AS 3597—2008

AS 3597—2008

Australian Standard®

Structural and pressure vessel steel—

Quenched and tempered plate
This Australian Standard® was prepared by Committee BD-023, Structural Steel. It was
approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 23 May 2008.
This Standard was published on 30 June 2008.

The following are represented on Committee BD-023:

• AUSTROADS
• Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Australian Industry Group
• Australian Steel Institute
• Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
• Business New Zealand
• Steel Construction New Zealand
• University of New South Wales
• University of Sydney
• University of Western Australia

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 07232.

Standards Australia wishes to acknowledge the participation of the expert individuals that
contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation on the
Committee and through the public comment period.

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Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to

notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities. Contact us via email at
mail@standards.org.au, or write to Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001.
 AS 3597—2008

Australian Standard®

Structural and pressure vessel steel—

Quenched and tempered plate

Originated as AS 3597—1993.
Second edition 2008.

COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Published by Standards Australia GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 8824 6
AS 3597—2008 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee BD-023, Structural
Steel, to supersede AS 3597—1993.
The objective of this Standard is to cover the technical aspects of supply of intermediate
and high-strength quenched and tempered steel plates for structural and pressure vessel
applications.
This edition incorporates the following major changes to the previous edition:
(a) The introduction of grades of steel with good weldability, formability and low
temperature toughness.
(b) The introduction of a minimum thickness of 3 mm to a maximum thickness of
110 mm for intermediate and high-strength quenched and tempered low-alloy steel
plates.
(c) The introduction of new Grades 900 and 1000. Grades 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1000
high-strength low-alloy steels are intended for use in structural applications and
mechanically tested on a batch basis in line with the requirements of ASTM A514,
Specification for High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Plate,
Suitable for Welding and BS EN 10025-6, Hot Rolled Products of Structural Steels,
Part 6: Technical Delivery Conditions for Flat Products of High Yield Strength
Structural Steels in the Quenched and Tempered Condition.
(d) The introduction of new Grades 500PV and 600PV. Grades 500PV, 600PV
and 700PV low-alloy steels intended for use in pressure vessels and mechanically
tested in line with the requirements of ASTM A517, Specification for Pressure Vessel
Plates, Alloy Steel, High-Strength, Quenched and Tempered and BS EN 10028-6, Flat
Products Made of Steels for Pressure Purposes, Part 6: Weldable Fine Grain Steels,
Quenched and Tempered.
The only significant differences between Grades 500, 600, 700, 900, 1000 and 500PV,
600PV and 700PV are the nature and frequency of mechanical tests. The mechanical
properties of each Grade are developed by quenching and tempering after plate rolling.
The unification of these Grades into one Standard is meant to provide maximum availability
for users and to reduce costs. Grades 500, 600 and 700 may be used in lieu of
Grades 500PV, 600PV and 700PV respectively, if the results of additional testing are
satisfactory (see Appendix D).
A statement expressed in mandatory terms in a note to a table in the body of this Standard is
deemed to be a requirement of this Standard.
The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the
application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.
 3 AS 3597—2008

CONTENTS

Page
1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES ................................................................................... 4
3 DEFINITION.............................................................................................................. 5
4 DESIGNATION.......................................................................................................... 5
5 MATERIALS.............................................................................................................. 5
6 STEEL-MAKING PROCESS ..................................................................................... 5
7 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION .................................................................................... 6
8 MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES....................................................................... 7
9 FREEDOM FROM DEFECTS.................................................................................... 7
10 TESTING.................................................................................................................... 8
11 IDENTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION ........................................................... 13
12 ROUNDING OF NUMBERS.................................................................................... 14

APPENDICES
A PURCHASING GUIDELINES.................................................................................. 15
B ELEVATED TEMPERATURE TESTING OF GRADES 700 AND 700PV.............. 17
C INFLUENCE OF FABRICATION AND HEAT TREATMENT ON
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES................................................................................. 19
D USE OF GRADES 500, 600 AND 700 IN LIEU OF GRADES 500PV, 600PV
AND 700PV .............................................................................................................. 20

BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................... 22
AS 3597—2008 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
Structural and pressure vessel steel—Quenched and tempered plate

1 SCOPE
This Standard specifies technical requirements for the production and supply of
intermediate and high-strength quenched and tempered low-alloy steel plates from a
minimum thickness of 3 mm to a maximum thickness of 110 mm. It is intended for use in
fusion welded structures and pressure vessels.
NOTE: Guidelines on information that should be specified by the purchaser and matters that
should or may be agreed on at the time of enquiry and order are given in Appendix A.

2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES
The following documents are indispensable to the application of this Standard:
NOTE: Documents referenced for ‘informative’ purposes are listed in the Bibliography.
AS
1210 Pressure vessels
1391 Metallic materials—Tensile testing at ambient temperature
1544 Methods for impact tests on metals
1544.2 Part 2: Charpy V-notch
1548 Fine grained, weldable steel plates for pressure equipment
1710 Non-destructive testing—Ultrasonic testing of carbon and low alloy
steel plate and universal sections—Test methods and quality
classification
2706 Numerical values—Rounding and interpretation of limiting values
AS/NZS
1050 Methods for the analysis of iron and steel
1050.1 Part 1: Sampling iron and steel for chemical analysis
1365 Tolerances for flat-rolled steel products
1554 Structural steel welding
1554.4 Part 4: Welding of high strength quenched and tempered steels
ASTM
E208 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine
Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel
Products
A514/A514M-05 Specification for High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy
Steel Plate, Suitable for Welding
A517/A517M-06 Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, High-Strength,
Quenched and Tempered

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 5 AS 3597—2008

BS EN
10025 Hot Rolled Products of Structural Steels
10025-6 Part 6: Technical Delivery Conditions for Flat Products of High Yield Strength
Structural Steels in the Quenched and Tempered Condition
10028 Flat Products Made of Steels for Pressure Purposes
10028-6 Part 6: Weldable Fine Grain Steels, Quenched and Tempered
ISO
14284 Steel and iron—Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of
chemical composition
2566 Steel—Conversion of elongation values
2566-1 Part 1: Carbon and low alloy steels

3 DEFINITION
For the purpose of this Standard, the definition below applies.
3.1 Quenched and tempered low alloy steel
Any low-alloy steel that is processed by a heat treatment that involves quenching from the
austenitizing temperature to room temperature, followed by reheating to below the lower
critical transformation temperature.

4 DESIGNATION
The designation shall be in accordance with this Standard and shall consist of the following:
(a) The number of this Standard, i.e., AS 3597.
(b) The steel grade indicating the nominal minimum specified proof stress (Rp0.2) for
thicknesses greater than 5 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm expressed in MPa.
(c) The capital letters PV for quenched and tempered pressure vessel steels only.
Example 1:
Structural steel with a minimum specified proof stress (Rp0.2) at ambient temperature of
690 MPa in the quenched and tempered condition.
AS 3597—700.
Example 2:
Pressure vessel steel with a minimum specified proof stress (Rp0.2) at ambient temperature
of 690 MPa in the quenched and tempered condition.
AS 3597—700PV.

5 MATERIALS
The steel shall be supplied in eight grades and shall be designated as follows:
(a) Grades 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1000—where the mechanical testing shall be carried
out at a frequency required for fusion-welded structures.
(b) Grade 500PV, 600PV and 700PV—where the mechanical testing shall be carried out
at a frequency required for fusion-welded boilers and pressure vessels.

6 STEEL-MAKING PROCESS
The steel shall be made by either the basic oxygen process or an electric process.
NOTE: The basic oxygen process means the process of making steel in a basic converter blown
with commercially pure oxygen.

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AS 3597—2008 6

7 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
7.1 General
The method of sampling for chemical analysis shall be in accordance with ISO 14284.
Chemical composition shall be determined by the procedures described in AS/NZS 1050.1
or by other procedures that achieve the same or better degree of accuracy.
7.2 Cast analysis
A chemical analysis of the liquid steel shall be made to determine the proportions of the
specified elements. In cases where it is impracticable to obtain samples from the liquid
steel, analysis on test samples taken in accordance with ISO 14284 may be reported as cast
analysis.
The cast analysis of the steel shall conform to the limits specified in Table 1 for the
appropriate Grade. Test certificates reporting cast analysis shall indicate values for those
elements necessary to establish compliance with the appropriate Grade, plus any other
element intentionally added to the steel.
7.3 Product analysis
The chemical analysis of the finished product is not a mandatory requirement of this
Standard. When the steel is subjected to a product analysis, the analysis shall conform to
the limits given in Table 1.

TABLE 1
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION—GRADES 500, 600, 700, 900 (see Note 4(a)),
1000 (see Note 4(b)) AND 500PV, 600PV, 700PV

Type of Cast or product analysis, % (maximum)

analysis C Si Mn P S Cr Mo Ni B CE
Cast 0.21 0.80 1.70 0.025 0.010 1.50 0.70 2.0 0.005 0.65
Product 0.24 0.86 1.80 0.030 0.015 1.60 0.74 2.1 0.006 —
NOTES:
1 Aluminium and titanium may be added, provided the total combined content does not exceed 0.15%.
2 Carbon equivalent (CE) is calculated from the following equation—
Mn Cr + Mo + V Ni + Cu
CE = C + + +
6 5 15
3 The following elements may be present to the limits stated:
(a) Copper: ........................................................................................................................ 0.50%.
(b) Vanadium: .................................................................................................................... 0.12%.
(c) Niobium: ...................................................................................................................... 0.06%.
4 The following CE limits apply:
(a) CE of 0.72 max. applies to Grade 900.
(b) CE of 0.82 max. applies to Grade 1000.

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 7 AS 3597—2008

8 MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES
Manufacturing tolerances for all Grades with respect to width, length, thickness, flatness
and camber shall not exceed the values given in Table 2.

TABLE 2
MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES
AS/NZS 1365
Plate characteristic AS 1548 applicability
applicability
Width All Grades —
Length All Grades —
Thickness Grades 500, 600, 700, Grades 500PV, 600PV
900 and 1000 and 700PV
Flatness All Grades —
Camber All Grades —

9 FREEDOM FROM DEFECTS

9.1 General
The steel shall be free from lamination, segregation, surface flaws and other defects
detrimental to its use.
Notwithstanding that a plate has been accepted previously, if subsequent processing reveals
that it contains defects found to be detrimental to its use, the plate shall be deemed not to
comply with this Standard, provided it has not been improperly treated after delivery.
9.2 Removal of surface defects
Surface imperfections may be removed by mechanical means, provided no region of the
plate thickness is less than the minimum permissible thickness given in Table 2.
Plates as supplied shall not contain weld repairs, unless agreed otherwise. When agreed,
preparation for repair welding shall include inspection to ensure complete removal of the
defect. The welding operation shall only be carried out if—
(a) the total surface to be repaired does not exceed 2% of the surface area of each face of
the plate concerned;
(b) the complete removal of the defects does not reduce the thickness of the plate by
more than 20% of the plate thickness;
(c) the repair is done utilizing welding procedures in accordance with AS/NZS 1554.4
and carried out by welders meeting the qualification requirements of AS/NZS 1554.4;
NOTE: The repair of the defects may be done after the final heat treatment.
(d) the welding procedure qualification test for Grade 700PV includes Charpy impact test
for lateral expansion of the weld metal, heat-affected zone and parent metal;
(e) the examination of the repair quality is carried out by ultrasonics or magnetic particle
tests; and
(f) a reinforcement of at least 1.5 mm is levelled, preferably by grinding, to give the
repaired plate a smooth and uniform surface.
NOTES:
1 For information to be supplied by the purchaser, see Paragraph A1 of Appendix A.
2 For inspection, see Paragraph A4 of Appendix A.

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AS 3597—2008 8

9.3 Ultrasonic testing

Each plate of Grade 500PV, 600PV and 700PV shall be ultrasonically tested in accordance
with AS 1710, and shall satisfy the requirements of Level 1 of that Standard.
Ultrasonic testing of plates of Grades 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1000 shall be subject to
agreement.
NOTES:
1 For information to be supplied by the purchaser, see Paragraph A1 of Appendix A.
2 For inspection, see Paragraph A4 of Appendix A.

10 TESTING
10.1 Selection of test samples
10.1.1 General
Samples for the preparation of test pieces for tensile and impact tests shall be taken in
accordance with this Standard. Samples shall be tested in the same condition as the finished
product.
NOTE: Where the product is to be further stress-relieved and separate stress-relieving of test
samples is appropriate, this should be specified at the time of enquiry and order (see
Appendix A).
10.1.2 Sampling and testing
Test samples shall be taken to represent finished steel of the same product form, treated in
the same manner and from the same batch.
10.2 Position and orientation of test pieces/frequency of testing
Plates designated Grades 500PV, 600PV and 700PV shall be individually tested. One test
specimen shall be taken from one end of each plate, in a position midway between the
centre and either edge.
Plates designated Grades 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1000 shall be tested on a batch basis. One
heat-treated plate shall be selected to represent each 40 t (or part thereof) of plate product
of the same thickness range, from the same cast and heat-treated in the same production
run.
The thickness of product within the batch shall not deviate more than 5 mm from that of the
test plate.
Each plate shall be heat-treated for the same time and at the same temperature as the tested
plate of the particular grade.
NOTE: For influence of heat treatment on mechanical properties, see Appendix C.
10.3 Preparation of test pieces for mechanical testing
The test specimen shall be of sufficient size to permit the preparation of test pieces required
for the complete testing program (see also Clauses 10.4.1.2 and 10.4.1.3). In addition,
consideration shall be given to retests (see Clause 10.4.1.4).
10.4 Mechanical testing
10.4.1 Tensile testing (at room temperature)
10.4.1.1 General
The room temperature tensile properties of the test pieces taken from heat-treated plates
shall conform to the specified values given in Table 3. Testing shall be in accordance with
Clauses 10.4.1.2 to 10.4.1.4.

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 9 AS 3597—2008

TABLE 3
ROOM TEMPERATURE TENSILE TEST VALUES
Minimum percentage
Minimum proof Tensile
Plate elongation on a 50 mm
stress strength
thickness gauge length
(Rp0.2) (Rm)
(A)
mm MPa MPa %
Grade 500 500 590–730 20
≥3 ≤110
Grade 600 600 690–830 20
≥3 ≤110
Grade 700
≥3 ≤5 650 750–900 18
≥5 ≤65 690 790–930 18
≥65 ≤110 620 720–900 16
Grade 900 890 940–1100 13
≥3 ≤110
Grade 1000 960 980–1150 12
≥3 ≤110
Grade 500PV 500 590–730 20
≥3 ≤110
Grade 600PV 600 690–830 20
≥3 ≤110
Grade 700PV
≥3 ≤5 650 750–900 18
≥5 ≤65 690 790–930 18
≥65 ≤110 620 720–900 16

10.4.1.2 Tensile test piece

A test piece for tensile testing shall be prepared from each test specimen in accordance with
AS 1391 such that the longitudinal axis of the test piece is perpendicular to the principal
direction of final rolling.
For material greater than 19 mm in thickness, either a proportional cylindrical test piece or
a non-proportional test piece shall be used.
Elongation results shall be reported on a gauge length of 50 mm. Conversion of results from
a non-proportional gauge length shall be in accordance with ISO 2566-1.
It shall be permissible to discard a test piece that shows defective machining or develops
flaws due to improper machining, handling or other cause not attributable to the steel
manufacture or properties, and to submit another test piece.
10.4.1.3 Test method and results
Each test piece shall be subjected to a tensile test in accordance with AS 1391 to establish
the following tensile properties:
(a) 0.2% proof stress (Rp0.2) and tensile strength (Rm).
(b) Percentage elongation (A).

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AS 3597—2008 10

The straining rate, when the 0.2% proof stress is approached, shall be within the limits of
the conventional straining rate as specified in AS 1391. Where one or more of the tensile
properties specified in Items (a) and (b) fail to comply with the requirements of
Clause 10.4.1.1, retesting in accordance with Clause 10.4.1.4 shall be permitted.
10.4.1.4 Retests
The retest shall consist of the testing of two additional test pieces prepared from the
appropriate test specimen and taken from a position as near as practicable to the position of
the failed test piece. The steel represented shall be deemed to comply with this Standard
only where the tensile properties of both these test pieces comply with the requirements of
Clause 10.4.1.1.
It shall be permissible to again heat-treat the plate represented by the test specimen, in
which case another test specimen shall be taken and tested in accordance with
Clauses 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3 and Appendix B, as appropriate. The maximum number of
complete heat treatments to which a plate may be subjected shall be limited to three.
10.4.2 Charpy V-notch testing
10.4.2.1 Impact test pieces
Three Charpy V-notch test pieces shall be cut from each test specimen (see Clause 10.4.1.2)
with the axis of the notch perpendicular to the rolled surface of the plate. The test pieces
shall be orientated parallel to the principal direction of rolling in the case of Grades 500,
600, 700, 900 and 1000, and transverse to the principal direction of rolling in the case of
Grades 500PV, 600PV and 700PV. Test pieces shall be prepared in accordance with
AS 1544.2, and shall have a cross-section as given in Table 4.

TABLE 4
CROSS-SECTIONS OF CHARPY
V-NOTCH IMPACT TEST PIECES
Nominal plate thickness Test piece cross-section
mm mm
<6 10 × plate thickness
≥6 ≤9.5 10 × 5 (see Note 1)
>9.5 ≤12 10 × 7.5 (see Note 1)
>12 ≤20 10 × 10 (see Note 1)
>20 ≤32 10 × 10 (see Note 2)
>32 ≤110 10 × 10 (see Note 3)
NOTES:
1 Where practicable, the test piece shall not include
material nearer to the plate surface than 1 mm.
2 The test piece shall not include material nearer to the
plate surface than 3 mm.
3 The test piece should be machined so that the major axis
of the test piece is as close as possible to the quarter
thickness position of the plate.

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 11 AS 3597—2008

10.4.2.2 Test method and result

Each test piece shall be tested in accordance with AS 1544.2. The test temperature shall be
−20°C, unless otherwise agreed. In the case of Grades 500PV, 600PV and 700PV, the test
temperature shall be not higher than 0°C. The acceptance criteria shall conform to the
following:
(a) Grades 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1000 The average absorbed energy of the three test
pieces and each individual absorbed energy shall be not less than the values given in
Table 4. Where the average absorbed energy or not more than one individual
absorbed energy is less than that given in Table 5, retesting shall be permitted in
accordance with Clause 10.4.3.
(b) Grades 500PV and 600PV The average absorbed energy of the three test pieces and
each individual absorbed energy shall be not less than the values given in Table 5.
Where the average absorbed energy or where not more than one individual absorbed
energy is less than that given in Table 6, retesting shall be permitted in accordance
with Clause 10.4.3.
(c) Grade 700PV The three test pieces shall have an average lateral expansion opposite
the notch of not less than 0.38 mm and an individual test piece shall have a lateral
expansion of not less than 0.25 mm. The acceptance value shall be the same for all
test pieces. The average absorbed energy of the three test pieces shall be reported for
information.
Where the lateral expansion of one test piece falls below 0.25 mm and the average of
the three test pieces is not less than 0.38 mm, retest shall be permitted in accordance
with Clause 6.3. Assessment of lateral expansion shall be by the method outlined in
ASTM A370.

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AS 3597—2008 12

TABLE 5
CHARPY V-NOTCH IMPACT TEST VALUES—
STRUCTURAL GRADES
Cross-section of test
Minimum absorbed energy, J
Grade piece
mm Individual test Average of 3 tests
500 10 × 10 55 80
10 × 7.5 40 60
10 × 5 35 45
10 × plate thickness By agreement
600 10 × 10 50 75
10 × 7.5 40 60
10 × 5 30 40
10 × plate thickness By agreement
700 10 × 10 30 40
10 × 7.5 23 30
10 × 5 15 20
10 × plate thickness By agreement
900 10 × 10 30 40
10 × 7.5 23 30
10 × 5 15 20
10 × plate thickness By agreement
1000 10 × 10 30 40
10 × 7.5 23 30
10 × 5 15 20
10 × plate thickness By agreement

TABLE 6
CHARPY V-NOTCH IMPACT TEST VALUES—
PRESSURE VESSEL GRADES

Minimum absorbed energy, J

Cross-section of test piece
Grade (Transverse)

mm Individual test Average of 3 tests

500PV 10 × 10 23 30
10 × 7.5 15 20
10 × 5 12 15
10 × plate thickness By agreement
600PV 10 × 10 23 30
10 × 7.5 15 20
10 × 5 12 15
10 × plate thickness By agreement

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 13 AS 3597—2008

10.4.3 Retest
10.4.3.1 Grades 500, 600, 700, 900, 1000, 500PV and 600PV
The retest shall consist of either or both of the following methods:
(a) Three additional test pieces shall be cut from the test specimen and shall be tested in
accordance with Clause 10.4.2.2. The results shall be added to those previously
obtained and a new average calculated. A plate shall be deemed to comply with this
Standard only where the average absorbed energy of the six test pieces is not less than
that given in Table 5, as appropriate, and not more than one individual absorbed
energy of the six tests shall be less than the value given in Table 5, as appropriate.
(b) It shall be permissible to heat-treat the plate represented by the test specimen again,
in which case another test specimen shall be taken and tested in accordance with
Clauses 10.4.1 and 10.4.2, and Appendix B, if required.
10.4.3.2 Grade 700PV
The retest shall consist of either or both of the following methods:
(a) Three additional test pieces shall be cut from the test specimen and shall be tested in
accordance with Clause 10.4.2.2. A plate shall be deemed to comply with this
Standard only where the lateral expansion of each of the three additional test pieces is
not less than 0.38 mm.
(b) It shall be permissible to heat-treat the plate represented by the test specimen again,
in which case another test specimen shall be taken and tested in accordance with
Clauses 10.4.1, 10.4.2, this Clause and Appendix B, if required.
10.4.3.3 Drop-weight testing (for nil ductility transition temperature)
Drop-weight tests for Grade 700PV shall be in accordance with ASTM E208 and, when
required, acceptance criteria shall be specified.
NOTE: For acceptance criteria of drop-weight test, see Paragraph A1, Item (l) of Appendix A.

11 IDENTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION

When specified, a certificate for each plate shall be supplied. The certificate shall state the
following:
(a) Purchaser’s order/item number.
(b) Specification and the grade of steel (i.e., AS 3597, Grade 500, 600, 700, 900, 1000 or
Grade 500PV, 600PV, 700PV).
(c) Identification number of the plates, including reference to plate serial number and
heat number.
(d) Cast analysis in respect of all specified elements.
(e) Where applicable, product analysis in respect of all specified elements.
(f) Room temperature tensile properties.
(g) Details of actual plate heat-treatment cycle used.
(h) The temperature at which the Charpy impact tests were conducted, the size and
orientation of the test piece and the results obtained.
(i) When an elevated temperature tensile-tested plate is ordered, the temperature at
which the test was made and the Rp0.2 value obtained.
(j) When a plate with verified elevated temperature tensile properties is ordered, the
Rp0.2 value at each temperature with which the plate is verified as complying.

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AS 3597—2008 14

(k) A statement that the plate complies with the requirements of this Standard.
(l) Where applicable, a statement that the plate complies with the supplementary
requirements of the order.
(m) Where applicable, the location and dimensions of any repairs shall be shown on a
separate sketch as an appendix to the test certificate.
Plates shall be certified in accordance with the provisions of this Standard.
NOTE: For elevated temperature testing of Grades 700 and 700PV, see Appendix B.

12 ROUNDING OF NUMBERS
12.1 General
For the purpose of assessing compliance with this Standard, the specified limiting values
shall be interpreted in accordance with the ‘rounding method’ described in AS 2706, that is,
the observed or calculated value shall be rounded to the same number of figures as in the
specified limiting value and then compared with the specified limiting value. For example,
for specified limiting values of 2.5, 2.50, and 2.500, the observed or calculated value shall
be rounded to the nearest 0.1, 0.01 or 0.001, respectively.
For examples of interpretation of specified values in accordance with the rounding method,
see AS 2706.
12.2 Tensile properties
NOTE: The determined values of proof stress (Rp0.2) and tensile strength (Rm) may be rounded
to 10 MPa and the minimum percentage elongation on a 50 mm gauge length (A) to the nearest
1%.

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 15 AS 3597—2008

APPENDIX A
PURCHASING GUIDELINES
(Informative)

A1 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PURCHASER

The purchaser should supply the following information at the time of enquiry or order, after
making due reference to the explanation, advice and recommendations contained in this
Appendix:
(a) Quantity and delivery instructions (dates, schedules, delivery points).
(b) Dimensions of steel (e.g., thickness, width and length).
(c) Type of edge required (i.e., trimmed or untrimmed).
(d) Designation of Grade and Standard number.
(e) Whether a product analysis is required and, if so, the frequency of testing (see
Clause 7.3).
(f) Whether the steel is to be ultrasonically tested (see Clause 9.3).
(g) Whether the residual element content is to be further restricted (see Table 1).
(h) Whether defects may be repaired by welding (see Clause 9.2).
(i) For steel intended for elevated temperature use, whether the properties are to be
verified or tested, together with the appropriate test temperature.
NOTE: The temperature of test is to be one of those given in Tables B1 and B2 of
Appendix B.
(j) Charpy V-notch impact test temperature, if other than −20°C (see Clause 10.4.2.2).
(k) Whether priming/surface coating of steel is required (see Clause 9.1).
(l) Where applicable for Grade 700PV, the acceptance criteria of drop-weight test (this
refers to steel greater than or equal to 16 mm thickness for use at minimum operating
temperature below −30°C (see AS 1210).
(m) Whether it is the intention of the purchaser to inspect the steel at the manufacturer’s
works (see Paragraph A4 of this Appendix).

A2 INDEPENDENT TEST
In the event of a dispute as to the compliance of the steel with the requirements of this
Standard, the purchaser and the supplier should agree to have referee testing carried out by
an independent laboratory, whose results should be accepted as final.

A3 CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE AND TEST CERTIFICATES

A3.1 Certificates of compliance
Certificates of compliance include a statement that the material complies with the
requirements of this Standard, i.e., AS 3597.

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AS 3597—2008 16

A3.2 Test certificates

Test certificates show such results as may be required by agreement between the purchaser
and the manufacturer, relating to—
(a) tests performed by the manufacturer for the purpose of establishing compliance with
this Standard; and
(b) additional tests as agreed between the purchaser and manufacturer.

A4 INSPECTION
If it is the purchaser’s intention to undertake any of the following functions at the
manufacturer’s works, this should be notified at the time of enquiry or order, and should be
accomplished in a manner which will not interfere with the operation of the works. The
functions are as follows:
(a) Inspecting the steel.
(b) Selecting and identifying the test samples.
(c) Witnessing the tests being made.
The manufacturer should afford the purchaser all reasonable facilities to establish that the
steel complies with the Standard.

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 17 AS 3597—2008

APPENDIX B
ELEVATED TEMPERATURE TESTING OF GRADES 700 AND 700PV
(Informative)

B1 GENERAL
Grades 700 and 700PV steels are not normally used under conditions of elevated
temperature; however, when a plate with the elevated temperature property ReL or Rp0.2 is
ordered, the plate should be—
(a) verified by the manufacturer; or
(b) supplied with the results of the testing of elevated temperature tensile properties that
have been obtained to date.
The lower bounds of these results are provided for guidance in Tables B1 and B2 for
Grades 700 and 700PV.
NOTES:
1 Data on long-term creep are not available, hence care should be exercised in selecting suitable
design strength values for long-term elevated temperature service.
2 AS 1210 provides maximum permissible design stress values in tension for ASTM A517
Grades up to the maximum limiting temperature of 350°C.

B2 TEST PIECE
For plates produced from the same ladle and in one of the thickness ranges specified in
Tables B1 and B2, one test piece should be prepared from a representative test specimen in
accordance with AS 2291 for each 40 t of plate or part thereof.

B3 TEST METHODS AND RESULTS

Tensile tests at elevated temperatures should be performed in accordance with AS 2291.
The property should be determined at the specified temperature and should be either Rp0.2
or ReL depending on the following:
(a) Where the lower yield extension is less than 0.2%, the Rp0.2 value should be taken as
the criterion for acceptance purposes.
(b) Where the lower yield extension is more than 0.2%, the ReL value should be taken as
the criterion for acceptance purposes.

B4 RETEST
The retest should consist of one or more of the following procedures:
(a) Two additional tests should be performed on test pieces prepared from the original
test specimen. Where the property obtained from both of these additional test pieces
complies with the appropriate value specified in Paragraph B2, the plates represented
by the test should be deemed to comply with this Standard.
(b) The plate from which the first selected test specimen was taken should be withdrawn
or re-processed as described in Item (c). Two further test specimens should be
selected at random from those representing the remaining plates under consideration
and a test piece prepared from each. Where the property obtained from both these test
pieces complies with the appropriate value specified in Paragraph B2, the plates
represented should be deemed to comply with this Standard. Should one or both of
the additional test pieces fail to comply, the plates represented should be deemed not
to comply with this Standard.

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AS 3597—2008 18

(c) Test pieces should be prepared and tested from test specimens taken from each plate.
Individual plates should be deemed to comply with this Standard where the property
obtained complies with the appropriate value specified in Paragraph B2.
(d) The plates represented by the test specimen should be reprocessed (i.e., heat-treated
again) and another test specimen taken. Testing should be in accordance with
Clause 10 and this Appendix.

TABLE B1
ELEVATED TEMPERATURE PROOF STRESS VALUES
GRADES 700 AND 700PV
ReL or Rp0.2, minimum
MPa
Plate thickness
Test temperature
°C
mm 20 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
3 ≤5 650 630 625 620 615 605 600 580 520
>5 ≤25 690 680 675 670 655 630 615 575 520
>25 ≤65 690 665 650 640 635 615 590 560 500
>65 ≤110 620 600 590 580 575 570 550 530 490

TABLE B2
ELEVATED TEMPERATURE TENSILE STRENGTH VALUES
GRADES 700 AND 700PV
Rm, minimum
MPa
Plate thickness
Test temperature
°C
mm 20 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
3 ≤5 750 730 725 720 715 705 695 680 630
>5 ≤25 790 770 760 755 745 735 700 685 630
>25 ≤65 790 765 755 745 735 725 700 685 625
>65 ≤110 720 690 685 675 670 665 650 630 600

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 19 AS 3597—2008

APPENDIX C
INFLUENCE OF FABRICATION AND HEAT TREATMENT ON MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES
(Informative)

C1 INFLUENCE OF HOT-FORMING AND STRESS RELIEVING ON

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
The mechanical properties of all Grades provided in this Standard are attained by water
quenching from the austenitizing temperature followed by tempering. Consequently, if the
original mechanical properties are to be maintained, forming and stress-relieving
temperatures should be restricted to an upper limit such that these temperatures are at least
30°C, but preferably 50°C, less than the actual tempering temperature used (see Clause 10).
Lower maximum limits should be employed if prolonged exposure is contemplated. This
refers to periods in excess of 4 h for thicknesses less than or equal to 50 mm and 6 h for
thicknesses greater than 50 mm.
When these Grades are heat-treated a second time in any of the above circumstances, then
testing of the material after heat treatment is recommended or the purchaser should ensure,
by carrying out appropriate procedural tests, that the specified minimum mechanical
properties are retained.
Where it is essential to hot-form at temperatures greater than the upper limit temperature
described above, the steel should be suitably heat-treated afterwards. The purchaser should
be satisfied that the proposed heat treatment will satisfactorily recover the original
properties. The steel manufacturer should be consulted for advice in regard to the proposed
heat treatment.
Where it is the intention of the purchaser to conduct the quenching and tempering heat
treatment after the hot-forming operation, then plates may be ordered in the ‘non-heat-
treated’ condition. In these cases, conformance with this Standard should be by
representative coupon tests.

C2 INFLUENCE OF COLD-FORMING ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Cold work will affect the mechanical properties of all grades, and the acceptable limits of
cold work, where included in the relevant application Standard, should be observed.
In relation to Grade 700PV, it should be noted that AS 1210 requires that quenched and
tempered low-alloy steels to ASTM A517 be heat-treated again after cold-forming when the
extreme fibre strain exceeds 5% (see AS 1210).
NOTES:
1 WTIA Technical Note 15, Quenched and Tempered Steels, published by the Welding
Technology Institute of Australia, also contains general notes for guidance on the fabrication
of quenched and tempered steels.
2 Reference should also be made to AS/NZS 1554.4 in relation to the welding of these steels.

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AS 3597—2008 20

APPENDIX D
USE OF GRADES 500, 600 AND 700 IN LIEU OF GRADES 500PV, 600PV
AND 700PV
(Informative)
State Government authorities, such as WorkCover Authority of NSW and OHSB of
Victoria, permit the use of Grades 500, 600 and 700 in lieu of Grades 500PV, 600PV
and 700PV in accordance with AS 1210.
In these cases, the purchaser should ensure that the mechanical and physical properties of
each plate to be used complies with the requirements of Grades 500PV, 600PV and 700PV.
With regard to the likelihood of an individual plate of Grades 500, 600 and 700 meeting the
requirements of Grades 500PV, 600PV and 700PV, it is suggested the manufacturer be
consulted for guidance before the commencement of requalification testing.
A comparison between Grades 500, 600 and 700 and 500PV. 600PV and 700PV with
respect to mechanical and physical properties is given in Table D1.

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 21 AS 3597—2008

TABLE D1
COMPARISON OF GRADES 500 AND 500PV, 600 AND 600PV, AND 700
AND 700PV WITH RESPECT TO MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Comment regarding
requalification testing
Grades 500, 600 Grades 500PV, 600PV
Property of Grades 500, 600, 700
and 700 and 700PV
to 500PV, 600PV
and 700PV
Chemical composition See Table 1 See Table 1 Analysis limits are the
same for both Grades
Tensile testing:
(a) Frequency of tests Tested on batch basis Each plate tested Each plate of Grade 500,
(see Clause 10.2) (see Clause 10.2) 600 and 700 to be tested
(b) Results See Table 3 See Table 3 Same for both Grades
Charpy impact testing:
(a) Frequency of tests Tested on a batch Each plate tested Each plate of Grade 500,
basis (see (see Clause 10.2) 600 and 700 to be tested
Clause 10.2)
(b) Test direction Longitudinal Transverse Transverse tests to be
(see Clause 10.2) (see Clause 10.2) conducted
(c) Test temperature −20°C To be nominated by purchaser Test to be conducted at
(see Clause 10.4.2) (see Clause 10.4.2 and nominated test
Paragraph B1) temperature
(d) Results Energy values at Lateral expansion values, at Lateral expansion to be
−20°C (see Table 5) test temperature nominated by determined for grade
purchaser for grade 700PV only 700PV only
(see Clause 10.4.2.2(c) and
Paragraph B1 of Appendix B)
Drop-weight test Not required See Clause 10.4.3.3 Each plate to be tested for
grade 700PV only
Manufacturing
tolerances:
(a) Length See AS/NZS 1365 See AS/NZS 1365 Same for both Grades
(b) Width See AS/NZS 1365 See AS/NZS 1365 Same for both Grades
(c) Thickness See AS/NZS 1365 See AS 1548 Purchaser to ensure actual
plate thickness is suitable
for end use application
(d) Flatness See AS/NZS 1365 See AS/NZS 1365 Same for both Grades
(e) Camber See AS/NZS 1365 See AS/NZS 1365 Same for both Grades
Ultrasonic testing Not required Tested to AS 1710, Level 1 Each plate to be
ultrasonically tested to the
requirements of
Grades 500PV, 600PV and
700PV

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AS 3597—2008 22

BIBLIOGRAPHY

AS
2291 Metallic materials—Tensile testing at elevated temperatures
WTIA
Technical Note 15 Quenched and Tempered Steels

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 23 AS 3597—2008

NOTES
AS 3597—2008 24

NOTES
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