ASTM A736/A736M-25 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Low-Carbon Age-Hardening Nickel‑Copper‑Chromium‑Molybdenum‑Columbium (Niobium) Alloy Steel — designation ASTM A736/A736M-25. The specification defines chemistry, heat treatment, and mechanical property requirements for specified age‑hardening alloy steel plates intended for welded pressure vessels and related piping components.

Abstract

This specification covers low‑carbon, age‑hardening Ni‑Cu‑Cr‑Mo‑Nb alloy steel plates (available in the referenced Grade A, Class 3 form) for welded pressure‑vessel and piping applications. It includes required chemical composition limits, heat‑treatment (quench and precipitation‑heat‑treat) procedures for classes, and mechanical property requirements including specified minimum tensile strengths and notch‑toughness/tension test provisions. The document is published in both inch‑pound and SI units (A736/A736M).

General information

• Status: Active specification (current designation A736/A736M‑25).
• Publication date: 2025 (commercial catalogues and standards sellers list the A736/A736M‑25 release in 2025; some listings show a specific release date of 1 September 2025).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Steels for pressure purposes — ICS code commonly referenced as 77.140.30.
• Edition / version: A736/A736M‑25 (replaces prior edition A736/A736M‑17).
• Number of pages: 3 (concise specification length typical for this grade/specification).

Scope

Specifies requirements for low‑carbon age‑hardening alloy steel plates used in welded pressure vessels and piping components. The document covers the single indicated grade/class configuration (Grade A, Class 3 in current editions), the applicable heat treatments (quenched and precipitation‑heat‑treated), thickness‑dependent minimum tensile strengths, and the necessary mechanical testing and chemical composition controls. It is published in both inch‑pound and SI (M) units; unless the M designation is ordered, inch‑pound units apply.

Key topics and requirements

• Materials covered: low‑carbon Ni‑Cu‑Cr‑Mo‑Nb (niobium) age‑hardening alloy steel plates.
• Grades/classes: available/formulated as Grade A (Class 3 noted in the specification).
• Heat treatment: quenched and precipitation heat‑treated (specific procedures and tempering cycles referenced in the text).
• Mechanical properties: minimum specified tensile strengths (examples cited in the specification include ~85 ksi for thinner plates, and lower minimums such as ~75 ksi and ~70 ksi for thicker plates depending on thickness ranges).
• Testing and acceptance: tension tests, notch‑toughness requirements and other inspection/test provisions appropriate to pressure‑vessel use.
• Units and delivery: available in inch‑pound and SI (M) unit versions; purchaser must specify the M (SI) designation to receive SI units.

Typical use and users

Used by material specifiers, pressure‑vessel and boiler manufacturers, fabricators, welding engineers, quality/inspection personnel, and procurement specialists who require an age‑hardening alloy with specified toughness and strength for welded pressure equipment and associated pipework. Engineers select this specification when high strength combined with the age‑hardening response of Ni‑Cu‑Cr‑Mo‑Nb alloys is required.

Related standards

Relevant complementary or comparative standards include other ASTM pressure‑vessel plate specifications (for example ASTM A516/A516M and ASTM A537 for carbon and low‑alloy pressure‑vessel plates) and the earlier edition of this specification (ASTM A736/A736M‑17). Purchasers often cross‑reference these when selecting materials with different chemistries or mechanical property profiles.

Keywords

pressure vessel plates; age‑hardening alloy; nickel‑copper alloy; NiCuCrMoNb; niobium; precipitation hardening; quenched and tempered; tensile strength; A736; A736M; ASTM; pressure vessel steel.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM A736/A736M‑25 is the ASTM International specification for low‑carbon, age‑hardening Ni‑Cu‑Cr‑Mo‑Nb alloy steel plates intended for welded pressure vessels and piping components.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers chemical composition limits, heat‑treatment requirements (notably quench and precipitation‑heat‑treat), thickness‑dependent minimum tensile strengths, and mechanical testing/acceptance criteria for the specified grade/class of plate.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Pressure‑vessel designers and manufacturers, material engineers, fabricators, inspectors, and procurement teams requiring an age‑hardening alloy plate with specified strength and toughness for welded pressure equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The A736/A736M‑25 designation is the 2025 edition and is listed as the current/active specification (it supersedes earlier editions such as A736/A736M‑17). Check ASTM International or official standards sellers for the very latest status and any corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s family of material specifications for pressure‑vessel plates (Book of Standards volume and subcommittee groupings for pressure‑purpose steels) and is commonly cross‑referenced alongside other pressure‑vessel plate standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Pressure vessel plates; age‑hardening; Ni‑Cu‑Cr‑Mo‑Nb; precipitation hardening; tensile strength; ASTM A736; A736M.