut desired. For
average straight line cutting of low carbon steel, consumption
varies with the thickness of the plate and is lowest in the 4- to 5-
inch range. The quantity of oxygen available for reaction
decreases as it flows through the cut.
If oxygen flow is sufficient and properly directedand, if cutting

speed is not excessivethe cut face remains vertical and the rate of
cutting will be approximately constant. If the cutting speed is too fast
and/or oxygen flow is insufficient, the lower portion of the cut reacts
slowly and drag marks become pronounced. A slower cutting speed
increases the amount of heat retained and results in an improved
quality cutting edge. Various cutting tips are available depending on
the plate thickness to be cut. Equipment manufacturers provide a
suggested range of cutting speeds,
as well as gas flow rates that should be used with their products.
During cutting, the heat from the process causes an area near the kerf
to heat up to temperatures that cause metallurgical transformation of
the steel. This heat-affected- zone (HAZ) is shown schematically in T HERMAL C UTTING
Figure 3-16. The depth of the HAZ is influenced

THERMAL CUTTING
Figure 3-16: Schematic of thermal cutting process
KE
RF
2 1 1
3 8 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
2800
F
and
F F F
Grea
ter
Directi
on of
Cutting
Figure 3-17: Approximate depths of heat affected zones in

oxygen cut steels
Thicknes Oxy-fuel Cut Edge HAZ Depth

(Inches)*
s Low Carbon High Alloy
32
(Inches) Steels Carbon Steels
1 1 1 1
U 2 Under 32 16 and
nd
1 1 1 1 greater
1
2 32 32 t 16 8 and
1 1 o 1 greater
1
6 8 8 t 4 4 and
o greater
*Depth of hardened coarse grain HAZ is considerably less
by the cutting parameters (slower cutting speed results in a larger

HAZ, but with lower hardness) and the grade of steel being cut.
Figure 3-17 shows the effect of steel grade on the approximate
depths of these HAZs. The quality of the HAZ (hardness, cracking) is
influenced by cutting parameters and whether preheating and post
heating are needed or were performed.
Preheating and Post

Heating
When thermal cutting plate in certain combinations of thickness
and chemical composition, special preheating and/or post-heating
practices may be necessary. The use of preheating can:
Increase the efficiency of the cutting operation by

permitting increased travel speed and decreased
consumption of oxygen and fuel gas.
Decrease the migration of carbon to the cut surface by
lowering the temperature gradient in the steel adjacent
to the cut.
Reduce or prevent hardening of the cut surface by reducing the cooling
rate.
Reduce distortion.
Reduce thermally-induced stresses, thereby minimizing the
formation of thermal stress-cracks.
It is essential that preheat temperature be fairly uniform throughout the

section in
the area to be cut. Also, cutting should be started as soon as possible to
take advantage of the heat in the plate. It is particularly important in
thick plates to have the complete cross-section heated to the
appropriate temperature. This is also important when bringing cold
plates onto the fabrication floor when a nominal +50F plate
temperature is required. Figure 3-18 demonstrates a significant
length of time can be required for
a cold plate to warm-up to the +50F minimum plate cutting
temperature.
T HERMAL C UTTING
THERMAL CUTTING
Time to Heat-up, Hours
Figure 3-18: Warm-up of plate to +50F before cutting
3 3
2 2 T
i
m
2 2
e
12 t
1 12 1
o
H
e
a
1 1 t-
6 u
5 6 5
0 0
-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
50
Temperature of Plate, F
6- and 12-inch thick plates at -20F or

+20F Fabricating shop at +60F
Typically, a combination
It is recommended all preheating be done in a furnace or on a special of two or more of these
preheat table. conditions dictates the
If furnace or table capacity is not available, local preheating in the need for additional care
vicinity of the cut will be of some benefit. Local preheating may be (preheating and post
accomplished by passing the cutting torch flames over the line of the heating) when thermal
cut until the desired preheat temperature is reached or by using a cutting.
hand held torch. All local preheating should be done slowly and
moderately NOTE: When laying out
to avoid high temperature gradients and additional thermal stresses. Mittal Steel USA -
Plate Mill Edge
Using a proper post heat treatment can eliminate most metallurgical Plate for cutting,
changes caused by the cutting heat. These include tempering of take
hardened edges and relieving stresses at the cut edge. Post heat measurements
treatment should be performed in a furnace or by the use of special from the
multiple flame heating torches as soon as possible after cutting. centerline of the
plate to reliably
Metallurgical Influences on Cut Edge Quality establish area of
good metal.
The need for special cutting practices, including preheating and
post heating, to prevent the occurrence of hard cut edges or
stress-cracking, are dictated by a number of parameters.
Carbon ContentAs carbon level increases the need for

processing precautions increases.
Alloy LevelAs more alloy elements are added to a steel, the need
increases.
Plate ThicknessThicker plates require special care.
Sulfur LevelSteels with intentional additions of sulfur (free-

machining) require more care.
Plate ToughnessA plate in the as-rolled condition requires more

care than after it is heat treated.
Part DesignParts with sharp corners or notches need care to

prevent cracking.
33
T HERMAL C UTTING
THERMAL CUTTING
Guidelines for Thermal Cutting
The charts on pages 36 and 37 summarize Mittal Steel USA - Plates
recommended preheat and post heat practices for carbon, HSLA and
alloy plate steel. These guidelines are based on a combination of steel
carbon content, carbon equivalent, thickness and Mittal Steel USA -
Plates experience. Even these guidelines cannot ensure complete
freedom from problems. Good shop thermal cutting practices are
essential.
Further Processing of Thermal Cut Plates

After thermal cutting plates or plate parts, further guidelines for
consideration during subsequent processing are:
If the grade and thickness requires post heat treatment

for the part, the remaining usable plate skeleton may
also need attention to prevent cracking in storage.
If the cut edges are going to be part of a cold formed part,
the tension corner of the edge and any notches should be
ground prior to forming.
If a saw cutting or machining operation will start at a
thermally-cut edge, stress relief of the edge or starting of
the cut with an abrasive saw may be needed to penetrate
the hardened HAZ.
Plasma-Arc
Cutting
Plasma-arc cutting (PAC) is a thermal-cutting process that uses a high
temperature,
34
high voltage constricted arc to melt material and high velocity gas
to blow it away. Since its introduction in the 1950s, PAC has seen
significant development, and with new technologies such as oxygen-
PAC and improved equipment design, higher quality cuts and cutting
speeds at lower operating costs have been achieved. As a result,
more steel fabricators are using PAC, especially in the up to 112 in.
thickness range. In this thickness range, PAC competes favorably
with other thermal-cutting processes such as laser beam cutting
(LBC) and OFC. The gases typically used to cut steel are nitrogen,
air, carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Cut quality is influenced to a great extent by process variables and

the PAC equipment should be operated and maintained strictly
according to manufacturers
recommendations. The most common material-related problems found
during PAC are:
Distortion.
Dross formation.
Distortioncan be minimized by:
Ensuring the plate is free from residual stresses.

Employing a cutting sequence to distribute
thermally induced strains evenly.
Using a water shield or cutting under water.
T HERMAL C UTTING
THERMAL CUTTING
Dross formationcan be minimized by:
Using oxygen plasma rather than nitrogen or air plasma.

Limiting Si content to less that 0.1%, if using nitrogen or air plasma.
Minimizing magnetic handling of the plates, to
ensure low levels of residual magnetism in the plate.
Laser Beam Cutting

Laser beam cutting (LBC) is a thermal-cutting process that removes
material by locally melting (or vaporizing) with the heat from a
laser beam, and using a gas jet to blow the molten or vaporized
material away. Plain carbon and low alloy steels are most
commonly cut using oxygen as the cutting gas and the exothermic
reaction of
iron with oxygen provides additional energy to enhance the cutting
action. In the past, use of LBC was limited to steels of thickness 14 in.
and less using laser power levels
of 1.5 kW or less. With recent advances made in laser technology,
higher laser power levels have been achieved and fabricators now
cut 1 in. steel in production.
As with plasma-arc cutting, cut quality is significantly influenced by

process variables and the equipment manufacturers
recommendations should be strictly followed for operation and
maintenance of the LBC system. Again like PAC, the most common
material-related problems found during LBC are:
35
Distortion.
Dross formation, poor cut edge quality.
Distortioncan be minimized by:
Ensuring the plate is free from residual stresses.

Employing a cutting sequence to distribute thermally induced strains evenly.
Dross formationis minimized and cut edge quality improved when:
Surface scale is uniform and tightly adherent, and

the surface is free from mechanical indentations
(stamping, gouges, deep scratches), thick
paint/thermal chalk markings and heavy rust.
Si content is low (up to 0.04%).
Modest levels of Cu and Ni are present in the steel.
There is no gross segregation or large inclusions in the steel.
In most cases, hot-rolled steels are found to cut better in the as-
rolled condition than the shot-blasted condition. However in some
cases, heat-treated (quenched and tempered) steels give more
consistent cuts in the shot-blasted condition. When
shot blasting has to be carried out, using a smaller shot size provides
more consistent cuts. Sand blasting is not recommended on plates to
be laser cut.
T HERMAL C UTTING
THERMAL CUTTING
Popular ASTM
Specifications
Typ Thickness (Inches)

e A
ASTM Allo +50F Minimum Preheat 300F
Specifications y C Preheat 300FGas Cut Hot Plate
1 2
Carb Temperature Gas Cut Hot Immediately HT
A C 15 and over 15
3 under
6 2 and
A C under
1 2 and ov
3 under er
A
1 6 and 4

A under
over 15
2 4 and
A
under
0
6 and
2 over 2
A under
A
4 and
A A 2 and over 2 ov
3 under 4 er
0 2 and 4
2 A under 2 and
A under ov
3 2 and er
A 1
A514A, B, F&H A 2 2 and
( T-1), P A514 under over 3
E&Q (T-1C) 3 and
A515 A under
A516 15 and
A517A, B, F&H under over 3
C
(T-1), P A517 15 and
E&Q (T-1C) under over 2 ov
1
A529 C 2 2 and 4 er
36
A under 3 4
5 and 2 and
3 A under 2
1
under ov
3 and over 4 er
A under 2 2
A
5 and
3 under over 3
7 C 6 and
A under over 3
A C 1 and
6 under
1 6 and
2 H under
A 3 and
6 under
H
3 2 and

3 under

A 6 and
C
under
6
8 and
5
H under
6 over 2
2 and
A under
6
A 4 and
6
T HERMAL C UTTING
THERMAL CUTTING
Popular ASTM Chemistry Only Grades
Typ Thickness (Inches)

e A
ASTM Allo +50F Minimum Preheat 300F Preheat
1
A830 Grades y C 300FGas Cut Hot Plate Temperature Gas
2
Carb Cut Hot Immediately
1006 1025 C 15 and
1030 under over 8
1040 8 and 1 and over 1
3
C under under
1045 over 1
3
1060 1 and all

C under thickness
ASTM A829 Grades
1 1 3
4130 A 1 2 and 1 2 to 6 over 6
4140 under 1 and over 1
3
4142 under over 1

3
A
4150 1 and all
E under thickness
4 A es
3
all
3 thickness
4 8 and es
3
all
0 A under thickness
E 8 and es
3
6 A under
1 8 and
under
Mittal Steel USA - Plate Proprietary Grades
Clean- C 2 and over 2

Cut 20 under over 2
C1119 2 and 1 and over 1
4
C under under 4
Clean- over 1 37

Cut 45 1 and
C1144 C under
Tart 2 and under
an
3 and under
C 3 and
Beth

Spartan, HSLA A 8 and

80 /100 MTD 1 under 1 and over 1
4
MTD 2
under over 1
4

A 1 and
MTD 3 all
under thickness
MTD 4
A es
4
Hardwear
2 and all
400F
under over 2 thickness
Hardwear

A 1 and 3 es
4
500F
under over
T-1 Abrasion 1
13
A 2 2 and
Resistant MIL-A- ove
under
Notes: Recommended practices are based on Tables 10 and 11, Iron

and Steel Society Steel Products ManualPlates, and/or Mittal
Steel USA - Plates experience.
1. When preheating is not required, plates should be at a temperature

of at least 50F. (During winter months, plates brought in from
outside storage may require several days to warm up, depending
on thickness).
2. Edges must be heat treated (HT) immediately after cutting to soften the edges.
If unable to heat treat edges immediately, material must be kept hot until heat treated.
3. Heat to 1100F/1325F, hold 12 hr./in., air cool. An anneal or
sub-critical anneal may be substituted.
4. Heat to 1050F -25F, hold 12 hr./in., air cool.
T HERMAL C UTTING
C HAPTER 10 WELDING
Welding of Mittal Steel USA - Plate Steel
Dealing with Hydrogen-Assisted Cold Cracking
Welding is of critical importance in the fabrication of structures from
plate steel. Most popular structural steels are readily weldable with well-
established shop practices and welding materials. However, under a
combination of circumstancesincluding the grade of steel, welding
consumables being used, weld joint design or environmental conditions
cracking of weldments may occur. A popular way to identify a
potentially susceptible grade of steel is to calculate a carbon equivalent
and refer to a diagram such as that shown in Figure 3-19. However,
this is at best only a first step in dealing with
a welding situation where susceptibility to weld cracking is of
concern. There are numerous reference sources for guidance in the
welding of steels, four of which are noted at the end of this chapter. In
this chapter, we focus on dealing with hydrogen- assisted weld
cracking problems that are most frequently encountered in welding of
structures fabricated from plate steel.
Cracking in
Weldments
Cracks occur in the weld and base metal of fabricated weldments
when localized stresses exceed the ultimate strength and/or
toughness of the material. These cracks may be in the longitudinal or
transverse direction with respect to the weld axis and generally are
divided into two categories:
38
Welding
of plate
steel.
Figure 3-19: Influence of carbon level and carbon

equivalent on susceptibility to hydrogen-
assisted HAZ cracking of plate steel
Typical
Carbon, %
. Zone II Zone
Depends III
. High
on
Conditio Under All
.
A516-
70
A51
A387-
. Zone
I*
Safe Under
Most
A71
0
.30 .40 . . . .
CE = Mn+ Ni+Cu
+ Cr+Mo+V
6 5
*High Strength Welding Consumables May Require
From Graville
W ELDING
WELDING
Hot Cracks develop at elevated temperatures, i.e. they commonly

form during solidification of the weld metal.
Cold Cracks, or delayed cracks, develop after solidification of the

fusion zone as the result of residual stresses. Cold cracks generally
form at some temperature below 200F (93C), sometimes several
hours, or even days, after welding. The time delay depends upon the
grade of steel, magnitude of welding stresses and the hydrogen
content of the weld and heat-affected zone (HAZ).
Delayed cracking normally is associated with dissolved hydrogen and

can occur in the weld metal, generally when filler metals with high
yield strength levels are used, or in the heat-affected zone of the base
metal due to diffusion of hydrogen from the weld metal to the base
metal during the welding process (Figure 3-20). Examples of typical
delayed cracks, as in Figures 3-21 and 3-22, include:
Toe cracks which are generally cold cracks that initiate

approximately normal to the base metal surface and then
propagate from the toe of the weld where the residual stresses
are higher. These cracks are generally the result of thermal
shrinkage strains acting on a weld heat-affected zone that has
been embrittled. Toe cracks sometimes occur when the base
metal cannot accommodate the shrinkage strains that are
imposed by welding.
Figure 3-20: Weldment terminology 39
Weld Weld
HA HA
Figure 3-21: Weldment terminology and types of cracks
Toe
Cra
Toe
Root Root
Toe and root cracks

Transve Transve
rse rse
Cracks Cracks
Transverse cracks
W ELDING
WELDING
Figure 3-22: Weldment terminology and types of
cracks
Underbead Cracks
Root cracks, which run longitudinally, originate in the

HAZ of the root of the weld.
Transverse cracks are nearly perpendicular to the weld axis. They
may
be limited entirely to the weld metal or may propagate from the
weld metal into the heat-affected-zone and the base metal.
Transverse cracks are normally related to hydrogen embrittlement.
Underbead cracks are generally cold cracks that form in the heat-
affected
40
zone. They may be short and discontinuous, or may extend to
form a continuous crack. Usually found at irregular intervals
under the weld metal, they do not always extend to the surface.
The occurrence of any of the aforementioned cracking requires

hydrogen in solid solution, a crack susceptible microstructure and
high residual stresses.
Hydrogen can be absorbed from the atmosphere in large amounts

by carbon and alloy steels at the elevated temperatures associated
with welding. As the steel cools, it retains less and less hydrogen in
solution and rejects the excess hydrogen. When steel is held at
elevated temperatures or slow cooled, hydrogen atoms can escape
back into the atmosphere by the process known as diffusion.
However, rapid cooling, associated with most welding processes,
tends to trap the hydrogen, where it acts to embrittle and weaken
the steel structure. A greater potential for cracking exists in a brittle
material (high-strength, high-hardness) subjected to high residual
stresses (restrained joints).
The ability of a steel to form the hard metallurgical constituent known

as martensite or other hard phases is, in general, dependent on the
carbon equivalent (CE) of the steel and the cooling rate imposed upon
it in cooling from the transformation temperature. The higher the CE
and the faster the cooling rate, the higher the tendency for hard,
brittle phases to form during cooling. Since the metallurgical
characteristics of the base metal can influence heat-affected zone
crack susceptibility and these characteristics are determined, in large
part, by the steels chemistry, small changes in chemical composition of
the base and filler metals (hydrogen content) can appreciably increase
cracking tendency. And, since steel is melted to a composition range,
there can be a significant difference in crack susceptibility between
plates produced from several heats of the same steel grade.
In the welding of plate steel, the plate acts as a giant heat sink and
actually sucks heat away from the weld. The thicker the plates and
more complex the design of the weld joint, the bigger the heat sink,
the faster the cooling rate, and the greater the tendency to form
martensite. These factors also lead to the formation of higher residual
stresses in the weldment and, when combined with a restrained joint,
can significantly increase the susceptibility for cracking.
W ELDING
WELDING
Sources of Hydrogen in Welding
During the welding process, hydrogen can enter the molten
weld pool from a variety of sources. These sources
include:
Moisture, oil, grease, rust or scale on the base metal surfaces.

Moisture in the atmosphere (rainy or humid days), which
allows infiltration of moisture into the shielding atmosphere
surrounding the arc zone.
Moisture in the electrode coating or core ingredients of flux-core wire.
Hydrogen from cellulose in the flux or electrode coatings.
Moisture in the flux of submerged arc welding.
Drawing lubricant or protective coatings on bare wire or flux-core wire.
Minimizing Hydrogen Damage

Hydrogen damage (cracking) can be minimized by establishing and
enforcing welding practices and procedures that prevent excess
hydrogen from entering the weld puddle and by taking steps that
permit any dissolved hydrogen to diffuse out slowly. Typical methods
to achieve this include:
1. Thorough cleaning of the base metal (weld joint and adjacent

area) by grinding and brushing.
2. Exclusive use of low hydrogen electrodes and/or low hydrogen welding processes.
3. Proper drying and storing of welding electrodes, fluxes and gases and proper
41
maintenance of equipment such as wire feeders.
4. Welding procedures that lower welding stresses.
5. Employing a combination of welding and thermal treatments
that promote the escape of hydrogen by diffusion. This also
can modify the microstructure to make it more resistant to
hydrogen cracking.
Preheating and maintaining minimum interpass temperature.

Slow cooling or maintaining preheat after welding.
Post-weld heat treatment.
Low Hydrogen Welding Practices

ElectrodesAll electrodes having low hydrogen coverings should be
purchased in hermetically sealed containers. Immediately after opening,
electrodes should be stored in a ventilated oven held at 250F (121C)
minimum. After containers are opened or after electrodes are removed
from the holding oven, electrode exposure to the atmosphere should not
exceed supplier recommendations. The following maximums are
provided for reference:
Electrodes exposed to the atmosphere for longer time periods

should not be used unless they have been rebaked. Wet
electrodes should be discarded.
Electrodes should be rebaked no more than once.
Exposure Maximums
Carbon Steel Alloy

Steel
E70XX 4 hrs. E70XX-X 4 hrs.
E70XXR 9 hrs. E80XX-X 2 hrs.
E70XXH 9 hrs. E90XX-X 1 hr.
ZR 1
E7018M 9 hrs. E100XX-X 2 hr.
1
E110XX-X 2 hr.
W ELDING
WELDING
Carbon electrodes should be rebaked at 500800F (260427C)

for a minimum of two hours.
Alloy electrodes should be rebaked at 700800F (371427C)
for a minimum of one hour.
Electrodes of any classification lower than E100XX-X (except
E7018M and E70XXH4R) used for welding high strength plate steel,
such as ASTM A514, A517 & A709-100 &100W, should be baked
before use at 700800F (371427C) for a minimum of one hour,
regardless of how the electrodes are furnished.
Bare Wire & Flux Core WireRemove oil, grease, drawing compound
and dirt from the bare wire or flux core wire.
FluxNew fluxes are available that allow weld deposits with low
hydrogen levels (less than 5 ml/100 g). These are particularly useful
with higher strength alloy electrodes.
W ELDING
42
F f contamination from dirt, mill scale or other foreign
l material.
u Flux should be purchased in packages that can be stored for at
x least six months, under normal conditions, without affecting its
welding characteristics or weld properties.
f Flux from a damaged package should be discarded or dried before
o use in a ventilated oven, using supplier recommendations;
r generally baking at 700800F (371427C) for a minimum of one
S hour.
A Flux should be placed in dispensing system immediately
W upon opening a package.
When using flux from an open package, the top one inch should
be discarded.
s
Flux that becomes wet should be discarded.
h
Clean, unfused, reclaimed flux should be dried as described above
o before reuse.
u
l
PreheatEven with all the controls described above for minimizing
d
hydrogen in
the consumables, high carbon steels (over 0.30% C), alloy steels,
b high-strength steels (100 ksi/690 MPa yield strength and above), thick
e plates (over 1 inch or 25 mm) or highly-restrained weldments may
require preheat to prevent cracks or fissures due
d to hydrogen. The primary purpose of preheat is to retard the cooling
r rate in the heat- affected zone and weld metal. In multi-bead welds,
y subsequent beads may be deposited on metal that has been preheated
by preceding beads, but the first and most important bead is deposited
a on cold steel unless a preheating procedure is adopted. Preheating
n has the advantages of:
d
Drying the joint of any retained moisture.
f Burning off any organic compounds.
r Increasing the diffusion rate of hydrogen.
e Slowing the weldment cooling rate.
e
Calculations have established the cooling rate from a preheated plate
temperature of 200F (93C) is only 85% the rate from a plate at the
o
ambient temperature of 75F (24C). It is 70% for a 300F (149C)
preheat. This slower cooling rate modifies the heat-affected zone
microstructure to make it more crack resistant and lowers the level of
residual stresses in the weldment.
Preheating temperatures used are based on experience or codes, such

as the AWS D1.1 and D1.5. Typically, shop ambient temperatures of
5060F (1016C) are appropriate to some thickness. The preheat
temperatures should then increase with thickness, for example, 150F
(66C), 225F (107C), 300F (149C). For high carbon and high
alloy steels, preheating temperatures as high as 600F (360C) may be
required. Furthermore, the higher residual stresses that result with
certain joint designs and higher strength welding consumables may
require higher preheats to avoid delayed cracking even for carbon
steels that usually require minimal preheat.
WELDING
Methods for PreheatingThe preheat method used is also important.

Preheating may be applied in several fashions, with oxy-fuel (rosebud)
torches being one of the most common. Various types of electric
resistance heaters or blankets are also available.
One of the by-products of combustion is moisture. When a flame is

applied to cold steel, condensation usually occurs in the region. It is
important to drive this moisture (chase the chill) from the weld
zone. Also, flame preheating from only one side of the plate may
cause condensation on the opposite side of the joint, causing
moisture to be picked up in the first, or root, pass.
Preheat temperature measurement can be accomplished in several

ways, the most common being the use of Tempil sticks (crayons
that melt at the prescribed temperature). It is important to
remember the proper preheat temperature has not been reached
and the steel is not ready to weld until the Tempil sticks melt at
a minimum distance of 3 inches on either side of the joint, as well as the back side.
Once welding begins, the weld joint should not be allowed to cool below
the preheat temperature (now the minimum interpass temperature)
until the welding is complete. If the welding operation is interrupted for
any reason, the above preheating operation should be repeated until
the minimum preheat temperature is re-established.
Slow Cooling and Post-Weld Heat Treatment

43
The same thick, high-strength restrained weldments that require preheat may also
require slow cooling and/or post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). Again,
this preheat/ post heat combination serves the purpose of reducing
residual stresses, allowing the diffusion of dissolved hydrogen and
modifying the microstructure of the heat affected-zone to render it
more crack resistant.
The most common methods of slow cooling involve maintaining

minimum preheat temperature on the joint for several hours after
the welding has been completed and/or wrapping the completed
weldment with an insulating blanket to retard
the cooling rate.
While the preheat and slow cool methods described above help in
reducing the formation of martensite, a certain amount is
unavoidable in thick, high CE steels. In these instances, post-weld
heat treatment (PWHT) may be necessary. PWHT, also known as
stress relieving or tempering, is usually accomplished by
heating the weldment to a temperature below its tempering
temperature or other temperature which may affect the base
metal properties. However, for PWHT to be of value in reducing
hydrogen in the weldment it must be performed immediately
after the weld has begun to cool. Other critical aspects of any
PWHT include:
Temperature of the furnace for charging the weldment.

Heat up rate.
PWHT temperature and range.
Hold time at temperature.
Cooling rate.
Applicable codes and specifications, job requirements and qualification

test requirements generally govern the specific PWHT cycle selected.
Some steels, such as ASTM A514 and A710, can be embrittled by
PWHT. It is recommended the choice of PWHT be made only after
review by a welding engineer.
More Specific Welding Information

Chapters 11 and 12 provide more detailed welding information for
popular structural and pressure vessel plate steels.
W ELDING
WELDING
References
The following references are excellent resources for additional

information on the welding of steels.
1. R. D. Stout. Weldability of Steels, 4th edition, Welding

Research Council, New York, NY, 1987.
2. ASM International. ASM Handbook, Volume 6, Welding, Brazing
and Soldering, Materials Park, OH, 1993.
3. American Welding Society. D1.196, 1996, Structural Welding
CodeSteel,
Miami, FL, 1996.
4. American Welding Society. D1.596, 1996, Bridge Welding
Code,
Miami, FL, 1996.
44
W ELDING
WELDING
AND O THER D
ATA
Welding and other data are provided for

structural and pressure vessel plate steel
grades. This information includes welding
electrode and preheat guidelines, and typical
carbon equivalent levels. This welding
information
may be more stringent than AWS D1.1.
Furthermore, although some grades may be
welded with other than low hydrogen
practices, Mittal Steel USA - Plate
recommends use of low hydrogen welding
practices for all plate steel welding. Also
provided are available Charpy V-Notch levels
that can be ordered and, where available,
typical stress-strain curves and atmospheric
corrosion data. Please refer to Mittal Steel
USA - Plate if additional data is desired.
Structural Plate Steel

Plate steel grades produced
following ASTM A6 general
requirements
45
Pressure Vessel Plate Steel

Plate steel grades produced
following ASTM A20 general
requirements
C HAPTER 11 STRUCTURAL PL ATE STEEL

Welding and Other Data
on Structural Plate Steel Grades
Structural Grades
Grade Page Grade Page
Number Number
A36 47 A656 56
A242 48 BethStar 57
A283 49 A678 58
A514 50 RQC 59 60
A529 51 A710 61
A572 52 A808 62
A573 53 A852 63
A588 54 A871 64 65
A633 55 Hardwear 66

46
S TRUCTURAL P LATE S TEEL

S T R U C T U R A L PL ATE STEEL A36
Standard Description
Specification Specification covers plates, shapes
and bars. Only data applicable to
for Carbon plates is shown. This specification,
Structural Steel which describes an as-rolled plate
Welding Data steel grade, is approved for use by
Suggested welding the Department of Defense.
Manual Subme consumables
Gas forFlux
arc welding
Notes
processes
Metal-Arc
Shielded Arc
rged- Metal Core
Low
Hydrogen
Only low hydrogen

Year Introduced
electrodes shall be 1960
E70xx, E70xx-x F6xx-Exxx, ER70S-x E6xT-x, used when welding A36
more than 1 in. (25.4
F7xx-Exxx, E7xT-x mm) thick for
except dynamically
F7xx-Exx-xx -2, -3, -10, loaded structures.
-GS
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature Special Features

forThickness
arc welding Manual This specification permits the
Submerg N addition of copper to enhance
(Inches) Shielde ed-Arc ot
d Gas corrosion resistance. A special
es
Metal- Metal- paragraph relating to the use of
Up to 34 No No this grade for bridge base plates
* When the base
Over 34 to 112 70 70 temperature is
is included in the specification. If
under 32F,
the plate
preheat the base is used for this purpose, refer to
metal to at the
Over 112 to 212 incl 150F least 70F and maintain this
150F
temperature during
welding.
specification for more information.
1
Over 2 2 225F 225F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Thic Typic
assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions and
restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table
knes al Normal Uses
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass s Carb A popular workhorse grade,
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar (Inch on
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. es) Equiv it is used widely for various
Up to 112 0.33 to applications.
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = incl 0.37
Over 112 to 0.35 to For bridges, this grade is specified
2 1
2 incl 0.39 as
Mn Cr + Mo Ni +
Over 212 to 0.38 to
C+ +V Cu 15 incl 0.42 A709 Grade 36.
6 + 15
5
+
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based

on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced Impact Toughness
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or Impact toughness requirements are
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the not included in the basic
significance of carbon equivalent. specification, but can be added as
Shaded area denotes availability of A36 plate a supplementary requirement.
with Charpy Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
the
15 ft-lb Temp.
longitudinal
+70F impact
+40F toughness
+10F 0F at -20F
various
-30F - Charpy values shown on this sheet at
Thickn 50F
ess extra
(Inche
Up
s) to 4 incl 47 charge. Additional requirements such
Over 4 to 8 as deoxidation practice, modified
incl chemistry,
Over 8 to 12
incl special rolling or heat treatment
may be necessary to achieve the
Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Typical Industrial Atmospheric
properties.
Special Notes
This grade is available with
Integra or Fineline quality to
achieve improved properties.
A representative stress vs. strain
curve for
a typical 8 in. gauge tensile
S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L A36
A242 S T R U C T U R A L PL ATE
STEEL
Description Standard Specification for
Specification covers a grade of
steel for plates, shapes and High-Strength, Low-Alloy Structural
bars. Only data applicable to Steel
plate is shown. A242 is a high-
strength, low-alloy grade that
has approximately four times Welding Data
the corrosion Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
resistance of carbon steels without processes
Structure Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas
Flux Notes Type Metal-Arc Arc
copper. Mittal Steel USA - Plates Metal-Arc Cored-Arc
trade name for Type 1 is Mayari- Low Hydrogen
R. This specification is approved
Structure E8016-B1, F7xx-Exxx-W See E80T1-W
for use by the Department will not E8018-B1, AWS D1.1
of Defense. be painted E8018-W
* These rods can be used
after in unpainted
fabricat structures in single-
ion pass fillet welds to
1
4 in. maximum and in
Year Introduced Structu E7015, F7xx-
single-
ER70 pass groove welds
1
1941 E7xT-x except

maximum since these welds
will be E7018, F7xx- -2, -3, -10, -GS have
painte E7015-x,
after E7018-x,
fabrica
tion*
Special Features
This specification allows the Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature for
customer to request proof of arc welding
corrosion resistance from the
Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged-
plate producer.
Arc
(Inches) Metal-Arc Gas Metal-Arc
Low Hydrogen Flux Cored-Arc
Normal Uses Up to 34 incl 70F 70F

A corrosion-resistant steel whose Over 34 to 112 incl 70F 70F
oxide forms a protective coating. 1 1
Over 1 2 to 2 2 incl 150F 150F
Used in many
1
Over 2 2 to 4 incl 225F 225F
painted and unpainted Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Thickness
applications (buildings, bridges, assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions
and restraint level associated with joint configuration. This
industrial equipment, railroad table should only be used as a guide for preheat and Typical
rolling stock). interpass temperatures. In general, the listed (Inches)
temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS
Structural Welding Code, D1.1.
Carbon
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = Equival
Impact Toughness Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
ent
+ Cu 6 5 Value
Impact toughness requirements are 15 s
not included in the basic The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based Up to 4 0.30 to 0.44
specification, but can on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
48 for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or
be added as a supplementary heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
requirement. the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
significance of carbon equivalent.
Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
the Charpy values shown on this
Shaded area denotes availability of A242 plate
sheet at extra charge. Additional with Charpy
requirements such as deoxidation 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact toughness at various
practice, modified chemistry,
special rolling or heat treatment heat- and post-weld heat treating procedures is recommended to assure
may be necessary to achieve the affected optimization of final property levels.
properties. zone
strengt
h and
ASTM Color Code
Special Notes toughn Blue
This grade is available with ess.
Pretesti
Integra
ng of
or Fineline quality to achieve
specific
improved properties. Post-weld
welding
heat treatment may degrade
Typical Industrial Atmospheric Corrosion Data
Thickness (Inches) Up to Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -50F

4
A242 S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L
Standard Specification for Low and Description
Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Specification covers four grades
of steel for plates, shapes and
Steel Plates bars. Only data applicable to as-
rolled plate steel grades is
Welding Data shown.
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
processes
Grade Manual Subme Ga Flu
Shielde rge s x Year Introduced
d d- Meta Core 1946
Metal- Arc l-Arc d-Arc
A, B, C, E70 F6xx- ER70 E6xT-x,
D xx, Exxx, S-x E7xT-x
E70 F7xx- except
xx- Exxx, -2, -3, Special Features
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature This specification permits the
for arc welding addition of copper to enhance
corrosion resistance.
Grad Thicknes Manual Submerg Notes
e s Shielde ed-Arc
(Inches) d Gas
Metal- Metal- Normal Uses
A, B, Up to 34 No None* temperature
* When the is under
32F,
base preheat the base An inexpensive utility
C, D Over 34 to 112 incl 70F metal
metal to at least 70F
70F and maintain this grade of steel used
temperature during
Over 112 to 212 incl 150F welding. widely in many non-
150F
demanding applications.
Over 212 225F
225F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic
ad kne al Impact Toughness
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass e ss Carb Impact toughness requirements are
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar (Inc on
not
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv
A Up 0.12 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = to 0.18
B Up 0.15 to
to 0.25
Mn Ni + C Up 0.17 to included in the basic specification,
Cr + Mo Cu
C+ 6 +V to 0.29
15 D Up 0.24 to but can be added as a
+ 5 to 0.37
+ supplementary requirement.
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or the Charpy values shown on this
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in sheet at extra charge. Additional
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
significance of carbon equivalent. requirements such as deoxidation
Shaded area denotes availability of A283 plate practice, modified chemistry,
with Charpy special rolling or heat treatment
15 ft-lb longitudinal impact toughness at various may be necessary to achieve the
properties.
Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -

Thickn 50F
ess Special Notes 49
(Inche This grade is available with
Up
s) to 4
Over 4 to 18
incl achieve improved properties.
Over 8 to 12
incl
Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Typical Industrial Atmospheric ASTM Color Code
Grade: DOrange
curve for
STEEL
Plate recommends careful consideration be given to this phenomenon by competent
Description welding engineers before stress relieving
is applied to weldments of this grade. Also, it is not recommended for service at
steel for plates. It is an alloy steel
temperatures lower than -50F or higher than 800F.
grade, fully killed, fine grain (ASTM
Number 5 or smaller). ASTM Color Code
It is heat treated by quenching Red
and tempering. The heat treating
temperatures are reported on the
test certificates. The specification
permits 14 compositions, of which
Mittal Steel USA - Plate produces
Grades A, B, D, E, F, H, P and Q.
The specification is approved for
use by the Department of
Defense. The pressure vessel
version of this specification is
A517.
Year Introduced
1964
Special Features
A quenched and tempered alloy
grade with a high strength-to-
weight ratio.
Normal Uses
Industrial applications where high
strength, low weight and high
impact values are required.
Machinery, mining equipment and
other demanding applications. The
chemistries of the A514 grades are
often used to produce abrasion
resistant grades to minimum
Brinell requirements. Welding
information is also provided for
them. For bridges, this grade is
specified as A709 Grade 100 or
100W.
Impact Toughness
Impact toughness requirements are
not included in the basic
specification, but can be added as
a supplementary requirement.
sheet at extra charge. Additional
requirements such as deoxidation
50
special rolling or heat treatment
properties.
Special Notes
Grades A, E, P Post-weld heat
treatment may degrade heat-
affected zone strength and
toughness. Pretesting of specific
welding and post-weld heat
treating procedures is
recommended to assure
optimization of final property
levels.
Grades B, F, H, Q It is important
to note this grade of steel may be
susceptible to cracking in the
heat-affected zone of welds during
post-weld heat treatment (stress
relief). Therefore, Mittal Steel USA -
Standard al shall have a minimum impact strength of 20 ft-lb (27.1J)
at 0F (-18C) when Charpy V-Notch specimens are
Specification for required.
High Yield Suggested minimum preheat and interpass

Strength, temperatures for welding
Quenched and Thickness Produced to Produced to Minimum Brinell
Hardness
Tempered Alloy (Inches) A514 Tensile Requirements for Abrasion
Properties Resistant Applications
Steel Plate, Up to 34 incl 50F 100F
Suitable for Over 34 to 125F 150F
Welding
1
1 2 incl
Over 112 to 175F 200F
1
This specification permits 2 2 incl
Over 212 225F 250F
varied chemistries called
Grades A, B, C, E, F, H, J, K, A preheat or interpass temperature above the minimum
Gr Thic Typic
M, P, Q, R, S and T. (Mittal shown may be required for highly restrained weldspreheat
or interpass temperatures ad kne al
Steel USA - Plate makes 1 e ss Carb
only ASTM A514 Grades A, should not exceed 400F for thicknesses up to 1 2 in. or 450F
1
for thicknesses over 1 2 in. (Inc on
B, E, F, H, P and Q.) hes Equiv
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = A Up 0.45 to
to 0.55
Thickness Manual Shielded Welding
C + + Data B Up 0.40 to
to 0.53
Submerged- Gas Suggested welding consumables for arc E welding
Up 0.70 to
Flux processes
Mn Cr + Mo + V to 6 0.80
Ni + Cu 6 5 F Up 0.50 to
Notes
15 to 0.60
(Inch Metal- Arc H Up 0.50 to
es) Arc Low The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based to 2 0.60
Hydrogen P Up 0.60 to
Up to E11015-x, F11xx- for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or to 4 0.70
Q Up 0.75 to
212 E11018-x heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Coupon to 6
Typical Industrial Atmospheric 0.85
Corrosion Data
incl the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
Over E10015-x, F10xx- significance of carbon equivalent.
212 E10018-x
D
e
p
o Shaded area denotes availability of A514 plate
s
it with Charpy
e
d
15 ft-lb longitudinal impact toughness at various
w
e
l Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -50F
d Thickness
m (Inches)
e
t Up to 6
A representative stress vs. strain curve for
A514 S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L a typical 8 in. gauge tensile coupon.
Standard Specification for High- Description
Strength Carbon-Manganese This specification covers a grade
Steel of Structural Quality of plate steel, shapes, sheet
piling and bars. Only data
applicable for an as-rolled steel
plate grade is shown. This
specification is approved for
Welding Data
use by the Department of
Defense.
processes
Thickne Manual Subme Ga Flu
ss Shielde rge s x
(Inches) d d- Meta Core
Up to 1
Metal-
E70
Arc
F6xx-
l-Arc
ER70
d-Arc
E6xT-x,
Year Introduced
xx Exxx, S-x, E7xT-x 1964
E70 F7xx- except
xx- Exxx, -2, -3,
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
for arc welding Special Features
A low-cost grade limited to
Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged-Arc 1
2 in. thickness, used
Notes (Inches) Metal-Arc
Gas Metal-Arc occasionally for non-
Low Hydrogen Flux Cored-Arc demanding applications.
Up to 34 incl None* * When the base metal

Impact Toughness
temperature is under 32F,
None* preheat the base metal to
at least 70F and maintain
Over 34 to 1 incl 150F this temperature during
50F welding.
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Thickness a supplementary requirement.
assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions
and restraint level associated with joint configuration. This Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
table should only be used as a guide for preheat and Typical the
interpass temperatures. In general, the listed (Inches)
temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS Charpy values shown on this sheet
Structural Welding Code, D1.1. at extra
Carbon
ent
Value
s
Up to 1 0.37 to
0.42
Cr + Mo Ni +
Mn +V Cu charge. Additional requirements such as
C+ + 15
5
6 +

deoxidation practice, modified
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or chemistry, special rolling or heat
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the treatment may be necessary to
significance of carbon equivalent. achieve the properties.
with Charpy
Special Notes
Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F - This grade is available with
50F Atmospheric Corrosion Data
Typical Industrial Integra or Fineline quality to
Thickn achieve
ess 51
(Inche improved properties.
s)
Up to
1 ASTM Color Code
Grade: 50Black and yellow
55Black and red
STEEL
Description Standard Specification for High-
This specification covers four
grades of high-strength, low-alloy Strength,
structural steel shapes, plates, Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium
sheet piling and bars. Only data
applicable to plate steel is shown
Structural Steel
here. The specification defines
four microalloy types. Mittal Steel Welding Data
USA - Plate routinely makes Type
1 and Type 2. This specification is
processes
approved for use
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas
Flux Notes Metal-Arc Arc
Metal-Arc Cored-Arc
Low Hydrogen
by the Department of 42, 50 E7015, E7016, F7xx-Exxx, ER70S-x E7xT-x Deposited weld metal
shall have a minimum
Defense. except E7018, E7028, F7xx-Exx-xx impact strength of 20
-2, -3, -10, -GS ft-lb (27.1J) at 0F (-
E7015-x, 18C) when Charpy V-
Notch specimens are
Year E7016-x, used.
Introduced E7018-x,
E7028-x
This requirement is
applicable
only to bridges.
196 60, 65 E8015-x, E8016-x, E8018-x F8xx-Exx-xx
6 ER80S-x E8xTx-x
Special Features Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature

This grade is available in four for arc welding
strength levels. The addition of
Grade Thickness Manual Shielded
copper is permitted to enhance Submerged-Arc (Inches) Metal-Arc
corrosion resistance. Gas Metal-Arc
Low Hydrogen Flux Cored-
Arc
42, 50 Up to 34 incl 70F 70F

Over134 to 1112 incl 70F 70F
Normal Uses Over 212 to 4 incl 225F 225F
A widely used structural grade. It is
60, 65 Up to 34 incl 70F 70F
a natural successor to A36 when Over 34 to 114 incl 150F 150F
the strength of a component must
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-assisted Grade Typic
be increased. For bridges, this cracking depend on specific welding conditions and restraint
level associated with joint configuration. This table should only
al
grade is specified as A709 Grade Carb
be used as a guide for preheat and interpass temperatures. In Thic
50. general, the listed temperatures are similar to those published in kne on
the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. Equiv
4
Up to 0.32 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 2
6 0.41
Impact Toughness 5 1
Up to 1 2 incl 0.32 to
1
Mn Cr + Mo Ni +
0.410Over 1 2 to 4 incl
Impact toughness requirements +V Cu 0.39 to 0.43
C+ 6 6 Up to 0.41 to
are not + 15
5 1
+ 0 1 4 1 0.51
6 Up to 2 incl 0.41 to
1
included in the basic specification, or Fineline quality to achieve improved properties.5Post-weld
0.51 Over 2 to 114 incl
heat treatment may
0.42 to 0.50
degrade heat-affected zone strength and toughness. Pretesting of specific welding
but can be added as a
supplementary requirement. Mittal and post-weld heat treating procedures is recommended to assure optimization of
final property levels.
Steel USA - Plate can furnish the
Charpy values shown on this sheet
at extra charge. Additional ASTM Color Code
requirements such as Grade: 42Green and white
52
deoxidation practice, modified 50Green and yellow 60Green and gray 65Green and blue
chemistry,
properties.
Special Notes
Integra
The based on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly
car produced for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual
bon plates or heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the
equ range in the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
ival significance of carbon equivalent.
ent
ran
ge
sho
Shaded area denotes availability of A572 Grade 50
wn plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact
in
the
toughness at various temperatures
Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -50F
tabl Thickness
e is
(Inches)
Up to 112 incl
curve for
Over 112 to 3
incl a typical 8 in. gauge tensile
A572 S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L Over 3 to 4
incl

Standard Specification for Description
Structural Carbon Steel Plates A specification for three grades
of Improved Toughness of plate steel described by
ASTM as having improved notch
toughness through the use of
Welding Data fine grain practice. A573 is
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding made to three tensile strength
processes
Grade
levels.
Manual Subme Ga Flu
Shielde rge s x
d d- Meta Core
58 E7 F6xx- ER7 E6xT-x, Year Introduced
0x Exxx, 0S-x E7xT-x 1968
x F7xx- except
Exxx -2, -3,
65, 70 E7015-x, F7xx- ER7 E7xT-x
E7016-x, Exxx, 0S-x except
E7018-x, F7xx- -2, -3, -10, Special Features
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature None
for arc welding
Grad Thickness Manual Submerg Notes

e (Inches) Shielde ed-Arc
Normal Uses
d Gas This grade is not frequently ordered.
Metal- Metal-
58 Up to 34 incl No No * When the base
Over 34 to 70 70 temperature is
preheat the base metal to at
under 32F,
65, 70 Up to 34 incl
None*
None* least 70F and
maintain this
Impact Toughness
3 1 temperature during welding.
Over 4 to 1 2 incl 70F
70F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Grade Typic
assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions and specification, but can be added as
al
Carb a supplementary requirement.
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass Thic
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar kne on Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. Equiv
5 Up to 2 1
0.21 to the Charpy values shown on this
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 8 incl Over 0.26 sheet at extra charge. Additional
1
1 2 to 4 incl 0.30
6 Up to 12 0.30 to
to requirements such as
Cr + Mo Ni + incl Over 12 0.34
Mn +V Cu 5 deoxidation practice, modified
to 112 incl 0.32
0.33 to
C+ + 1
5 7 Up to 12 to chemistry,
+ 5
6 0 incl Over 12 0.44
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based to 112 incl 0.40 to
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or may be necessary to achieve the
properties.

with Charpy Special Notes
15 ft-lb longitudinal impact toughness at various This grade is available with
Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F - Integra
50F or Fineline quality to achieve 53
improved properties.
Thickness
(Inches)
Up to 112

curve for
STEEL
Description Standard Specification for High-Strength,
steel for plates, shapes and Low-Alloy Structural Steel with 50 ksi (345
bars. Only data MPa) Minimum Yield Point to 4 Inches (100
applicable to plates is shown.
A588 is a high-strength, low-alloy mm) Thick (Specification allows thicknesses to 8 inches with reduced yield point.)
grade produced in three strength Welding Data
levels. ASTM describes this grade Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
as being approximately four
times as corrosion resistant as
processes
carbon steel without copper. Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas
When required, Flux Notes Metal-Arc Arc
Metal-Arc Cored-Arc
Low Hydrogen
the customer can obtain evidence of
its corrosion resistance from All E7015, E7016, F7xx-Exxx ER70S-x E7xT-x Special welding
materials and
Mittal Steel USA - Plate. A588 can except E7018, E7028, or procedures, e.g.
be made in Grades A through K. -2, -3, -10, -GS E80xx-x low alloy
electrodes may be
E7015-x, F7xx-
Mittal Steel USA - Plate makes required to match the
Exx-xx E7016-x, notch toughness of the
Grade B under the trade name E7018-x base metal, or for
atmospheric corrosion
Mayari- R50. Mayari-R60 is and weathering
characteristics.
modified A588 Grade
B with yield and tensile strength Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
higher than A588 specifies. This for arc welding
specification is approved for use
by the Department of Defense. Grade Thickness Manual Shielded
Submerged-Arc (Inches) Metal-Arc
Gas Metal-Arc
Year Introduced Low Hydrogen Flux Cored-
1968 Arc
A, B Up to 34 incl 70F 70F

Special Features Over 34 to 112 incl 70F 70F
Over 112 to 212 incl 150F 150F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-assisted cracking
A high-strength, corrosion- Grade Thickness Typical
depend on specific welding conditions and restraint level
resistant grade, the oxide of which associated with joint configuration. This table should only
(Inches)
forms a protective coating. This be used as a guide for preheat and interpass
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are Carbon
grade, while similar to A242, is similar to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Equival
available in greater thicknesses. Code, D1.1.
ent
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = Values
Normal Uses Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
A, B Up to 112
This corrosion-resistant steel, + Cu 6 5 incl 0.28 to
15
the oxide of which forms a 0.45 Over 112 to 4 incl
protective coating, is used in The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based 0.33 to 0.47
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced Over 4 to 8 incl 0.35 to
many painted and unpainted for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or 0.50
applications (buildings, bridges, heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
industrial equipment, railroad significance of carbon equivalent.
rolling stock). For bridges, this
Shaded area denotes availability of A588 Grade B
grade is specified as A709 Grade
50W.
plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact
54 or ties. Post-weld heat treatment may degrade heat-affected zone strength
Impact Toughness Fin and toughness. Pretesting of specific welding and post-weld heat treating
Impact toughness requirements
eli procedures is recommended to assure optimization of final property
are not included in the basic
ne levels.
qu ASTM Color Code
alit Blue and yellow
y
to
requirements, such as deoxidation
ac
hie
ve
im
properties.
pro
ve
Special Notes d
This grade is available with pro
Integra per
Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Coupon
Thickness (Inches)
Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -60F
Up to 4 incl
A588 S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L Over
4 to 6
incl
Over 6

a typical 8 in. gauge tensile coupon.
Normalized Specification covers a grade of
steel
High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural for plates only. The data shown
Steel Plates pertains to plates. The
specification allows four
chemistries, all of which are
Welding Data produced by Mittal Steel USA -
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding Plate. Generally furnished in the
processes normalized condition, the
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas specification permits the plate
Flux Notes Metal-Arc to
ArcMetal-Arc Cored-Arc
Low Hydrogen be sold without normalizing when
the
A, C, D E7015, E7016, F7xx-Exxx, ER70S-x E7xT-x except
Deposited weld metal shall customer plans to normalize the
plate
have a minimum
E7018, E7028, F7xx-Exx-xx -2, -3, -10,
-GS E7015-x, E7016-x, impact strength of after fabrication. Mittal Steel USA -
20 ft-lb (27.1J) at 0F
E7018-x, E7028-x (-18C) when Charpy Plate will furnish normalizing
V-Notch specimens are

instructions on the
used.
E E8015-x, E8016-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x paperwork accompanying the
order. The specification also
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature permits the addition of copper to
improve the corrosion resistance of
for arc welding
the grade. The pressure vessel
Grade Thickness Manual Shielded version of this specification if
Gas Metal-Arc A737.
Arc
A, C, D Up to 112 incl 70 70F
150F
Year Introduced
1 1
F
1
Over
Over2 1
2 to 4 incl
2 to 2 2 incl 15 225F
0 1970
E Up to 34 incl 70F 70F
Special Features
Over 212 to 6 incl 300F 300F Specification requires normalizing.
restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table ad kne al
e ss Carb
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar (Inc on Normal Uses
A Up 0.34 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = to 4 0.42
C Up 0.37 to
Mn Ni + Particularly well-suited for low-
Cr + Mo to 4 0.45
C+ 6 +V
Cu D Up 0.40 to
15 to 4 0.50 temperature use where notch
+ 5 E Up 0.45 to
+ toughness is a requirement
to 6 0.55
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based and when strength/weight ratios
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or must be maximum for the
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in application.
Shaded area denotes availability of A633 Grades
C and E plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal Impact Toughness 55
impact toughness at various temperatures Impact toughness requirements are
Temp. +70F +40F 0F -20F -40F -60F - not included in the basic
80F specification, but can be added as
Grade Thickness a supplementary requirement.
(Inches)
C Up to 4 the Charpy values shown on this
E Up to 3 sheet at extra charge. Additional
incl requirements such as deoxidation
E Over 3 to 6
incl practice, modified chemistry,
This table is for Normalized, 0.010% maximum sulfur.
Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Typical Industrial Atmospheric may be necessary to achieve the
properties.
Special Notes recommended to assure
This grade is available with Integra
levels.
or Fineline quality to achieve improved properties. Post-weld heat treatment
may degrade heat-affected zone strength and toughness. Pretesting of specific

curve for
a typical 8 in. gauge tensile S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L A633
STEEL
steel for plates. Produced as killed
Hot-Rolled Structural
steel with fine grain practice, it is Steel, High-Strength,
available in four strength levels. Low-Alloy Plate with Improved
ASTM allows two types based on
composition. Mittal Steel USA -
Formability
Plate produces Type 7 by a
controlled-rolling process (see Welding Data
Chapter 4), which results in Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
a plate having formability, processes
weldability and remarkable impact
toughness properties. Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas
Metal-Arc Cored-Arc
Low Hydrogen
50 E7015-x, E7016-x, F7xx-Exx-xx ER70S-x E7xT-x

except E7018-x, E7028-x -2, -3,
-10, -GS
Year 60 E7015-x, E7016-x, F7xx-Exx-xx ER70S-x E7xT-x
If impact properties are
required, other
except E7018-x, E7028-x -2, electrode/flux
Introduced -3, -10, -GS
combinations, as
designated
197
2 in AWS, can be specified;
for example, F7A4-Exx-xx
70 E8015-x, E8016-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x specifies 20 ft-lb at -60F.
80 E10018-x F10x-Exx-xx ER100S-x E100T1-

K3,
Special E100T1-K5
Features
A high-strength, low-alloy Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
steel grade with excellent
for arc welding
mechanical and fabricating
properties. Grade Thickness Manual Shielded
Gas Metal-Arc
Arc
Normal Uses
Demanding structural 50 Up to 212 70F 70F
applications where strength-to- 60 Up to 114 70F 70F
weight ratios are maximized. 70 Up to 1 70F 70F
Frequency used as a replacement 3
80 Up to 4 70F 70F
for some quenched and
tempered plate steel grades. Its Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic
formability allows replacement of restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table
ad kne al
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass e ss Carb
multi-piece weldments with
formed parts. to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes Equiv
5 Up to 0.27 to
1
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 0 2 0.31
6 Up2 to 0.28 to
Mn Cr + Mo + V 0 11 4 0.32
C + Ni + 7 Up 0.30 to
Impact Toughness + Cu 6
15
5
0 to 1 0.34
Impact toughness requirements 8 Up 0.37 to
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based 0 to 34 0.41
are not on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or
56 included in the basic specification, heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
but can be added as a
supplementary requirement. Mittal Shaded area denotes availability of A656 Grade
Steel USA - Plate can furnish the 80 plate with
Charpy values shown on this sheet Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact toughness at
at extra charge. Additional
requirements such as
Spec This grade is available with Integra
chemistry, special rolling or heat or Fineline quality to achieve improved properties. Post-weld heat
treatment may be necessary to
ial
treatment may degrade heat-affected zone strength and toughness.
achieve the properties. Note Pretesting of specific welding and post-weld heat treating procedures is
s recommended to assure optimization of final property levels.
Thickness (Inches) Up to Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -50F
3
4
Typical Industrial Atmospheric Corrosion

Data
S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L B E T H S TA R
Low-Carbon, Low-Sulfur, Mittal Steel USA - Plates
High-Strength Plate Steel for BethStar steels are proprietary
grades of steel used for plates
Improved Toughness, Weldability and only. BethStar is produced as
Formability killed steel with fine grain
practice, and is available in four
strength levels. They are
Welding Data
produced by a controlled-rolling
process (see Chapter 4), which
processes
results in plates having excellent
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas formability, weldability, and
Flux Notes Metal-Arc impact toughness properties.
ArcMetal-Arc Cored-Arc
Low Hydrogen BethStar grades are more
restrictive versions of A656.
50 E7015-x, E7016-x, F7xx-Exx-xx ER70S-x E7xT-x
except E7018-x, E7028-x -2, -3, -10,
-GS
If impact properties are
60 E7015-x, E7016-x, F7xx-Exx-xx ER70S-x E7xT-x required, other
except electrode/flux
E7018-x, E7028-x -2, -3, -10, combinations, as
-GS designated
in AWS, can be specified;
for example, F7A4-Exx-xx
70 E8015-x, E8016-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x specifies 20 ft-lb at
60F.
Year Introduced
80 E10018-x F10xx-Exx-xx ER100S-x E100T1- 1983
K3,
E100T1-K5

A high-strength, low-alloy
Submerged-Arc (Inches) Metal-Arc steel grade with excellent
Gas Metal-Arc mechanical and fabricating
properties.
Arc
50 Up to 212 70F 70F

60 Up to 114 70F 70F Normal Uses
70 Up to 1 70F 70F Demanding structural applications
80 Up to 43
70F 70F where strength-to-weight ratios are
maximized. Frequently used as a
assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions and replacement for some quenched
restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table ad kne al
e ss Carb and tempered plate steel grades.
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar (Inc on Its formability allows replacement
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv of multi- piece weldments with
5 Up to 0.27 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 1
0 2 0.31 formed parts.
6 Up2 0.28 to
Mn Cr + Mo + V 0 to 0.32
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 7 Up 0.30 to
15 0 to 1 0.34
8 Up 0.37 to
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based 0 to 34 0.41 Impact Toughness
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced 57
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or Impact toughness requirements are
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the included in the specification.
Shaded area denotes availability of BethStar Grade
80 plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact
toughness at various
Temp. +70F
temperatures
+40F +10F 0F -20F -30F - Special Notes
50F This grade is available with
Thickn Integra or Fineline quality to
ess
(Inche achieve improved properties.
s)
Up to
3
4

A representative stress vs. strain S TRUCTURAL P LATE S TEEL B ETH S TA R
STEEL
Specification covers a carbon
grade for plates made to a fine
Quenched and Tempered
grain practice. The specification Carbon Steel and High-
allows three compositions of which Strength, Low-Alloy Structural
produces all three. The plate is
Steel Plates
heat treated by quenching and
tempering to develop the high Welding Data
strength levels. The specification Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
permits the addition of copper to processesManual Shielded Submerged-
Grade Gas Flux
improve the corrosion resistance of Metal-Arc Arc Metal-Arc Cored-
Arc
the plate. Refer to Mittal Steel USA Low Hydrogen
- Plate RQC-60(QT).
A E7015-x, E7016-x, F7xx-Exx-xx ER70S-x E7xT-x
except E7018-x, E7028-x -2,
-3, -10, -GS
B E8015-x, E8016-x, F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x
Year Introduced E8xTx-x E8018-x
1973 C, D E9015-x, E9016-x, F9xx-Exx-xx ER90S-x
E9xTx-x E9018-x

Special Features for arc welding
Grad Thickn Manual Submerg
A high-strength steel e ess Shielde ed-Arc
(Inche d Gas
with notch toughness. s) Metal- Metal-
A Up 3to 70F 70F
Over 4 to 100F 100F
1
B, C 1Up 2 incl
to 100F 100F
Normal Uses Over 34 to 150F 150F
Demanding structural,
industrial and machinery
applications where weight
3
reduction is important and D Up to 4 incl 100F 100F
notch toughness is a design Over 112 to 3 incl 250F 250F
consideration.
ad kne al
(Inc on
Impact Toughness temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar
Impact toughness requirements are A Up to 0.31 to
1
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 1 0.35
not included in the basic B Up2 to 0.32 to
Mn Cr + Mo + V 2 1
0.37
specification, but can be added as C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 C Up2 0.39 to
15 to 2 0.45
a supplementary requirement. D Up 0.39 to
Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based to 3 0.47
the for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or
58 Charpy values shown on this heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
sheet at extra significance of carbon equivalent.
charge. Additional requirements
such as deoxidation practice, Shaded area denotes availability of A678 Grade B
modified chemistry, special rolling plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact
or heat treatment may be toughness
Temp.at various
+70F temperatures
+40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -50F
necessary to achieve the Thickness
(Inches)
properties.
Up to 212
Special Notes
Integra or Fineline quality
to achieve improved
properties.
S T R U C T U R A L PL ATE STEEL RQC
Standard Specification for Quenched Description
and Tempered Carbon Plate Steel for Mittal Steel USA - Plates
Structural Applications (RQC) proprietary RQC series of plate
Mittal Steel USA - Plate Proprietary Quenched and Tempered Carbon Grades. steel grades are an extension of
ASTM A678 and are offered in
higher strength levels and
Welding Data thicknesses greater than those
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding covered by the specification.
The plate is heat treated by
processes
quenching and tempering,
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas except RQC-60(N) which is
Flux Notes Metal-Arc
ArcMetal-Arc Cored-Arc normalized, to develop the
Low Hydrogen specified high strength levels. The
addition of copper is also
RQC-60(QT)E8015-x, E8016-x, F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x
E8xTx-x E8018-x permitted to improve the corrosion
If deposited weld metal resistance of the plate.
RQC-60(N) E7015-x, E7016-x, F7xx-Exx-xx should have a
ER70S-x E7xTx-x minimum impact
strength, see the
Year Introduced
E7018-x, E7028-x appropriate AWS
1973
specification for impact
requirements of
RQC-80 E10018-x F10xx-Exx-xx ER100S-x specific welding
consumable
E10xTx-x RQC-90 E10018-x, E11018-x F11xx- designations.
Exx-xx ER110S-x E11xTx-x RQC-100

E11018-x F11xx-Exx-xx ER110S-x
E11xTx-x

A high-strength quenched and
Submerged-Arc (Inches) Metal-Arc tempered steel. (RQC-60(N) is
Gas Metal-Arc normalized.)
Arc
RQC-60(QT)
RQC-60(N)
Up to 1 incl
Over 1 to 112 incl
70F
100F
70F
100F
Normal Uses
Over 112 to 212 incl 150F 150F Demanding structural, machinery and
Over 212 to 4 incl 225F 225F industrial uses where weight reduction
RQC-80 Up1to 132 incl 70F 70F
is important and notch
Over 1 to 112 incl 175F 175F toughness is a design
RQC-90 Up to 12 incl 70F 70F consideration.
RQC-100 Over 12 to 34 incl 125F 125F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-
Impact Toughness
Grade Typic Impact toughness requirements are
al
Carb not included in the basic
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass Thic
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar kne on specification, but can be added as
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. Equiv
RQC-60 Up to 0.39 to a supplementary requirement.
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 112 incl 0.45 Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish the59
Mn Cr + Mo + V (QT) 112to
RQC- OverUp to 0.41
0.40 to
to
C + Ni + Charpy values shown on this sheet
+ Cu 6 5
15 60(N) 4 0.47 at extra charge. Additional
RQ Up to 0.31 to
1
C- 1 0.37
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based RQ Up2 to 0.33 to requirements such as deoxidation
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced practice, modified chemistry,
C-
RQC 112 to
Up
0.39
0.33 to
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in -100 114 0.39 special rolling or heat treatment
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the may be necessary to achieve the
properties.
Shaded area denotes availability of RQC-80
plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact
Special Notes
Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F - This grade is available with
50F
Thickness Integra or Fineline quality to
(Inches) achieve improved properties.
Up to 112
TINUED
CO N S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L
RQC
RQC S T R U C T U R A L PL ATE
STEEL
Standard Specification for Quenched and
Tempered Carbon Plate Steel for Structural
Applications (RQC)
CO N TINUED Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Typical Industrial Atmospheric

curve for
60
RQC S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E S T E E L
Standard Specification for Age- Description
Hardening A high-strength alloy plate
specification that provides
Low-Carbon Nickel-Copper-Chromium- outstanding formability, weldability
Molybdenum- Columbium Alloy and toughness, it has excellent
Structural Steel Plates CVN toughness and is readily

weldable, requiring no preheat for
many applications. It is particularly
well-suited for critical applications
Welding Data
such as Navy surface vessel hull
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding plates and fracture-critical
processes components on offshore drill rigs.
Grade Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas The pressure vessel version of this
Flux Notes Class (Inches) Metal-Arc Arc specification is A736.
Metal-Arc Cored-Arc
Low Hydrogen
A E10015-x, F10xx-Exx-xx ER100S-x E10xTx-x

Class 1 Up to 34 E10016-x,
Class 3 Up to 2 incl E10018-x See Special
Notes section Year Introduced
for concerns
A E8015-x, F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x about post- 1974
E8xTx-x weld heat
treatment.
Class 3 Over 2
Special Features
E8016
-x,
E8018
-x
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature This precipitation hardened
for arc welding grade has an excellent
combination of strength,
Grade Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged-Arc toughness and weldability. Other
Gas Metal-Arc chemistries
Low Hydrogen Flux Cored- for higher strength levels are also
Arc available under the Mittal Steel
USA - Plate trade
Choice of welding
A Up to 4 incl None consumable may name Spartan.
None dictate preheat
requirements.
Class 1, 3 Over 4 to 8 incl 50F
50F
Class Thickness Typical
(Inches) Normal Uses
and restraint level associated with joint configuration. This Naval surface vessel hull plates.
table should only be used as a guide for preheat and Carbon May be ordered to military
interpass temperatures. In general, the listed Equival
temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS ent specification Mil-S-24645 (SH),
Structural Welding Code, D1.1. Values which requires high strength and
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = impact properties, for approved
1, 3 Up to 8 0.42 to
use
0.48
Cr + Mo Ni +
Mn +V Cu in critical structural applications.
C+ + 15
5
6 +

for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or Impact Toughness
The test results for Class 1 shall
significance of carbon equivalent. meet an average minimum
value of 20 ft-lb at -50F for
longitudinal specimens. For
transverse specimens, the test
results
shall meet an average minimum value
61
of 15 ft-lb at -50F. Impact
toughness guarantees are
available for both classes at test
temperatures down to -120F.
Additional requirements such as
chemistry, special rolling or heat
treatment may
be necessary to achieve the properties. affected zone toughness.
Therefore, Mittal Steel USA - Plate
recommends
Special Notes careful consideration be given to
This grade is produced with Fineline these phenomena by competent
quality to achieve improved properties. It welding engineers before
is important to note this grade of steel application.
may be susceptible to cracking in the heat-
affected zone of welds during post-weld
heat treatment (stress relief) or elevated
temperature service. Also, post-weld heat
treatment of elevated temperature service
may degrade heat
STEEL
steel plates. A808, a high-
Strength, Low-Alloy Carbon,
strength, low-alloy grade of steel Manganese, Columbium, Vanadium
is made to fine grain practice. The Steel of Structural Quality with
plate may be made by controlled-
finishing temperature rolling
Improved Notch Toughness
practice. The specification
identifies two levels of sulfur Welding Data
content. The supplemental Suggested welding consumables for arc welding processes
specification lists the Charpy Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux
impact values available. (Inches) Metal-Arc Arc Metal-Arc Cored-
Arc
Low Hydrogen
1
Up to 2 2 E7015, E7016, F7xx-Exx-xx ER70S-x E7xT-x
Year Introduced except E7018, E7028, -2, -3,
1982 -10, - GS
E7015-x,
E7016-x,
E7018-x,
E7028-x
Special Features
A grade which may be Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
substituted
for arc welding
Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged-Arc
Gas Metal-Arc
for more expensive normalized 3
Up to 4 incl None*
* When the base metal
grades None*
temperature is under
32F,
(A633) in certain Over 34 to 112 incl 70F preheat the base metal to
applications. 70F at
least 70F and maintain
this
1 1 temperature during
Over 1 2 to 2 2 incl 150F welding.
150F
Normal Uses Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic
Uses are in applications assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions
ad kne al
where notch toughness is an table should only be used as a guide for preheat and e ss Carb
important design interpass temperatures. In general, the listed (Inc on
temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS hes) Equiv
consideration. Structural Welding Code, D1.1. A Up to 0.30 to
l 21 2 0.44
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT =
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
Impact Toughness + Cu 6
15
5
Impact toughness requirements are not The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based
included in the basic specification, but on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
can be added as a supplementary heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
requirement. the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish or Fineline quality to achieve improved
Type properties. Post-weld heat
Temper Avg. treatment
Absorbmay
the Charpy values shown on this degrade heat-affected zone strength andature
toughness. PretestingEnergy (Ft-Lb)
of specific welding and
sheet at extra Restricted Sulfur -20F 55
post-weld heat treating procedures is recommended to assure optimization of final
-50F 45
62 charge. Additional requirements property levels.
such as Regular Sulfur -20F 40
-50F 30
achieve the properties.
Special Notes
Integra
Available longitudinal
Charpy toughness levels
for A808 plate
Standard Specification for Quenched Description
and Tempered, Low-Alloy Structural Specification covers quenched and
Steel Plate with 70 ksi (485 MPa) tempered high-strength low-alloy
structural plate steel for welded,
Minimum Yield Strength to 4 Inches riveted or bolted construction. It is
(100 mm) Thick intended primarily for welded,
riveted or bolted construction.
Welding Data
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding Year Introduced
processes 1985
Manual Subme Ga Flu
Shielded rge s x
Metal-Arc d- Meta Core
Low Arc l-Arc d-Arc Special Features
E901 F9xx- ER9 E9xT A high-strength, corrosion-resistant
8-B3, Exx-xx 0S-x x-x
E901 grade, the oxide of which forms a
protective coating. This grade is
similar to A588.
for arc welding
Thickness Manual Submerg
(Inches) Shielde ed-Arc
d
Metal-
Gas
Metal- Normal Uses
Up to 43
50F 50F This steel is corrosion-resistant
incl where the oxide forms a protective
1 1
coating and can be used in many
painted and unpainted
1
Over 2 2 350F 350F applications. Originally intended
to 4 incl
primarily
for use in welded bridges and buildings
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Thickness
assisted cracking where savings in weight and
depend on specific welding conditions and restraint level
associated with joint configuration. This table should only notch toughness are important.
Typical
be used as a guide for preheat and interpass (Inches) An improved version of the grade
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are
similar to those published in the AWS Structural Welding for bridges is now available as
Code, D1.1. Carbon A709 Grade HPS-70W, which has
Equival
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = better welding, toughness and
ent
Mn Cr + Mo + V Value weathering performance.
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 s
15
Up to 4 0.44 to
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced 0.54
Impact Toughness
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or Impact toughness
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in requirements are a part of
significance of carbon equivalent. this basic specification. Test
results of 10 mm x 10 mm
specimens shall meet an
average minimum value
63
of 20 ft-lb at +50F. Tests per ASTM
A6. Other requirements need to
be inquired. Additional
properties.
Special Notes
Integra
heat-affected zone strength and
recommended to assure optimization of final
ASTM Color Code
property levels.
Blue and orange
STEEL
steel for plates. Only data
Strength, Low-Alloy Structural Steel
applicable to plates is shown. with Atmospheric Corrosion
A871 is a high-strength, low- Resistance
alloy grade produced in two This specification permits varied chemistries called
strength levels. Types 1, 2, 3 and 4. (Mittal Steel USA - Plate makes only
ASTM describes this grade as Types 1 and 2.)
being approximately four times
as corrosion resistant as carbon
Welding Data
steel without copper. When
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding processes
required, the customer can obtain Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas
evidence of its corrosion Metal-Arc Cored-Arc
resistance from Mittal Steel USA - Low Hydrogen
Plate. A871 can be made in 60 E8018-W, F7Ax-Exxx-W, See E80T1-W
Grades 60 and 65. unpainted E8016-B1, F7xx-Exxx-W AWS D1.1
after E8018-B1
fabrication
Year Introduced 60
painted
E7015,
E7016,
F7xx-Exxx ER70S-x E7xT-x except
-2, -3, -10, -GS
E7015, -16, -18 or -28 can
198 after be
used for unpainted
7 structure in single-
E7018, pass fillet welds to
fabrication
E7028 1
4 in. maximum and in
single-
pass groove welds of 4 in. have high base metal dilution.
65
1
E801 F8xx-Exx- Se E80T1-W maximum since these

unpain 8-W, W e welds
Special Features ted E801
6-B1,
AWS
D1.1
A high-strength, corrosion-resistant after E801
fabric 8-B1
grade whose oxide forms a 65 E8 F8xx-Exx- ER8 E8xTx-x
painte 01 xx 0S-x
protective coating similar to A588.
d after 5,
fabric E8
ation 01
Normal Uses for arc welding
This corrosion-resistant steel,
whose oxide forms a protective
Grade Thickness Manual Submerg
coating, is used in many painted (Inches) Shielde ed-Arc
and unpainted applications. d Gas
Metal- Metal-
60 Up to 34 70F 70F
Over 34 to 70F 70F
Over 112 to 150F 150F
Impact Toughness Over 212 to 225F 225F
Impact toughness 8 incl
65 Up to 34 70F 70F
requirements are included in Over 34 to 150F 150F
the basic specification. To Over 112 to 225F 225F
1
2 in. 15 ft-lb at 0F, over 1 2 in. 15 ft-lb Over 212 to 300F 300F
64 at -20F. Other requirements need heat-affected zone strength and toughness. Pretesting of specific welding and post-
to be inquired. Additional weld heat treating procedures is recommended to assure optimization of final
requirements such as deoxidation property levels.
properties.
Special Notes
Integra
CO N
Pr -assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions
eh and restraint level associated with joint configuration. This Grade Thickness
ea table should only be used as a guide for preheat and
t interpass temperatures. In general, the listed Typical
an temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS (Inches)
d Structural Welding Code, D1.1.
int
er WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 6 Up to 212 incl 0.42 to
pa 0 0.53
ss
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C +6 +
Ni + 6 Over 212 to 6 incl 0.47
Cu 5 15 0
te to 0.57
6 Up to 112 incl 0.42 to
m The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based 5 1 0.53
pe on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced 6 Over 1 2 to 4 incl 0.47
ra for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or 5 to 0.53
tu heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
re the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
s significance of carbon equivalent.
to
pr Shaded area denotes availability of A871 Grade
ev
en
60 plate with
t Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact toughness at
hy
dr Temp. +70F +40F +10F 0F -20F -30F -60F
og
en Thickness
(Inches)
Up to 4 incl
Over 4 to 6
incl
A871 S T R U C T U R A L P L AT TINUED
E S T E E L
Standard Specification for High-
Strength, Low-Alloy Structural Steel
with Atmospheric Corrosion
Resistance
CO N TINUED

curve for
65
H A R D W E A R S T R U C T U R A L P L AT E
STEEL
Hardwear steels are
Premium Abrasion-Resistant
proprietary grades produced Plate Steel Available

in
by quenching and tempering to Two Grades, Hardwear 400F and
achieve two nominal Brinell
hardness levels, 400HB and
Hardwear 500F
500HB. Welding Data
processes
Thickn Manual Subme Ga Flu
Year Introduced ess Shielde rge s x
d d- Meta Core
1989 Metal- Arc l-Arc d-Arc
All E7015, E7xx- ER70 E7xT-x
E7016, Exxx S-x except
E7018, or -2, -3, -10,
Special Features E7028,
E7015-x,
E7xx- -GS
Exxx-xx
High hardness for abrasive
resistance with low sulfur levels Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
for improved weldability and (F) See Special Notes
formability. Hardwear 400F Hardwear 500F
Heat Input (KJ/Inch) Heat Input (KJ/Inch)
Individual
Normal Uses Plate
(Inches) 3 3 4 4 Ove 3 3 4 4
Abrasive resistant applications 0 5 0 5 r 0 5 0 5
1
in mining, quarries and earth- 2 6 6 6 6 60 20 20 2 2
moving. 5 0
6 0
6 0
6 0
6 60 0
25 0
20 0
2 0
2
8
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 6 6 6 6 60 30 25 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 6 6 6 6 60 35 30 2 2
Impact Toughness 114 0 60 0
60 0
60 0 60 60 0
400 0
300 5
250 0
200
Impact requirements may be furnished 1
at an extra charge. 1 2 60 60 60 60 60 400 350 300 250

2 200 200 200 200 200 400 400 350 300
Special Notes Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature

This grade is always produced (F) See Special Notes
as Fineline. Both tables must Hardwear 400F Hardwear 500F
be consulted and the higher Heat Input (KJ/Inch) Heat Input (KJ/Inch)
preheat value used. Combined
Preheat temperature based on Plate
shielded metal-arc welding t1 + t2 + t3 3 3 4 4 Ove 3 3 4 4
0 5 0 5 r 0 5 0 5
(SMAW) process and 3
4 6 6 6 6 60 20 20 2 2
66 E7018 electrode. E7018 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 6 6 6 6 60 25 20 2 2
electrodes must 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1
1 4 6 6 6 6 60 30 25 2 2
be stored in an oven at 250F
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25F. Maximum exposurefour 1 1 2 6 6 6 6 60 35 30 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
hours out of the can or out of the 2 6 6 6 6 60 40 35 3 3
oven. Preheat minimum 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 2 6 6 6 6 60 40 35 3 2
temperature may be reduced by 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
3 2 2 2 6 60 40 40 3 3
50F 4 0
250 0
250 0
250 0 200 200 0
400 0
400 5400 5
400
(but not less than 50F) using gas
metal- arc welding process,
ER70S-3 electrode and Ar-CO2
gas. Maximum preheat should
be 400F to retain hardness properties.
35 KJ/inch represents Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-
M
approximately a n
1
4 in. fillet weld (SMAW). table should only be used as a guide for preheat and C
interpass temperatures. In general, the listed r
Structural Welding Code, D1.1. +
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = M

o
Gr Thic Typica
+
ad
C+ + kne l
V e ss C.E.
40 Up 0.44 to
N 0F to 3 0.51
i 50 Up 0.53 to t1 t1
0F to 3 0.58
+ t3 t2 t2
If L is less than or equal L t3
C
u 2 2
1
5
to 12 t , consider t = 0.
t
t2
t3

H ARDWEAR S TRUCTURAL P LATE S TEEL
PRESSURE VESSEL PL ATE

C HAPTER 12
STEEL
Welding and Other Data

on Pressure Vessel Plate Steel Grades
Structural Grades
Grade Page Grade Page
Number Number
A204 68 A517 77
A285 69 A533 78
A299 70 A537 7980
A302 71 A612 81
A387 72 A662 82
A455 73 A737 83
A515 74 A738 84
A516 7576 A841 85
67
P RESSURE V ESSEL P LATE S TEEL
A204 P R E SS U R E V E SS E L P L ATE
STEEL
Specification covers
molybdenum alloy plate steel
Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy
intended particularly for Steel, Molybdenum
boilers and other pressure
vessels.
Welding Data
processes
Year Introduced Grad Manual Subme Ga Flu
e Shielde rge s x
1937 d d- Meta Core
A, B E70 F6xx- ER70S-x E6xT-x,
xx, Exxx, E7xT-x
Special Features E70
xx-
F7xx-
Exxx,
except
-2, -3,
This steel is available in C E80 F8xx- ER80S-x E8xT
three different strength xx Exx-xx x-x
levels. Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
for arc welding
Grade Thicknes Manual Submerg
Normal Uses s
(Inches)
Shielde
d
ed-Arc
Gas
Particularly well suited for Metal- Metal-
boilers. A popular grade A, B Up to 1 50 50F
incl Over F 100F
used for elevated
1 to 2 incl 10 100F
temperature applications. Over 2 0
C Up to 1 10 100F
incl Over 0 200F
1 to 2 incl F 300F
Over 2 20
Impact Toughness Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic
Impact toughness requirements are restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table
ad kne al
specification, but can be added as to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv
A Up to 0.42 to
a supplementary requirement. 1
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 0.48
Additional requirements such as incl 0.44
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni + B Up to 0.43 to
to
deoxidation practice, modified + Cu 6 5
, 1 0.50
15
chemistry, special rolling or heat C incl 0.46 to
treatment may be necessary to on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
achieve the properties. for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or
Special Notes
to achieve
68 improved properties.
A204 P RESSURE V ESSEL P LATE S TEEL
P R E SS U R E V E SS E L P L ATE STEEL A285
Standard Specification for Pressure Description
Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Low and Specification covers carbon plate steel
Intermediate Tensile Strength of low and intermediate tensile
strengths. These plates are
intended for fusion welded
Welding Data pressure vessels. This
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding specification has been approved
processes
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux by the Department
Metal-Arc Arc Metal-Arc Cored-
Arc of Defense for listing in the DOD
Low Hydrogen Index of Specifications and
Standards.
A, B, C E60xx, E70xx, F6xx-Exxx, ER70S-x E6xT-x,
E70xx-x F7xx-Exxx, E7xT-x
except
F7xx-Exx-xx -2, -3, -10,
-GS Year Introduced
1946
for arc welding
Grade Thick Manual Submerged- Notes Special Features
(Inch
ness Metal-Arc
Shielded Gas Metal-
Arc This grade is available in three
Low Flux Cored-
different strength levels.
Hydrogen Arc * When the base metal
A, B, C Up to3 4 incl None* None* temperature is under
32F,
Over 34 to 1 12 incl 50F

50F
preheat the base
metal to at least 70F Normal Uses
and maintain this
1
Over 1 2 150F temperature during
welding.
150F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-assisted

cracking
depend on specific welding conditions and restraint level Grade Thickness Typical
associated with joint configuration. This table should only (Inches) A widely used, low-cost
be used as a guide for preheat and interpass pressure vessel grade.
similar to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Carbon
Code, D1.1. Equival
ent
Values Impact Toughness
Mn Cr + Mo + V 1
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 A, B, Up to 1 2 incl 0.14 to Impact toughness requirements are
15 0.37 C Over 112 to 212 incl not included in the basic
0.14 to 0.39 Over 212 to 15
incl 0.14 to 0.42 specification, but can be added as
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or a supplementary requirement.
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
significance of carbon equivalent. the Charpy values shown on this
Charpy V-Notch test minimum available requirements special rolling or heat treatment
per ASTM A20, Table A1.15, using Type A (full size may be necessary to achieve the
specimens). Longitudinal test coupon properties.
Impact Values (Ft-Lb) 69
Gra Thicknes Lowest Avg. 3 Minimum
de s Test Specimens for One
(Inches) Temp. Specimen Special Notes
A Up to 1 +40 10 7
Plates are normally supplied in the
Over 1 to +60 10 7
2 incl as-rolled condition. This steel
B Up to 1 +50 10 7
Over 1 to +70 10 7 may be made by killed, or
2 incl semi-killed, steel practices.
C Up to 1 +60 10 7
Over 1 to +80 10 7 This grade is available with
2 incl Integra or Fineline quality
to achieve improved
properties.
P RESSURE V ESSEL P LATE S TEEL A285

STEEL
manganese-silicon carbon plate Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel,
steel for use in welded boilers Manganese-Silicon
and other pressure vessels. In
1997 the requirement for
production to a fine austenitic Welding Data
grain size was added to the Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
specification. processes
Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux
Arc Low Hydrogen
E80xx-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x

Year Introduced
1947
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature for
arc Thickness
welding Manual Submerg
(Inches) Shielde ed-Arc
Normal Uses d Gas
Metal- Metal-
Welded boilers and pressure
Up to 12 100F 100F
vessels. incl
Over 12 to 200F 200F
1 incl 1 to
Over 300F 300F
2 incl
Impact Toughness Over 2 300F 300F
a supplementary requirement. assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions
Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish and restraint level associated with joint configuration. This
table should only be used as a guide for preheat and Typical
the Charpy values shown on this interpass temperatures. In general, the listed (Inches)
sheet at extra charge. Additional Structural Welding Code, D1.1.
requirements such as deoxidation Carbon
Mn Cr + Mo + V ent
special rolling or heat treatment C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 Value
15 s
properties. The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based Up to 8 0.38 to 0.57
Special Notes significance of carbon equivalent.

to achieve improved
properties.
Charpy V-Notch test minimum available requirements
per ASTM A20, Table A1.15, using Type A (full size
specimens). Longitudinal test coupon
Impact Values (Ft-Lb)
Thickness Lowest Test Avg. 3 Minimum
70 (Inches) Temp. F Specimens for One
Specimen
Up to 1 incl -75 15 12
Over 1 to 2 incl -75 15 12
Over 2 to 3 incl -50 15 12
Over 3 to 5 incl 0 15 12
Over 5 to 8 incl +30 15 12
Produced to fine grain practice.
Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Specifications cover manganese-
Manganese- Molybdenum and molybdenum-nickel alloy plates

intended particularly for welded
Manganese-Molybdenum-Nickel boilers and other pressure
Welding Data vessels. This specification has
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding been approved by the
processes Department
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux of Defense to replace
Arc Specification QQ-S-691C and
Low Hydrogen for listing in the DOD Index of
Specifications and Standards.
A, B, C, D E80xx-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x

for arc welding Year Introduced
1947
Gas Metal-Arc
Arc Special Features
This steel is available in four
A, B, C, D Up to 12 incl 50F 50F
Over 12 to 1 incl 200F 200F grades having different strength
Over 1 to 2 incl 300F 300F levels.
Over 2 350F 350F

restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table ad kne al Normal Uses
(Inc on Welded boilers and pressure vessels.
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar
A Up to 2 0.45 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = , incl 0.68
B Over 0.45 to
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5
Impact Toughness
15 Impact toughness requirements are
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based not included in the basic
specification, but can be added as a
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in supplementary requirement.
significance of carbon equivalent. Additional requirements such as
Special Notes 71

STEEL
Description Standard Specification for Pressure
Specification covers chromium-
molybdenum, alloy plates which
Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Chromium-
are annealed, normalized and Molybdenum
tempered or quenched and
tempered depending on grade.
The plates are intended primarily Welding Data
for welded boilers and pressure Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
vessel designs for elevated processes
temperature and hydrogen
Grade Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux
service. Metal-Arc Arc Metal-Arc Cored-
Arc
Low Hydrogen
Year Introduced 2, 12, 11 E8018-B2 F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x

1955 22 E9018-B3 F9xx-Exx-xx ER90S-x E9xTx-x
5 E502-15 # # #
# Refer to Mittal Steel USA - Plate.

Special Features
Produced as numerous grades Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature for
and arc welding
Thickness (Inches)
Grade Up to 34 incl Over 34
classes with increasing levels of chromium
and molybdenum. Grades 9 2, 11, 12, 22 200F 300F to 600F
and 91 are also available. 5 300F 400F to 700F
Suggested post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) for arc

Normal Uses welding
Recommended for welded pressure
Grade All Thicknesses
vessels.
Notes 2, 12
1200F to 1300F for 1 hr/in

Cool to preheat
11, 22 1275F to 1350F for 1 temperature or below
hr/in before PWHT.
Impact Toughness 5 1300F to 1375F for 1

Impact toughness requirements hr/in
are not included in the basic
specification, but can be added Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic
as a supplementary restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table ad kne al
requirement. Additional (Inc on
requirements such as similar to those published in the AWS Structural Welding hes) Equiv
Code, D1.1. 1 Up 0.55 to
deoxidation practice, modified 1 to 6 0.65
chemistry, special rolling or heat WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 1 Up to 0.45 to
2 12 0.55
treatment may be necessary to Mn Cr + Mo + V 2 Up to 0.80 to
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 2 12 0.90
15 5 Up 1.10 to
72 The impact toughness of this to 6 1.30
specification on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
is strongly influenced by heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
chemistry, heat treatment and the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
required post-weld heat treatment
(PWHT). Contact Mittal Steel USA -
Plate with your specific
requirements.
Special Notes
Fineline quality to achieve
improved properties.
Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, High- Specification covers high tensile
Strength Manganese strength carbon manganese plate
steel intended for welded
pressure vessels.
Welding Data
processes
Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux Year Introduced
Arc Low Hydrogen 1961
E80xx-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x

for arc welding A higher tensile strength steel,
limited to 34 in. thickness.
Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged-
Arc
(Inches) Metal-Arc Gas Metal-
Arc
Low Hydrogen Flux Cored- Normal Uses
Arc
Up to 34 100F 100F
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Thickness Recommended for welded pressure
and restraint level associated with joint configuration. This vessels.
table should only be used as a guide for preheat and Typical
interpass temperatures. In general, the listed (Inches)
Structural Welding Code, D1.1.
Carbon
Equival
Impact Toughness
ent Impact toughness requirements are
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 Value not included in the basic
15 s
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based Up to 34 0.40 to a supplementary requirement.
0.49
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the the Charpy values shown on this
significance of carbon equivalent. sheet at extra charge. Additional
Charpy V-Notch test minimum available requirements requirements such as deoxidation
per ASTM A20, Table A1.15, using Type A (full size practice, modified chemistry,
specimens). Longitudinal test coupon special rolling or heat treatment
properties.
Thicknes Lowest Avg. 3 Minimum
s Test Specimens for One
(Inches) Temp. F Specimen
Up to 34 +25 13 1
Impact Values (Ft-Lb) Special Notes
0 This grade is available with
Lateral expansion requirements.
achieve
improved properties. 73

STEEL
Description Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel
Specification covers carbon-silicon
plate steel primarily for
Plates, Carbon Steel, for Intermediate and
intermediate and higher Higher Temperature Service
temperature service in welded
boilers and other pressure vessels.
This specification has been
Welding Data
approved by the Department of Suggested welding consumables for arc welding
Defense to replace Federal processes
Specification QQ-S-691C and Arc
listed for listing in the DOD Low Hydrogen
Index of Specifications and
60, 65, 70 E70xx, F7xx-Exxx, ER70S-x, E6xT-x, E7xT-x
Standards. except
E70xx-x E70xx-x F7xx-Exx-xx -2, -3, -10, -GS
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature for

Year Introduced
1964
arc Grade
welding Thick Manual Submerged- Notes
(Inch
ness Metal-Arc
Shielded Gas Metal-
Arc
Low Flux Cored-
Hydrogen Arc
Special Features
This specification is available in 60, 65 Up to 34 incl None*
three grades having different None*
Over 34 to 112 incl 50F
strength levels 50F * When the base metal
and is always produced to 1 1
Over 1 2 to 2 2 incl 150F temperature is under 32F,
coarse
150F
Over 212 225F
225F
preheat the base metal
to at
3
austenitic grain size 70 Up to 4 incl 50F least 70F and maintain
this temperature during
practices. 50F welding.
Over 34 to 112 incl 150F
150F
1 1
Over 1 2 to 2 2 incl 250F
250F
Normal Uses Over 212 250F
A popular specification used 250F
when welded boilers and Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic
pressure vessels require restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table
ad kne al
e ss Carb
intermediate and higher should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are (Inc on
temperature steel. similar to those published in the AWS Structural Welding hes) Equiv
Code, D1.1. 6 Up to 0.19 to
0 15 0.45
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 6 Up to 0.27 to
5 15 0.45
7 Up to 0.31 to
Impact Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 0 15 0.49
Toughness 15
Impact toughness requirements The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based
are for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or
not available for this specification the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
because it is produced to coarse, significance of carbon
Stressequivalent.
vs. Strain Curve Tensile Coupon
austenitic grain size practices.
74
Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Description
Plates, Specification covers carbon plate
steel intended primarily for
Carbon Steel, for Moderate and Lower service in welded pressure
Temperature Service vessels. This specification has
been approved by the
Department of Defense to
Welding Data replace Federal Specification QQ-
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding S-691C for listing in the DOD
processes
Index of Specifications and
Arc Standards.
Low Hydrogen
55, 60, E70xx, F7xx-Exxx, ER70S-x E6xT-x,

65, 70
except
E70xx-x F7xx-Exx-xx E7xT-x Year Introduced
-2, -3, -10, -GS 1964

This specification is available in
Grade Thickness Manual Submerg N four different strength levels. The
(Inches) Shielde ed-Arc ot steel is made using a fine
d Gas es austenitic grain size practice.
Metal- Metal-
55, Up to 34 incl None* None*
Over 34 to 112 50F 5
Over 112 to 212 150F 150F * When the base
Over 212 225F 225F temperature is
under
preheat32F,
the base
Up to to4atincl
metal
70 3
50F 50F least 70F and
temperature during
Over 34 to 112 150F 150F

maintain
welding. this Normal Uses
Over 112 to 212 250F 250F A popular specification used where
Over1 2 2 250F
improved notch toughness is
250F
important at lower
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Gr Thic Typic temperatures.
ad kne al
hes) Equiv
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1.
6 Up to 0.31 to Impact Toughness
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 0 15 0.42 Impact toughness requirements are
6 Up to 0.35 to
not
Mn Cr + Mo 5 15 0.42
+V Ni + 7 Up to 0.36 to
C+ Cu included in the basic specification, but
6 + 5
15 0 15 0.46
+ can

be added as a supplementary
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or requirement. Mittal Steel USA - Plate
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the can furnish the Charpy values shown
significance of carbon equivalent. on this sheet at extra charge.
with Charpy
chemistry,
special rolling or heat treatment may 75
Temp. +70F +40F +0F -20F -40F -60F -
75F be necessary to achieve the
Grade Thickness properties. Post-weld heat
(Inches) treatment requirements may
50, 60 Up to 2 also influence available Charpy
incl impact properties.
Over 2 to 5
incl
65, 70 Up to 1
incl Special Notes
Over 1 to 3 This grade is available with
incl Integra or Fineline quality to
Over 3 to 8 achieve improved properties.
This table is for Normalized, 0.025% maximum sulfur.

TINUED
CO N P RESSURE V ESSEL P LATE S TEEL A516
STEEL
Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel
Plates,
Carbon Steel, for Moderate and Lower
Temperature Service
CO N TINUED Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Coupon
76
Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, High Specification covers high-
strength quenched and
Strength, Quenched and Tempered tempered alloy steel plates
(Mittal Steel USA - Plate makes only A514 Grades A, B, E, F, H, P and Q.) intended for use in fusion
welded boilers and other
Welding Data pressure vessels. This
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding specification has been approved
processes1 by the Department of Defense
Thick Manual Subme Ga Flu Notes for listing in
ness Shielde rge s x the DOD Index of
(Inch d d- Meta Core
es) Metal- Arc l-Arc d-Arc Specifications and Standards.
The structural version of this
Up to E11015-x, F11xx- ER11 E11x
2 1 2 E11018-x See Special Notes specification is A514.
section
incl
Over E10015-x, F10xx- ER10
1
E10018-x
E10016-x, Exx-xx 0S-x
E10xTx-x weld heat
Year Introduced
2 2 1964
1 Deposited weld metal shall have a minimum impact strength

of 20 ft-lb (27.1J) at 0F (-18C) when Charpy V-Notch
Special Features
specimens are required. Of the 13 compositions
permitted, Mittal Steel USA -
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass Plate produces Grades
A, B, E, F, H, P and Q. The steels
temperatures for welding are made using a fine austenitic
Thickness Produced Produced to grain size practice.
(Inches) to A517 Minimum Brinell
Tensile Hardness Normal Uses
Properties Requirements Excellent for fusion welded
3
Up to 4 50F 100F boilers and other pressure
incl
Over 34 to 112 125F 150F vessels. The chemistries of the
incl A517 grades are often used to
Over 112 to 212 175F 200F
incl produce abrasion resistant
Over 212 225F 250F grades to minimum Brinell
A preheat or interpass temperature above the minimum requirements. Welding
Gr Thic Typic information is also provided for
shown may be required for highly restrained weldspreheat
ad kne al
or interpass temperatures should not exceed 400F for them.
1
thickness up to 1 2 in. e ss Carb
(Inc on
assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions and A
hes)
Up to
Equiv
0.45 to
Impact Toughness
B 11to
Up 4 0.55
0.40 to
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass not included in the basic
1
temperatures. In general, the listed temperatures are similar 1 4 0.53 specification, but can be added as
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1.
E Up 0.70 to
to 6 0.80 a supplementary requirement.
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = F Up 0.50 to Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
to 0.60 the Charpy values shown on this
Mn Cr + Mo + V H Up 0.50 to
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 to 2 0.60 sheet at extra charge. Additional
15 P Up 0.60 to
to 4 0.70
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based Q Up 0.75 to practice, modified chemistry,
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced to 6 0.85 special rolling or heat treatment
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or may be necessary to achieve the
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the properties.
Special Notes
Charpy V-Notch test minimum available requirements Because of its critical alloy content and
per ASTM A20, Table A1.15, using Type A (full size 77
specimens).
Grade Transverse test
Thickness Lowest coupon
Test Impact Values specialized properties, welding
(Ft-Lb) (Inches) Temp. F procedures are of fundamental
importance especially in the heat
All All Testing temperature as None specified by ASTM affected zone.
A20
specified by the customer, (Lateral expansion This grade is available with
but no higher than 32F requirements below) Integra or Fineline quality to
Lateral expansion requirements: 0.015 in. minimum lateral expansion required using a full size
transverse test coupon. Grades A, E, P Post-weld heat
treatment may degrade heat-
levels.
Grades B, F, H, Q It is
important to note this grade of
steel may be susceptible to
cracking in the heat-affected zone of welds during post-weld heat treatment (stress
relief). Therefore, Mittal Steel USA - Plate recommends careful consideration be
given to this phenomenon by competent welding engineers before stress relieving
is applied to weldments of this grade. Also, it is not recommended for service at
temperatures lower than -50F or higher than 800F.

STEEL
manganese- molybdenum and
Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched
manganese- molybdenum- and Tempered, Manganese-
nickel alloy plate steel for use Molybdenum and Manganese-
in the quenched and tempered
condition for the construction of
Molybdenum-Nickel
welded pressure vessels. Welding Data
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding processes
Class Manual Shielded Submerged- Gas Flux
Year Introduced Metal-Arc Arc Metal-Arc Cored-
1965 Arc
Low Hydrogen
1 E80xx-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x

2 E90xx-x F9xx-Exx-xx ER90S-x E9xTx-x
Special Features
3 E100xx-x F10xx-Exx-xx ER100S-x E100T1-
This specification is available
K3,
in four types of chemical E100T5-
analysis and three classes of K3
different strength levels.
for arc welding
Normal Uses Grade Thickness Manual Shielded
Often used in the beltline region
Gas Metal-Arc
of nuclear reactor vessels Low Hydrogen Flux Cored-Arc
where the properties may be
A, B, Up to 1 incl 200F 200F
affected by high levels of C, D 1 to 2 incl 300F 300F
radiation. Over 2 400F 400F
ad kne al
Impact Toughness should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass
e ss
(Inc
Carb
on
Impact toughness requirements are to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv
A Up to 0.48 to
not included in the basic ,
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = 12 0.67
specification, but can be added as B
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
a supplementary requirement. + Cu 6 5
15
deoxidation practice, modified on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
chemistry, special rolling or heat for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or
treatment may be necessary to the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
achieve the properties. significance of carbon equivalent.
78
Special Notes
This alloy plate steel in the as-
rolled condition is sensitive to
cracking during transit and
handling, particularly in the
thicknesses over 1 in. or 2 in. It
should be shipped in the as-rolled
condition only with the mutual
agreement of the manufacturer
and fabricator.

to achieve improved
properties.
Vessel Plates, Heat-Treated Carbon- Specification covers heat
Manganese-Silicon Steel treated carbon-manganese-
silicon plate steel intended for
Welding Data fusion welded pressure
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding vessels and structures.
processes
Cla Manual Subme Ga Flu Notes
ss Shielde rge s x
d
Metal-
d-
Arc
Meta
l-Arc
Core
d-Arc
Year Introduced
1 E7015-x, F7xx- ER70 E7xT-x If deposited weld 1965
metal have a
should
E7018-x, F7xx- -2, -3, minimum impact
strength, see the for
E7028-x Exx-xx -10, -GS AWS specification
impact
Special Features
requirements of specific
welding
consumable
2, 3 E8015-x, E8016-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x designations.
E8xTx-x This grade is available in three
classes,
Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature Class 1 normalized and Class
for arc welding 2 and 3 quenched and
tempered. The steel
Class Thick Manual Submerg
ness Shielde ed-Arc is made using a fine
(Inch d Gas austenitic grain size practice.
es) Metal- Metal-
1, 2, 3 Up to 1 incl 70F 70F
Over 112 to 212 150F 150F
Over 212 to 6 incl 225F 225F Normal Uses
Welded pressure vessels.
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Cl Thic Typic
restraint level associated with joint configuration. This table as kne al
should only be used as a guide for preheat and interpass s ss Carb
(Inc on
to those published in the AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv Impact Toughness
1 Up 0.39 to Impact toughness requirements are not
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = to 4 0.54
2, Up 0.40 to included in the basic specification, but
3 to 6 0.55 can
Cr + Mo Ni +
Mn +V Cu
15
be added as a supplementary
C+ + 5
+ requirement.
6
Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish the
for plates by Mittal Steel USA - Plate. Individual plates or Charpy values shown on this sheet at
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the extra charge. Additional requirements
significance of carbon equivalent. such as deoxidation practice, modified
per ASTM A20, Table A1.15, using Type A (full size treatment may be necessary to
specimens). Longitudinal test coupon achieve the properties.
Impact Values (Ft-
Cla Thicknes Lowest Avg. 3Lb) Minimum 79
s Test for One
ss
(Inches) Temp.
Specimens
Specimen Special Notes
1 Up to 1 -80 15 12 This grade is available with
Over 1 to -75 15 12 Integra or Fineline quality to
Over 212 to -75 13 10
Over 3 to 4 -50 13 10 achieve improved properties.
incl
2, Up to 1 -90 20 15
Over 1 to -90 20 15
Over 212 to -75 15 12
Over 3 to 4 -50 15 12
incl
TINUED
CO N P RESSURE V ESSEL P LATE S TEEL A537
STEEL
Standard Specification for Pressure
Vessel Plates, Heat-Treated Carbon-
Manganese-Silicon Steel
CO N TINUED Stress vs. Strain Curve Tensile Coupon
80
Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, High Specification covers killed
Strength, for Moderate and Lower carbon- manganese-silicon plate
steel intended for welded
Temperature Service pressure vessels in service at
Welding Data moderate and lower
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding temperatures.
processes
Shielde rge s x
d
Metal-
d-
Arc
Meta
l-Arc
Core
d-Arc
Year Introduced
All E80 F8xx- ER8 E8x 1970
xx- Exx-xx, 0S- Tx-
x, F9xx- x, x,
This steel is killed and made
Grade Thickness Manual Shielded using a fine austenitic grain
Gas Metal-Arc size practice.
Arc
All Up to 12 incl 100F 100F Normal Uses

Over 12 to 1 incl 150F 150F Welded pressure vessels requiring
assisted cracking moderate or lower temperatures,
depend on specific welding conditions and restraint level particularly railway tank cars.
associated with joint configuration. This table should only Typical
be used as a guide for preheat and interpass (Inches)
similar to those published in the AWS Structural Welding
Code, D1.1. Carbon Impact Toughness
Equival
ent Impact toughness requirements are
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
Value not included in the basic
+ Cu 6 5 s
15 specification, but can be added as
Up to 1 0.44 to a supplementary requirement.
on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced 0.52 Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in the Charpy values shown on this
the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the sheet at extra charge. Additional
properties.
specimens). Longitudinal test coupon Special Notes 81
Grad Thickne Lowest Avg. 3 Minimum
Integra
e ss Test Specimens for One
(Inche Temp. Specimen or Fineline quality to achieve
All Up to 1 - 20 1
5 5
heat-affected zone strength and
levels.
STEEL
Specification covers carbon-
manganese plate steel intended
Vessel Plates, Carbon-Manganese-
primarily for service in welded Silicon Steel for
pressure vessels where Moderate and Lower Temperature
improved low temperature
notch toughness is important.
Service
Welding Data
Year Introduced processes
1972 Shielde rge s x
d d- Meta Core
A, B, E70 F7xx- ER70 E7xT-x
C xx, Exxx, S-x except
Special Features E70 F7xx- -2, -3, -10,
This material is available in Suggested minimum preheat and interpass temperature
three grades having different for arc welding
strength levels. The steel is
made using a fine austenitic Grade Thick Manual Submerg
ness Shielde ed-Arc
grain size practice. (Inch d Gas
es) Metal- Metal-
A, B, C Up to 1 50 50F
incl Over F 100F
Normal Uses 1 to 2 incl 10
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-assisted
Welded pressure vessels Gra Thic Typic
cracking depend on specific welding conditions and restraint level
de kne al
where low temperature associated with joint configuration. This table should only be used
as a guide for preheat and interpass temperatures. In general, the ss Carb
notch toughness is listed temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS (Inc on
Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv
important. A, Up 0.37 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = B, to 2 0.48
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni ++ Cu 6 5
15
Impact Toughness heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
Impact toughness requirements are the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
specimens). Longitudinal test coupon
Grad Thickne Lowest Avg. 3 Minimum
e ss Test Specimens for One
requirements such as deoxidation (Inche Temp. Specimen
practice, modified chemistry, A Up -75 13 10
to 2
special rolling or heat treatment B Up -60 13 10
may be to 2
C Up -50 15 12
82 necessary to achieve the to 2
properties.
Special Notes
to achieve improved
properties.
Vessel Plates, High-Strength, Low- Specification covers high-strength
Alloy Steel and low-alloy plate steel for
service in welded pressure
vessels and piping components.
Welding Data The structural version of this
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding specification is A633.
processes
Shielde rge s x
d
Metal-
d-
Arc
Meta
l-Arc
Core
d-Arc
Year Introduced
B E70xx, F7xx- ER70 E7xT-x 1976
C E70xx-x
E80xx-x Exxx
F8xx- S-x
ER80 E8xTx-x
Exx-xx S-x
for arc welding This specification is available
Grade Thickness Manual Shielded in two different strength
Submerged-Arc (Inches) Metal-Arc levels. The steel is made
Gas Metal-Arc
Low Hydrogen Flux Cored- using a fine austenitic grain
Arc size practice.
B, C Up to 34 incl 50F 50F

Over 1 to 112 incl
Over 112 to 2 incl
150F
200F
150F
200F
Normal Uses
Over 2 250F 250F Used for piping and pressure
vessel applications where high
assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions and strength and improved toughness
ad kne al
e ss Carb are required.
B Up 0.38 to
C
to 4
Up
0.46
0.45 to Impact Toughness
Mn Cr + Mo + V to 4 0.57
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 Impact toughness requirements are
15 not included in the basic
The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based specification, but can be added as
heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in Mittal Steel USA - Plate can furnish
significance of carbon equivalent. the Charpy values shown on this
Shaded area denotes availability of A737 Grade B requirements such as deoxidation
and C plate with Charpy 15 ft-lb longitudinal impact practice, modified chemistry,
toughness at various
Temp. +70F temperatures
+40F +0F -20F -40F -60F -80F special rolling or heat treatment
Grade Thickness may be
(Inches)
necessary to achieve the properties. 83
B Up to 4
C Up to 3
incl
C Over 3 to Special Notes
6 incl
This table is for Normalized, 0.010% maximum sulfur. Because of its critical alloy content
and specialized properties,
welding procedures are of
fundamental importance,
especially in the heat affected
zone.

Integra
heat treatment may degrade heat-
welding and post-weld heat treating procedures is recommended to assure
optimization of final property levels.

STEEL
Specification covers heat
treated carbon-manganese-
Vessel Plates, Heat-Treated, Carbon-
silicon plate steel intended for Manganese-Silicon Steel, for
use in welded pressure Moderate and Lower Temperature
vessels at moderate and
lower temperature service.
Service
Welding Data
Year Introduced processes
1976 Gra Thickne Manual Subme Ga Flu
de ss Shielde rge s x
(Inches d d- Meta Core
) Metal- Arc l-Arc d-Arc
Special Features A All E80xx-x F8xx-
Exxx,
ER8
0S-x
E8x
Tx-x
This specification is available in F8xx-
B All E90xx-x F9xx- ER9 E9x
three grades with different Exx-xx 0S-x Tx-x
strength levels. C Up to E90xx-x F9xx- ER9 E9x
Over 212 E80xx-x F8xx-Exx-xx ER80S-x E8xTx-x

Normal Uses for arc welding
Used for welded pressure vessels
requiring moderate and lower Grade Thicknes Manual Submerg
s Shielde ed-Arc
temperature service. (Inches) d Gas
Metal- Metal-
A, B, C Up to 12 100F 100F
Over 12 to 150F 150F
Impact Toughness Over 1 to
Over 2
200F
250F
200F
250F
not included in the basic Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen-assisted Gr Thic Typic
cracking depend on specific welding conditions and restraint level
specification, but can be added as associated with joint configuration. This table should only be used
ad kne al
as a guide for preheat and interpass temperatures. In general, the e ss Carb
a supplementary requirement. (Inc on
listed temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS
Additional requirements such as Structural Welding Code, D1.1. hes) Equiv
deoxidation A, Up 0.46 to
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = B to 6 0.54
Mn Cr + Mo Ni +
practice, modified chemistry, +V Cu
C+ 6
special rolling + 15
5
+
or heat treatment may be The carbon equivalent range shown in the table is based
necessary to achieve the on heat analysis. It is the range most commonly produced
properties. The impact toughness heats may have carbon equivalents beyond the range in
of this specification is strongly the table. See Chapter 10, page 38, regarding the
influenced by chemistry, heat
treatment and required post-weld
heat treatment. Contact Mittal
Steel USA - Plate with your
84 specific requirements.
Special Notes
Grade A is the material that,
prior to 1984, was covered by
specification A738 without a
grade designation.

Standard Specification for Plate Steel for Description
Pressure Vessels Produced by Thermo- Specification covers plate steel
Mechanical-Control-Process (TMCP) produced by the Thermo-
Mechanical-Control-Process (TMCP)
(see Chapter 4). The plates are
Welding Data intended primarily for use in
Suggested welding consumables for arc welding welded pressure vessels.
processes
Manual Subme Ga Flu
Shielded rge s x
Metal-Arc
Low
d-
Arc
Meta
l-Arc
Core
d-Arc
Year Introduced
E7015-x, F7xx- ER7 E7xT-x 1985
E7016-x, Exxx, 0S-x except
E7018-x, F7xx- -2, -3, -10,
This specification is
Thickness Manual Shielded Submerged-Arc
Notes (Inches) Metal-Arc available in two strength
Gas Metal-Arc levels.
Up to 34 incl None* None*
Normal Uses
3 1
Over 4 to 1 2 incl 70F * When the base metal
temperature is under
70F 32F,
preheat the base metal to at
Over 112 to 212 incl 150F least 70F and Used for welded pressure vessels.
150F maintain this
temperature during welding.
Preheat and interpass temperatures to prevent hydrogen- Thic Typic

assisted cracking depend on specific welding conditions knes al Impact Toughness
table should only be used as a guide for preheat and
s Carb Impact toughness requirements
interpass temperatures. In general, the listed (Inc on
are a part of the basic
temperatures are similar to those published in the AWS hes) Equiv
Structural Welding Code, D1.1. Up to 212 0.30 to specification. Test results of 10
incl 0.35
WELDING CARBON EQUIVALENT = Over 212 to 0.35 to mm x 10 mm specimens shall
4 incl 0.40 meet an average minimum value
Mn Cr + Mo + V
C + Ni +
+ Cu 6 5 of 15 ft-lb
15
at -40F. Tests per ASTM A20.
Special Notes
Integra
or Fineline quality to achieve improved
properties. Post-weld heat treatment
may degrade heat-affected zone
strength and toughness. Pretesting of
specific welding
85
and post-weld heat treating

procedures is recommended to
assure optimization of final
property levels. The TMCP heating
and rolling practices are defined
in
Fig. X1.1 of specification A841.
P HYSICAL
P ROPER TIES
OF P L A TE S T E E L
87
C H A P T E R 13 P H Y S I C A L P R O P E R TI E S OF P L ATE S T E E L
Physical Properties of Plate Steel

Item English Units Metric Units
Specific Gravity 7.9 7.9
Density 490 lb/ft3 7850 kg/m3
Melting Point 2370F2640F 1300C -1450C
Btu (Cal)
Specific Heat 0.12 (F) 0.12 (lb)
(gr) (C)
Linear Coefficient of 6.5 x 10 - 6 1 (11.7) x 10 -6 1

Thermal Expansion F C
Volumetric Coefficient 19.5 x 10 - 6 1 (35.1) x 10 -6 1

of Thermal Expansion F C
34 (Btu) 0.14 (Cal)

Thermal Conductivity at 60F (F) (hr)(C)
(sec) (cm) (ft)
Electrical Resistivity at 60F 17 x 10 -8 (ohm-meters)
Speed of Sound through Steel 18,000 ft/sec 5490 m/sec
Youngs Modulus lb
29,000,000 207,000 MPa
of Elasticity (in) 2
Poissons Ratio, 0.3 in the elastic range and 0.5 in the plastic range
Bulk Modulus lb 159,000 MPa

23,000,000
(in) 2
Shear Modulus 12,000,000 83,000 MPa

lb (in) 2
Emissivity of Polished .07 @ 100F .07 @ 38C

Metal Surface .10 @ 500F .10 @ 260C
.14 @ 1000F .14 @ 540C
Emissivity of Oxidized 0.80 0.80

Plate Steel at 60F
The properties listed above vary with the chemistry of the plate
steel. The values shown are typical for non-alloy plate grades.
If more accuracy is required, refer to a physics handbook.
88
P HYSICAL P ROPER T I E S OF P LA TE S TE EL
G LO SS A R Y
89
GLOSSARY
ACCELERATED COOLING. Cooling the plate with water
immediately following the final rolling operation. Generally the
plate is water cooled from about 1400F to approximately 1100F.
AGING. A time-dependent change in the properties of certain steels

that occurs at ambient or moderately elevated temperatures after
hot-working, after a thermal treatment (quench aging), or after a
cold-working operation (strain aging).
ALLOY STEEL. Steel is considered to be an alloy steel when either (1)

the maximum of the range given for the content of alloying elements
exceeds one or more of the following percentages: manganese 1.65%,
silicon 0.60%, copper 0.60%; or (2) a definite range or definite
minimum quantity of those elements considered alloys
is specified. For example, chromium, molybdenum and nickel.
ANNEALING. A thermal cycle involving heating to, and holding at, a

suitable temperature and then cooling at a suitable rate, for such
purposes as reducing hardness, improving machinability, facilitating
cold-working, producing a desired microstructure, or obtaining desired
mechanical or other properties.
AUSTENITIZING. The process of forming the austenite phase by heating

a ferrous alloy into the transformation range (partial austenitizing above
the lower critical temperature) or above this range (complete
austenitizing above the upper critical temperature).
BAINITE. A decomposition product of austenite consisting of an

aggregate of ferrite and carbide. In general, it forms at temperatures
lower than those where very fine pearlite forms, and higher than those
where martensite begins to form on cooling.
BRINELL HARDNESS NUMBER (HB). A measure of hardness

determined by the Brinell hardness test, in which a hard steel ball under
a specific load is forced into the surface of the test material. The number
is derived by dividing the applied load by the surface area of the
resulting impression.
CAMBER. As it relates to plates, camber is the horizontal edge

curvature in the length, measured over the entire length of the plate.
CARBON STEEL. By common custom, steel is considered to be

carbon steel when
no minimum content is specified or required for aluminum, boron,
chromium, cobalt, columbium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium,
tungsten, vanadium, zirconium or any other element added to obtain a
desired alloying effect; when the specified minimum for copper does
not exceed 0.40%; or when the maximum content specified for any of
the following elements does not exceed the percentages: manganese
1.65%, silicon 0.60%, copper 0.60%. Small amounts of alloying
elements may be present and are considered incidental.
CARBURIZING. A process in which an austenitized ferrous material is

brought into contact with a carbonaceous atmosphere or medium of
sufficient carbon potential as to cause absorption of carbon at the
surface and, by diffusion, create a concentration gradient. Hardening
by quenching follows.
COLD CRACKING. Develops in a weldment after solidification. It forms

within hours or days after welding, depending on steel grade, residual
stresses and hydrogen content. Proper processing will prevent this
problem.
90
CONTINUOUS CASTING. The most popular technique for solidifying steel.
Involves
pouring steel into an intermediate tundish before entering a water-
cooled, copper mold. A solidifying steel strand is drawn through a
machine where it continues to cool before exiting the machine.
CONTROLLED COOLING. A process by which steel is cooled from
an elevated temperature in a predetermined manner to avoid
hardening, cracking or internal damage, or to produce desired
microstructure or mechanical properties.
CONTROLLED-ROLLING. A rolling practice that improves mechanical

properties by controlling the related parameters of time-
temperature and deformation.
G LO SS A R Y
GLOSSARY
CORROSION. The gradual degradation of steel caused by
atmosphere, moisture or other agents. Can also lead to cracking of
various forms, e.g., stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen induced
cracking and sulfide stress cracking.
CREEP. A time-dependent deformation of steel occurring under

conditions of elevated temperature accompanied by stress intensities
well within the apparent elastic limit for the temperature involved.
CRITICAL RANGE (TEMPERATURES). Synonymous with transformation

range, which is the preferred term. (See Austenitizing)
DECARBURIZATION. The loss of carbon from the surface of steel as a

result of heating in a medium that reacts with the carbon.
DEOXIDATION. A process used during melting and refining of steel to

remove and/or chemically combine oxygen from the molten steel to
prevent porosity in the steel when it is solidified.
DUCTILITY. The ability of a material to deform plastically without

fracturing, usually measured by elongation or reduction of area in a
tension test, or, for flat products such as sheet, by height of cupping
in an Erichsen test.
ELASTIC LIMIT. The greatest stress a steel can see without permanent deformation.
ELONGATION. A measure of ductility, determined by the amount

of permanent extension achieved by a tension test specimen,
and expressed as a percentage of that specimens original
gauge length (as: 25% in 2 in.).
END-QUENCH HARDENABILITY TEST (JOMINY TEST). A method for

determining the hardenability of steel by water-quenching one end of
an austenitized cylindrical test specimen and measuring the resulting
hardness at specified distances from the quench end.
ENDURANCE LIMIT. The maximum cyclic stress, usually expressed in

pounds per square inch, to which a metal can be subjected for
indefinitely long periods without damage or failure.
EXTENSOMETER. An instrument capable of measuring small

magnitudes of strain occurring in a specimen during a tension test,
conventionally used when a stress-strain diagram is to be plotted.
FERRITE. The room temperature form of alpha iron, one of the two
major constituents of steel (with cementite) in which it acts as the
solvent to form solid solutions with such elements as manganese, nickel,
silicon and, to a small degree, carbon.
FLAME HARDENING. A hardening process in which the surface is

heated by direct flame impingement and then quenched.
GRAIN SIZE NUMBER. An arbitrary number calculated from the

average number of individual crystals, or grains, that appear on the
etched surface of a specimen.
HARDENABILITY. The property of steel that determines the depth

and distribution of hardness induced on cooling after austenitizing.
HARDNESS. The resistance of a material to plastic deformation. Usually measured

91
in steels by the Brinell, Rockwell or Vickers indentation-hardness test methods.
HEAT AFFECTED ZONE. Portion of the base plate, that was

heated during a thermal cutting or welding operation.
HIGH-STRENGTH, LOW-ALLOY STEELS. A specific group of steels with

chemical compositions especially developed to impart higher
mechanical properties and, in certain instances, improved
atmospheric corrosion resistance relative to conventional carbon steel.
It is not considered to be an alloy steel as previously described, even
though use of any intentionally added alloy content would technically
qualify it
as such. Typical grades are A572 and A588.
G LOSS A R Y
GLOSSARY
INGOT CASTING. A technique for solidifying molten steel by pouring it
into cast iron ingot molds.
IMPACT TEST. A test for determining the ability of a steel to

withstand high-velocity loading, as measured by the energy (in ft-
lb) that a notched-bar specimen absorbs upon fracturing.
MARTENSITE. A microconstituent or structure in hardened steel,

characterized by an acicular or needle-like pattern, and having the
maximum hardness of any of the decomposition products of an
austenite.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES. Properties that reveal the reactions, elastic

and inelastic, of a material to applied forces. Sometimes defined
erroneously as physical properties.
MICROSTRUCTURE. The metallurgical structure for a steel determined

by polishing and etching samples and examining them at high
magnifications using light or electron optical methods. Examples include
ferrite, pearlite, bainite and martensite.
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (YOUNGS MODULUS). A measure of stiffness,

or rigidity, expressed in pounds per square inch. Developed from the
ratio of the stress, as applied to a tension test specimen, to the
corresponding strain or elongation of the specimen. Applicable for
tensile loads below the elastic limit of the material.
NOTCH (IMPACT) TOUGHNESS. An indication of a steels capacity to

absorb energy when a stress concentrator or notch is present. Examples
are Charpy V-Notch, dynamic tear, drop-weight and drop-weight tear
tests.
NORMALIZING. A thermal treatment consisting of heating to a

suitable temperature above the transformation range and then cooling
in still air. Usually employed to improve toughness or machinability, or
as a preparation for further heat treatment.
PEARLITE. A microconstituent of iron and steel consisting of a

lamellar aggregate of ferrite and cementite (a compound of iron and
carbonFe3C).
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES. Properties pertaining to the physics of a

material, such as density, electrical conductivity and coefficient of
thermal expansion. Not to be confused with mechanical
properties.
POST-WELD HEAT TREATMENT (PWHT). Also referred to as stress

relieving, this process is used to soften the heat affected zones and
relieve residual stresses created during welding.
PREHEATING. A process to heat plate prior to thermal cutting or

welding to prevent hard areas or cracking.
PROPORTIONAL LIMIT. The maximum stress at which strain

remains directly proportional to stress.
QUENCH CRACKING. Occurs in medium carbon and alloy steels

during quenching and tempering heat treatment. Proper part design,
heat treating and quenching practices will prevent this problem.
QUENCHING AND TEMPERING. A thermal process used to increase the

hardness and strength of steel. It consists of austenitizing, then
cooling at a rate sufficient to
92 achieve partial or complete transformation to martensite. Tempering
involves reheating to a temperature below the transformation range
and then cooling at any rate desired. Tempering improves ductility and
toughness, but reduces the quenched hardness by
an amount determined by the tempering temperature and time.
REDUCTION OF AREA. A measure of ductility determined by the

difference between the original cross-sectional area of a tension test
specimen and the area of its smallest cross-section at the point of
fracture. Expressed as a percentage of the original area.
ROCKWELL HARDNESS (HRB OR HRC). A measure of hardness determined

by
the Rockwell hardness tester, by which a diamond spheroconical
penetrator (Rockwell C scale) or a hard steel ball (Rockwell B scale)
is forced into the surface of the test
G LO SS A R Y
GLOSSARY
material under sequential minor and major loads. The difference
between the depths of impressions from the two loads is read
directly on the arbitrarily calibrated dial as the Rockwell hardness
value.
SPHERODIZED ANNEALING. A prolonged heating of the steel in a

controlled- atmosphere furnace at or near the lower critical point,
followed by retarded cooling in the furnaces, to produce a lower
hardness than can be obtained by regular annealing.
STECKEL MILL. A rolling mill design with heated coiling

furnaces on each side to allow efficient rolling of thin plate
products.
STRESS-CRACKING. Occurs during the thermal cutting of high

carbon and alloy steels at the cut edges. Proper processing, which
may include preheating, will prevent this problem.
STRESS RELIEVING. A thermal cycle involving heating to a suitable

temperature, usually 1000F to 1200F, holding long enough to
reduce residual stresses from either cold deformation or thermal
treatment, and then cooling slowly enough to minimize the
development of new residual stresses.
TEMPER EMBRITTLEMENT. Brittleness that results when certain

steels are held within, or are cooled slowly through, a specific
range of temperatures below the transformation range. The
brittleness is revealed by notched-bar impact tests at or below
room temperature.
TEMPERING. See Quenching and Tempering.
TENSILE STRENGTH. The maximum tensile stress in pounds per

square inch that a material is capable of sustaining, as developed
by a tension test.
TENSION TEST. A test in which a machined or full-section specimen is

subjected to a measured axial load sufficient to cause fracture. The
usual information derived includes the elastic properties, ultimate
tensile strength, and elongation and reduction of area.
THERMAL CUTTING. A process for cutting plate steel to size using an

oxy-fuel, plasma or laser heat source. Oxidation or burning of steel is
initiated by melting with the heat source and then a stream of high purity
oxygen continues the reaction.
THERMO-MECHANICAL-CONTROLLED-PROCESSING (TMCP). A term referring to

special rolling practices that use controlled-rolling and/or accelerated cooling.
THERMAL TREATMENT. Any operation involving the heating and

cooling of a metal or alloy in the solid state to obtain the desired
microstructure or mechanical properties.
TOOL STEEL. Steel with a higher carbon and alloy content. Used to
make tools for cutting, forming or otherwise shaping a material into
a part or component for a definite use.
TOUGHNESS. An indication of a steels capacity to absorb energy,

particularly in the presence of a notch or a crack.
TRANSFORMATION RANGES. Those ranges of temperatures within

which austenite forms during heating and transforms during cooling.
TRANSFORMATION TEMPERATURE. The temperature at which a change in phase

93
occurs. The term is sometimes used to denote the limiting temperature of a
transformation range.
YIELD POINT. The minimum stress at which a marked increase in strain

occurs without an increase in stress, as indicated by a sharp knee in the
stress-strain curve.
YIELD STRENGTH. The stress at which a material exhibits a specified
deviation from the proportionality of stress to strain. The deviation is
expressed in terms of strain, and in the offset method, usually a
strain of 0.2% is specified.
YOUNGS MODULUS. See Modulus of Elasticity.
G LOSS A R Y
IMPOR TANT
The information provided herein is based on

testing or Mittal Steel USA - Plates
experience and is accurate and realistic to
the best of our knowledge at the time of
publication. However, characteristics
described
or implied may not apply in all
situations.
Mittal Steel USA - Plate reserves the right to
make changes in practices that may render
some information outdated or obsolete. In
cases where specific plate properties are
desired, Mittal Steel USA - Plate should be
consulted for current information and/or
capabilities.
95
3/06 Printed in U.S.A. Phone: 800-966-5352 Web:

n
www.mittalsteel.com

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Guidelines for

Fabricating and Processing

Quenching and Tempering Forming

Thermal Cutting Welding

FABRIC ATING AND PROCESSING

FABRIC ATING AND PROCESSING

T-1 is a registered trademark of Mittal Steel USA - Plate.

Cover Photos: Mittal Steel would like to thank Sun Steel

Mittal Steel USA - Plate

Douglas A. Thomas 1949

Table of Contents.......................................................................... vii

Characteristics of Plate Steel................................................................1

Processing of Plate Steel......................................................................19

Chapter 7 Quenching and Tempering...........................................20

Chapter 9 Thermal Cutting..........................................................31

Welding and Other Data.......................................................................45

Chapter 11 Structural Plate Steel...................................................46

Chapter 12 Pressure Vessel Plate Steel..........................................67

Chapter 13 Physical Properties of Plate Steel.................................88

Guidelines for Fabricating

Plate steel is defined as a flat, as-rolled or heat treated product sold

This book is a combined effort of previously published brochures by

The editor would like to especially acknowledge the significant

Special thanks also to Stacy Novosat of Godfrey Advertising

Alexander D. Wilson, Editor

Manganese is an active deoxidizer and shows less tendency to

Phosphorus is generally considered an impurity except where its beneficial effect

In the free-machining steels, however, specified phosphorus

Sulfur is generally considered an undesirable element except where

Silicon is one of the principal deoxidizers used in the manufacture

Nickel is one of the fundamental steel alloying elements. When present

Chromium is used in alloy steels primarily to increase

Melting and Casting

Entrapped gases are deleterious to mechanical properties of steel.

In most steelmaking processes, a primary reaction involves the

Killed steels are strongly deoxidized and are characterized by a relatively

The uniformity of killed steel renders it most suitable for applications

Continuous casting (also referred to as strand casting and slab casting)

M ELTING AND C ASTING

The versatility of steel is attributable in large measure to its

Annealing indicates a single thermal treatment intended to place the

Normalizing consists of heating the steel above its critical temperature

Stress Relieving consists of heating the steel to a suitable

Quenching and Tempering is used to improve the strength and

Figure 2-2: Burns Harbor 160-Inch Plate Mill

In & Out Bo Interstand Isotope 3500-Ton

Figure 2-3: Schematic of temperature versus deformation plot

The Conshohocken, PA Steckel mill is a very cost-effective rolling mill for

Figure 2-5: Conshohocken Steckel Mill

Finishing Mill Coiling Furnace

M E C HAN I CALP R O PE R TIE S

Figure 2-6: Effect of temperature on the short-

Figure 2-7: Typical Charpy transition curve

There is no general correlation between the NDT temperature and

Unfortunately, there is no exact correlation between the drop weight

Laboratory tests of compact-type (pin-loaded, edge crack specimens) or

The linear-elastic fracture mechanics approach is most applicable to the

Whether using linear-elastic or elastic-plastic fracture mechanics

that the uncracked section or ligament is unable to support the applied