Data sheet ASTM A738 Grade B 2020-04-06

ASTM A738 Grade B

General Product Description
The ASTM A738 specification is the Standard Specification for Heat-treated, Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel used in welded pressure vessels subjected to
moderate and lower temperature service. Grade B is supplied in the quenched & tempered condition.

Dimensions
Thickness Width Length
(Inches) (Inches) (Inches)
0.375 - 2.001) 96 - 1231) 240 - 588
1) Please inquire for plate thicknesses of less than 0.375 inches down to 0.250 inches, or greater than 2.00 inches up to 3.5 inches, and for widths less than 96 inches or greater than 123 inches.

Mechanical Properties
Tensile Testing is performed in the transverse direction according to ASTM A20 requirements. The required mechanical properties are tabulated below:
Grade 0.2% YS UTS Elongation in 2"
(ksi) (ksi) (min %)
A738 Grade B 60 85 - 102 20
Charpy V-Notch Impact Toughness requirements may be ordered as a supplementary requirement (S5). A minimum Charpy V-notch impact energy value of
40 ft-lbs [54 J] at -40°F [-40°C] in longitudinal specimens is a typical supplemental impact toughness requirement. Please inquire for applications requiring a
specified minimum impact toughness.

Chemical Composition
(Heat Analysis, wt. %, max. unless indicated)
Meets chemical requirements of ASTM A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B, as shown below. ASTM A20 limits apply to unspecified elements.
C Mn P 1) S 1) Si Cu Ni Cr Mo V Cb V + Cb
(max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt (max wt
%) %) %) %) %) %) %) %) %) %) %) %)
0.20 1.50 0.020 0.010 0.55 0.35 0.60 0.30 0.20 0.07 0.04 0.08
1) P and S are more restrictive than A738 Gr. B/SA738 Gr. B requirements. Even lower limits for P and S are available on an inquiry basis.

Carbon Equivalent Values

Thickness 0.375 - 2.00
(Inches)
CEV 0.47
(max wt %)
CET 0.34
(max wt %)

Available Chemistries
Carbon equivalent (CEV) restrictions for weldability are available as a supplementary requirement (S20). Please inquire for additional chemistry restrictions.

Tolerances
Thickness, width, and length tolerances for A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B are in accordance with ASTM A20 requirements. The flatness tolerance for as-
supplied product is ½ ASTM A20.

Delivery Conditions
ASTM A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B is supplied in the quench and tempered condition
 Data sheet ASTM A738 Grade B 2020-04-06

Formability Properties
A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B exhibits excellent cold forming characteristics. Shear burrs and heat-affected zones of thermal cut edges on or near the bend
axis as well as sharp corners on edges and on gas cut or punched holes located on or adjacent to the bend axis should be removed by grinding prior cold
forming. The following recommended minimum inside bend radius, R, and die width opening, W, as a function of bending orientation are provided:
Thickness Bend Axis Perpendicular to Bend Axis Perpendicular to Bend Axis Parallel to Bend Axis Parallel to
(in. [mm]) Rolling Direction, Inside Rolling Direction, Die Width, Rolling Direction, Inside Rolling Direction, Die Width,
Radius, R (min.) W (min.) Radius, R (min.) W (min.)
0.375 – 1.00 [9.5 – 25.4] 1.5t 8t 2.25t 10t
1.00 – 2.00 [25.4 – 50.1] 2.5t 8t 3.75t 10t

Weldability
Welding of A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B shall be performed in accordance with applicable welding code. In the absence of a specified welding code, the
following minimum preheat and interpass temperatures and welding consumables are provided. Special welding consumables and welding procedures may
be required to avoid detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the base metal. Low hydrogen practices are strongly recommended.
Welding Process Thickness Minimum Preheat and Interpass Consumables
(in. [mm]) Temperature
(°F [°C])
Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW) Up to 3/4 [19] 50 [10] AWS E7015-X, E7016-X, E7018-X
Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW) >3/4 – 1.5 [>19 - 38] 50 [10] AWS E7015-X, E7016-X, E7018-X
Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW) >1.5 - 2.0 [>38 - 50] 150 [65] AWS E7015-X, E7016-X, E7018-X
Gas Metal Arc (GMAW) Up to 3/4 [19] 50 [10] AWS ER70S-X
Gas Metal Arc (GMAW) >3/4 – 1.5 [>19 - 38] 50 [10] AWS ER70S-X
Gas Metal Arc (GMAW) >1.5 - 2.0 [>38 - 50] 150 [65] AWS ER70S-X
Submerged Arc (SAW) Up to 3/4 [19] 50 [10] AWS F7XX-EXXX-XX
Submerged Arc (SAW) >3/4 – 1.5 [>19 - 38] 50 [10] AWS F7XX-EXXX-XX
Submerged Arc (SAW) >1.5 - 2.0 [>38 - 50] 150 [65] AWS F7XX-EXXX-XX
Flux Cored Arc (FCAW) Up to 3/4 [19] 50 [10] AWS E8XTX-X
Flux Cored Arc (FCAW) >3/4 – 1.5 [>19 - 38] 50 [10] AWS E8XTX-X
Flux Cored Arc (FCAW) >1.5 - 2.0 [>38 - 50] 150 [65] AWS E8XTX-X

Supplementary Requirements
By agreement between the purchaser and the plate manufacturer, the following Supplementary Agreements may be specified on the purchase order: S1.
Vacuum Treatment; S2. Product Analysis; S3. Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Mechanical Test Coupons; and S12. Ultrasonic Examination in
accordance with ASTM A578.

Contact Information
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org. The information contained herein is only intended to provide guidance
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