ASTM A 738/A738M : 2005

1.1 This specification covers heat-treated carbon-manganese-silicon steel plates intended for use in welded pressure vessels at moderate and lower temperature service.

1.2 Material under this specification is available in four strength levels, 75 ksi [515 MPa], 85 ksi [585 MPa], 80 ksi [550 MPa], and 90 ksi [620 MPa] minimum ultimate tensile strengths.

1.3 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the chemical composition and heat treatment to meet the specified mechanical property requirements; however, current practice normally limits the maximum thickness of plates furnished under this specification to 6 in. [ 150 mm] for Grade A, 4 in. [100 mm] for Grade B, and 6 in. [150 mm] for Grade C. For Grades D and E, the maximum permitted nominal thickness is 1.5 in. [40 mm].

1.4 Grade A is the material that, prior to 1984, was covered by Specification A 738 without a grade designation.

1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standards. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.