Gangsteel produces and exports ASME SA203 Grade E nickel alloy steel plate for welded pressure vessels. Grade E is the normalized, higher-strength grade of the 3.50% nickel family in the ASME SA203 Steel Plates range, with a minimum yield strength of 40 ksi [275 MPa] and a tensile strength of 70 – 90 ksi [485 – 620 MPa].
Grade E has the same nickel content as SA203 Grade D and SA203 Grade F, and the same strength as SA203 Grade B. The extra nickel compared with Grade B is chosen for better toughness at low service temperatures. SA-203 does not set one fixed impact test temperature for Grade E; Charpy testing is required when the purchaser approves faster-than-air cooling plus tempering, and otherwise only when the order calls for it, so the test temperature and energy must be agreed on the order.
Grade Designation
- SA – ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code material specification (Section II, Part A)
- 203 – SA-203/SA-203M, pressure vessel plates, alloy steel, nickel
- Grade E – 3.50% nominal nickel, 40 ksi [275 MPa] minimum yield, normalized
ASTM counterpart: ASTM A203 Grade E. Common writings include SA203GR.E, SA203 Gr.E and SA-203 Grade E.
Key Advantages of SA203 Grade E Steel Plate
- Higher strength than Grade D with the same 3.50% nickel chemistry
- More nickel than Grade B at the same strength level, for low-temperature service
- Normalized delivery, without the quench-and-temper route of Grade F
- Intended for welded pressure vessels
- Impact testing can be added at the temperature agreed on the order
Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis, Maximum %)
| Plate thickness | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2 in. [50 mm] | 0.20 | 0.70 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.15 – 0.40 | 3.25 – 3.75 |
| > 2 in. to 4 in. [50 – 100 mm] incl. | 0.23 | 0.80 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.15 – 0.40 | 3.25 – 3.75 |
Product analysis: Mn 0.78 max (≤ 50 mm) and 0.88 max (> 50 mm), Si 0.13 – 0.45, Ni 3.18 – 3.82. P and S maxima apply to both heat and product analysis. Si and Ni are ranges, not maxima.
Note: Grades E and F share one chemistry table. The table gives carbon maxima only up to 4 in. [100 mm]; there is no > 100 mm carbon row for the 3.50% nickel grades, so do not copy the Grade A or Grade B > 100 mm value. The actual heat analysis is shown on the mill certificate. Confirm all limits against the SA-203 edition named on your order.
Mechanical Properties
| Plate thickness | Tensile Strength ksi [MPa] | Yield Strength min ksi [MPa] | Elongation in 8 in. [200 mm] min % | Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm] min % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All thicknesses | 70 – 90 [485 – 620] | 40 [275] | 17 | 21 |
Note: Grade E uses the same tensile table as Grade B and is not split by thickness. Elongation adjustments follow SA-20. If the purchaser approves cooling faster than air followed by tempering at not less than 1100 °F [595 °C] for at least ½ h, Charpy V-notch testing is required with 20 ft·lbf [27 J]; the test temperature and orientation are agreed between purchaser and supplier. Guaranteed values must be confirmed on the mill certificate for the ordered thickness and edition.
SA203 Grade Comparison
| Grade | Nominal Ni % | C max % (≤ 50 mm / 50 – 100 mm / > 100 mm) | Yield min ksi [MPa] | Tensile ksi [MPa] | Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm] min % | Heat treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA203 Grade A | 2.25 | 0.17 / 0.20 / 0.23 | 37 [255] | 65 – 85 [450 – 585] | 23 | Normalized |
| SA203 Grade B | 2.25 | 0.21 / 0.24 / 0.25 | 40 [275] | 70 – 90 [485 – 620] | 21 | Normalized |
| SA203 Grade D | 3.50 | 0.17 / 0.20 / – | 37 [255] | 65 – 85 [450 – 585] | 23 | Normalized |
| SA203 Grade E | 3.50 | 0.20 / 0.23 / – | 40 [275] | 70 – 90 [485 – 620] | 21 | Normalized |
| SA203 Grade F | 3.50 | 0.20 / 0.23 / – | 55 [380] ≤ 50 mm; 50 [345] > 50 mm | 80 – 100 [550 – 690] ≤ 50 mm; 75 – 95 [515 – 655] > 50 mm | 20 | Quenched and tempered |
Note: “–” means the chemistry table gives no carbon maximum above 100 mm for the 3.50% nickel grades. Mn (0.70 / 0.80 heat max), P 0.025 max, S 0.025 max and Si 0.15 – 0.40 are the same for all five grades. Grades A, B, D and E that receive purchaser-approved accelerated cooling plus tempering must meet a Charpy V-notch value of 20 ft·lbf [27 J] at an agreed temperature; Grade F is impact tested to SA-20 Supplementary Requirement S5. Same nickel or same strength does not make two grades interchangeable.
Available Dimensions
- Thickness: to enquiry. SA-203 sets no fixed maximum; thickness is limited by the ability of the composition to meet the mechanical requirements, and the chemistry table covers carbon up to 4 in. [100 mm]
- Width and length: to enquiry
- Tolerances: SA-20/SA-20M unless otherwise agreed
- Delivery condition: Normalized (or normalized-type accelerated cooling plus temper only if the purchaser approves)
Main Applications
- Welded pressure vessels for low-temperature service
- Low-temperature separators, drums and process vessels
- Storage vessels and tanks for cold process media
- Shells and heads for petrochemical and gas processing plant
- Heat exchanger shells where the design names 3.50% nickel plate
Equivalent Grades of SA203 Grade E
| Standard | Grade | Steel Number | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A203/A203M | A203 Grade E | – | Companion ASTM grade. Related, but an ASTM certificate is not automatically SA-203 or ASME Code acceptance, and the reverse is also not automatic |
| ASME SA-203 | SA203 Grade B | – | Same strength, but 2.25% nickel; not equivalent |
| ASME SA-203 | SA203 Grade D | – | Same 3.50% nickel, lower strength (37 / 65 ksi); not equivalent |
| EN 10028-4 | 12Ni14 | 1.5637 | Approximate: European 3.5% nickel pressure vessel steel; strength and test rules differ |
| JIS G3127 | SL3N275 | – | Approximate: Japanese 3.5% nickel plate at a similar yield level; not identical limits |
| GB/T 713.4 (China) | 08Ni3DR | – | Approximate: Chinese 3.5% nickel low-temperature vessel plate; different chemistry and test rules |
Equivalents are for reference only. A grade from another standard, or another SA203 grade, is not a direct substitute unless the designer or the project specification accepts it. Check chemistry, strength, heat treatment, impact testing and the named acceptance standard before approving any alternative.
Related Products
Other grades in the ASME SA203 Steel Plates range and related pages:
- ASME SA203 Steel Plates (family page)
- ASME SA203 Grade A nickel alloy steel plate
- ASME SA203 Grade B nickel alloy steel plate
- ASME SA203 Grade D nickel alloy steel plate
- ASME SA203 Grade F nickel alloy steel plate
- ASTM A203 Grade E alloy steel plate
- Pressure vessel and boiler steel plate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between ASME SA203 Grade D and ASME SA203 Grade E?
Both ASME SA203 Grade D (SA203GR.D) and ASME SA203 Grade E (SA203GR.E) have 3.50% nominal nickel. Grade E has higher strength: 40 ksi [275 MPa] minimum yield and 70 – 90 ksi [485 – 620 MPa] tensile, against 37 ksi [255 MPa] and 65 – 85 ksi [450 – 585 MPa] for SA203 Grade D. SA203GR.E also has a higher carbon maximum. Order the grade named on the drawing.
What is the difference between ASME SA203 Grade B and ASME SA203 Grade E?
The strength of ASME SA203 Grade B (SA203GR.B) and ASME SA203 Grade E (SA203GR.E) is the same. Grade B is a 2.25% nickel grade and SA203 Grade E is a 3.50% nickel grade. Matching strength does not make them interchangeable; a change needs the purchaser’s approval.
Is ASME SA203 Grade E the same as ASTM A203 Grade E?
ASME SA203 Grade E (SA203GR.E, also written SA203 Gr.E or SA-203 Grade E) and ASTM A203 Grade E (A203GR.E) are companion designations with the same grade name. Chemistry and tensile limits should be checked against the editions named on the order. An ASTM A203 Grade E certificate is not by itself SA-203 or ASME Code acceptance; ask for dual certification if both are required.
What heat treatment does ASME SA203 Grade E (SA203GR.E) need?
ASME SA203 Grade E plates are normalized. If the purchaser approves, faster-than-air cooling followed by tempering at not less than 1100 °F [595 °C] is permitted to improve toughness, and the plates must then be Charpy tested. Quench-and-temper practice from SA203 Grade F (SA203GR.F) is not Grade E practice.
What is the nickel content of ASME SA203 Grade E?
Nominal nickel in ASME SA203 Grade E (SA203GR.E) is 3.50%. The heat analysis range is 3.25 – 3.75% and the product analysis range is 3.18 – 3.82%.
Is there a maximum thickness for ASME SA203 Grade E steel plate?
SA-203 does not set a fixed maximum thickness for ASME SA203 Grade E (SA203GR.E) steel plate. Thickness is limited by the ability of the composition to meet the mechanical requirements, and the chemistry table gives carbon limits only up to 4 in. [100 mm]. Confirm thicker plates with the mill before ordering.
What information should I give when asking for an ASME SA203 Grade E quotation?
Give the grade (ASME SA203 Grade E, also written SA203GR.E or SA203 Gr.E), the SA-203 edition and any Code year the job requires, SA-203 or SA-203M units, thickness × width × length, quantity, delivery condition, impact test temperature and energy, other supplementary tests and the inspection document you need.
For a quotation or technical data for ASME SA203 Grade E steel plate, please contact Gangsteel.