Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3, steel

Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: ## **Product Datasheet: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 Steel Plate** **Product Overview** Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 is a premium high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel plate belonging to the advanced family of **age-hardening (precipitation hardening)** nickel-copper-chromium-molybdenum-niobium alloy steels. Distinguished as **Grade A, Class 3 (A3)**, this product is supplied in the **solution heat-treated (annealed) condition** and is specifically designed to develop its mechanical properties through **natural aging at ambient temperature** over time. This unique characteristic allows fabricators to work with a soft, formable material that subsequently gains strength after fabrication without a furnace aging treatment. It offers a remarkable balance of excellent weldability and formability in the as-supplied state, evolving to high strength and good toughness over several weeks. This plate is available in thicknesses ranging from **3/16 inch (4.8 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm)**. **Key International Standards** * **Primary Standard:** **ASTM A710 / A710M** - Standard Specification for Low-Carbon Age-Hardening Nickel-Copper-Chromium-Molybdenum-Columbium Alloy Steel Plates. * **Governing Specification:** This product conforms to all requirements for **Grade A, Class 3 (A3)** as defined in ASTM A710. "Class 3" designates material supplied in the **solution heat-treated condition**, which will age-harden at room temperature. * **Heat Treatment Condition:** Condition III (Solution Heat Treated). The plate is soft when shipped and will naturally age-harden over time (typically 60-90 days to reach stable properties). * **Unique Property Development:** Mechanical properties are time-dependent. Minimum properties are guaranteed after a specified natural aging period (e.g., 60 days) at room temperature (approx. 75°F / 24°C). * **Supplementary Requirements:** Often specified with **ASTM A6 S1 (Charpy V-Notch Impact Testing)** to be performed after the designated aging period. **Chemical Composition (Weight % - ASTM A710 Grade A Requirements)** The lean, low-carbon chemistry with copper and nickel provides the basis for natural age-hardening and atmospheric corrosion resistance. | Element | ASTM A710 Grade A Requirement | Typical Bethlehem Steel Range (A3) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.07% max | 0.04 - 0.06% | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.40 - 0.70% | 0.50 - 0.65% | | **Phosphorus (P)** | 0.025% max | ≤ 0.015% | | **Sulfur (S)** | 0.025% max | ≤ 0.010% | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.40% max | 0.20 - 0.35% | | **Nickel (Ni)** | 0.70 - 1.00% | 0.80 - 0.95% | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 0.40 - 0.80% | 0.60 - 0.75% | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.15 - 0.25% | 0.18 - 0.22% | | **Copper (Cu)** | 1.00 - 1.30% | 1.10 - 1.25% | | **Columbium (Cb/Nb)** | 0.02% min | 0.03 - 0.06% | | **Carbon Equivalent (C.E. IIW)** | Very Low (~0.30-0.35) | Typically ~0.32 | **Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Properties develop over time. Values listed are the minimum requirements after the specified natural aging period.* | Property | Requirement after Natural Aging (ASTM A710 Grade A, Class 3) | Typical Performance & Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Yield Strength (Min)** | 65 ksi (450 MPa) | Develops to 70 - 80 ksi (483 - 552 MPa) after aging. As-supplied YS is much lower (~45-55 ksi). | | **Tensile Strength** | 75 - 95 ksi (515 - 655 MPa) | Develops to 80 - 90 ksi (552 - 621 MPa) after aging. | | **Elongation in 2" (Min)** | 22% | High ductility is maintained even after aging. | | **Charpy V-Notch Toughness (After Aging)** | Very Good; Properties develop with strength. Often specified for low-temperature service. | Toughness is excellent for the developed strength level, though typically not as ultra-high as artificially aged A2 at cryogenic temps. | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | ~29,000 ksi (200 GPa) | ~29,000 ksi (200 GPa) | | **Density** | ~0.285 lb/in³ (7.87 g/cm³) | Slightly higher than carbon steel. | | **Aging Characteristic** | **Naturally Age-Hardening** | Strength increases significantly over 30-90 days at room temperature. Process can be accelerated by moderate heat (e.g., 212°F / 100°C). | | **Key Feature** | **Time-Dependent Strength Gain:** Provides ultimate fabricability (welding/forming) in a soft condition, with strength developing in the finished structure over time without a furnace heat treatment—ideal for large or complex field fabrications. | **Product Applications** ASTM A710 Grade A3 is specified for applications where complex fabrication is required, and where the logistical challenge or cost of a final furnace aging treatment is prohibitive, but high final strength is still desired. * **Large Field-Erected Structures:** Complex, welded structures like offshore module topsides, large ductwork, or bridge components that are impractical to furnace-age after assembly. * **Shipbuilding & Barge Construction:** Hull plates and welded assemblies where the structure naturally ages during construction and fit-out. * **Architectural & Monumental Structures:** Sculptural elements or complex architectural forms requiring severe cold forming during fabrication. * **Pressure Vessels & Tanks:** For applications where the design can accommodate the initial lower strength during hydrotest, with strength increasing during service. * **Heavy Equipment Fabrication:** For large, welded fabrications where the finished assembly is too large for available heat treatment furnaces. **Advantages & Fabrication Notes** * **Unparalleled Fabricability:** In the as-supplied solution-treated condition, this steel has the weldability and formability of a mild steel. It can be easily cold formed into complex shapes and welded with minimal preheat. * **Simplified Logistics:** Eliminates the need for a final, costly, and logistically challenging furnace aging treatment for the entire assembly. Strength develops "on the shelf" or in service. * **Weldability:** Excellent. Welding can be performed in the soft condition with standard procedures. The weld and HAZ will age naturally along with the base metal. * **Aging Control:** The natural aging process is predictable but requires time. For schedule-critical projects, a controlled, low-temperature accelerated aging (e.g., 200-400°F / 93-204°C) can be used. * **Design Consideration:** Engineers must design for the **final aged properties** but consider the **lower as-fabricated strength** for handling, lifting, and hydrostatic testing conducted before full aging occurs. * **Legacy Product Note:** This grade offered a unique solution for specific fabrication challenges. Modern equivalents are available as **ASTM A710 Grade A Class 3**. It is less common than Classes 1 and 2 due to the specialized design and scheduling considerations. **Disclaimer:** This datasheet describes the historical **Bethlehem Steel** product meeting **ASTM A710 Grade A, Class 3**. Successful use of this grade requires careful **project planning and engineering**. Specifications must clearly state that mechanical properties are time-dependent and define the required aging period (e.g., 60 days at 75°F) for property verification. Fabrication and testing schedules must account for the aging time. The Mill Test Certificate will report properties of a sample artificially aged to simulate the specified natural aging period. Designers must verify that all handling, transportation, and testing loads are acceptable for the lower-strength condition present during those activities. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <4683 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bethlehem Steel ASTM A710 Grade A3 3/16 to 2 in. thick, steel plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1154 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition