Steel A283 · grade
Steel A283-GrB
Properties of the GrB condition, compared with the other A283 tempers.
Intermediate grade between A and C; used where a slightly higher yield is wanted with still very good forming.
What is A283-GrB?
A283-GrB is A283 in the GrB grade — intermediate grade between A and C; used where a slightly higher yield is wanted with still very good forming. A283-GrB has a yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). A283-GrB has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; GrB is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 87/100, better than 97% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 66/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 94/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 215 MPa (31.2 ksi), worse than 98% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
A283-GrB properties
Typical room-temperature values for A283-GrB — 37 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every A283 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
A283-GrB has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F).
Mechanical15
A283-GrB has a yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
A283-GrB is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A283-GrB conducts electricity at 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A283-GrB takes about 24 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
A283-GrB's machinability is good (66/100, better than 95% of steel grades); weldability excellent (94/100); formability excellent (87/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other A283 tempers and conditions
A283 is also supplied in 8 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the A283 overview.
- HRDefaultStandard stock condition for A283 plate — pick for general structural, tank and base-plate work where only mild strength is needed.230 MPa yield · 120 HB
- Q&TRarely ordered; only worthwhile on thin sections since 0.24 % C max gives shallow hardenability — expect modest strength gain and reduced ductility.370 MPa yield · 155 HB
- GrDHighest-strength A283 grade (C up to 0.27 %); choose for the best strength-to-price ratio, accepting lower ductility and a higher carbon equivalent.275 MPa yield · 140 HB
- GrCDefault commercial grade — best balance of strength, weldability and price for tanks and general plate work.250 MPa yield · 128 HB
- GrBIntermediate grade between A and C; used where a slightly higher yield is wanted with still very good forming.215 MPa yield · 116 HB
- GrALowest-strength, lowest-carbon grade; pick for maximum formability and welding ease where strength is irrelevant.190 MPa yield · 105 HB
Working with A283-GrB
Is A283 easy to machine?
Machines like AISI 1020 (≈70 % of 1212): free-flowing gummy chips, use sharp positive-rake tooling, generous feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can A283 be welded?
Excellent weldability with SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/SAW using E70xx-class consumables; no preheat needed for thin plate, 50–100 °C preheat prudent for Grade D or >32 mm.
Can A283 be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending and rolling (bend radius ≈2t for Grades A–C, 2.5–3t for D); hot form 900–1200 °C, avoid working in the 200–400 °C blue-brittle range.
What surface finishes work on A283?
Descale/blast off mill scale, then zinc-rich primer, paint, phosphate or hot-dip galvanizing; no anodizing, bare steel rusts quickly.
A283 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cmax by grade for ≤20 mm plate: A 0.14, B 0.17, C 0.24, D 0.27; limits rise with thickness | ≤ 0.24 | 0.18 |
| Mn0.90 max (Grades C/D); heat analysis | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Si0.40 max when killed/semi-killed practice reported | ≤ 0.4 | 0.2 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Cu0.20 min only when copper-bearing steel is specified | ≥ 0.2 | 0.25 |
| Fe | balance | — |
A283-GrB — frequently asked
What is A283-GrB used for?
A283-GrB is typically used for storage tanks, low-pressure vessel shells, base plates and gussets, machine bases and frames, hoppers and chutes and structural brackets and supports. In short: low-cost structural plate.
What is the yield strength of A283-GrB?
A283-GrB has a typical yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is A283-GrB easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (66/100, better than 95% of steel grades). Machines like AISI 1020 (≈70 % of 1212): free-flowing gummy chips, use sharp positive-rake tooling, generous feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can A283-GrB be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (94/100). Excellent weldability with SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/SAW using E70xx-class consumables; no preheat needed for thin plate, 50–100 °C preheat prudent for Grade D or >32 mm.
What surface finishes work on A283-GrB?
Descale/blast off mill scale, then zinc-rich primer, paint, phosphate or hot-dip galvanizing; no anodizing, bare steel rusts quickly.
Can A283-GrB be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending and rolling (bend radius ≈2t for Grades A–C, 2.5–3t for D); hot form 900–1200 °C, avoid working in the 200–400 °C blue-brittle range.
What is the maximum service temperature of A283-GrB?
A283-GrB is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between A283-HR and A283-GrD?
HR is the default condition — standard stock condition for A283 plate — pick for general structural, tank and base-plate work where only mild strength is needed. GrD: highest-strength A283 grade (C up to 0.27 %); choose for the best strength-to-price ratio, accepting lower ductility and a higher carbon equivalent. Yield strength is 230 MPa in HR versus 275 MPa in GrD.
Can FabDigit make parts in A283-GrB?
Yes — A283-GrB is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A283/A283M — Standard Specification for Low and Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Steel Plates — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM A6/A6M — General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes and Sheet Piling — ASTM International (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B: Corrosion — Materials — ASM International (2005)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part D — Material Properties (physical property tables, carbon steel) — ASME (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.