ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 vs BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04
Close Alternative — 81% match
based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 (ASTM A516/A516M:2025) and BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04 (BS 970 (Part 1):1991) are both steel grades.
Both fall under the Carbon Steel category.
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 is typically used for welded pressure vessels where improved notch toughness is important, while BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04 is commonly used for as-rolled, or as-rolled and softened, steel (section two).
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States, while BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom.
As per chemical composition, ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 vs BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04 is a 81% match.
Mechanical property data is not available for both grades, so this factor could not be scored.
Combined, this makes them a close alternative overall at 81%.
Frequently Compared With ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55:
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55
BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04
Tensile Strength
380-515 MPa
Not specified
Yield Strength
>=205 MPa
Not specified
Elongation
>=23%
Not specified
Condition
Tension test per Table 2; one set of values for all thicknesses; plates 40 mm and under normally as-rolled, over 40 mm normalized; Elongation is in 200 mm gauge length, 50 mm values in the tensile block
Not specified
Typical Applications
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55
Welded pressure vessels where improved notch toughness is important
BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04
As-rolled, or as-rolled and softened, steel (section two)
Key Differences
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 specifies P, S, Si which are not specified for BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04.
Can ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 Be Substituted With BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04?
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 and BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04 are a close alternative rather than a direct substitute. Some properties overlap well, but check the specific chemistry and mechanical rows above against your application's requirements before treating them as interchangeable.
What is the difference between ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 and BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04?
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 specifies P, S, Si which are not specified for BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04.
Can ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 be substituted with BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04?
ASTM A516/A516M Grade 55 and BS 970 (Part 1) 040A04 are a close alternative rather than a direct substitute. Some properties overlap well, but check the specific chemistry and mechanical rows above against your application's requirements before treating them as interchangeable.