Steel A204 Normalized
Heat-treated state
ASTM A204 · UNS K12822
Standard condition for heavier plate (and mandatory above certain thicknesses) to refine grain and even out properties.
Values for the Normalized condition
Other A204 tempers and conditions
A204 is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at A204.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
full anneal / stress-relief annealed plate | Pick when maximum ductility, lowest residual stress and easiest machining/forming are needed. | 290 | 475 | 27 | 145 HB | 8.3 % IACS |
Grade A | Choose Grade A when maximum weldability and ductility matter more than allowable stress. | 290 | 500 | 27 | 140 HB | 44 W/m·K |
HRDefault Hot rolled | Standard stocked condition for thinner A204 plate where as-rolled properties meet the grade minima. | 315 | 520 | 24 | 160 HB | 8.2 % IACS |
Grade B | Most widely stocked A204 grade; default choice for boiler drums and elevated-temperature vessels. | 315 | 540 | 25 | 152 HB | 43 W/m·K |
NormalizedThis page austenitized and air cooled | Standard condition for heavier plate (and mandatory above certain thicknesses) to refine grain and even out properties. | 325 | 515 | 25 | 155 HB | 8.2 % IACS |
Normalized and tempered | Best balance of strength and notch toughness for code vessels with low-temperature impact requirements. | 330 | 505 | 26 | 155 HB | 8.2 % IACS |
Grade C | Use where the thinnest possible shell is wanted; slightly higher carbon so welding controls are stricter. | 340 | 575 | 23 | 163 HB | 43 W/m·K |
Quenched and tempered | Used for thick sections or when the upper end of the tensile range plus high toughness is required. | 405 | 570 | 22 | 180 HB | 8 % IACS |
What is A204 Normalized?
A204 Normalized is A204 heat treated to Normalized — standard condition for heavier plate (and mandatory above certain thicknesses) to refine grain and even out properties. A204 Normalized has a yield strength of 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) — weaker than 80% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi). A204 Normalized has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Normalized is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High service temperature — 500°C (932 °F), better than 90% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 62/100, better than 78% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 72/100, better than 75% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 325 MPa (47.1 ksi), worse than 80% of steel grades
A204 Normalized properties
Typical room-temperature values for A204 Normalized; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are A204 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
A204 Normalized has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F).
Mechanical16
A204 Normalized has a yield strength of 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) — weaker than 80% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
A204 Normalized is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 44 W/m·K (25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.3 µm/m·K (6.83 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A204 Normalized conducts electricity at 8.2 % IACS, better than 61% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A204 Normalized takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
A204 Normalized's machinability is good (58/100, better than 75% of steel grades); weldability very good (72/100); formability good (62/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with A204 Normalized
Is A204 easy to machine?
Machines like a 190 HB low-alloy steel — carbide tooling, moderate speeds, good chip control; slightly gummier than plain carbon steel due to Mo.
Can A204 be welded?
Readily welded with matching 0.5Mo consumables (E7018-A1 / ER80S-D2); preheat ~100–150 °C on thick plate and apply PWHT at 620–680 °C per code.
Can A204 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-form only mild radii; hot form heads at 900–1000 °C and re-normalize afterwards to restore properties.
What surface finishes work on A204?
Blast and paint, phosphate or metallize; no anodizing — for corrosive service use stainless weld overlay or roll-bonded clad plate.
A204 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CGr.A ≤0.25, Gr.B ≤0.27, Gr.C ≤0.28 (thickness dependent) | ≤ 0.27 | 0.2 |
| Mnheat analysis max; Gr.C to 0.90 | ≤ 0.9 | 0.7 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Si | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mocreep-strengthening addition | 0.45 – 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Fe | balance | — |
A204 Normalized — frequently asked
What is A204 Normalized used for?
A204 Normalized is typically used for boilers, storage tanks and refinery vessels. In short: molybdenum pressure plate.
What is the yield strength of A204 Normalized?
A204 Normalized has a typical yield strength of 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) — weaker than 80% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is A204 Normalized easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (58/100, better than 75% of steel grades). Machines like a 190 HB low-alloy steel — carbide tooling, moderate speeds, good chip control; slightly gummier than plain carbon steel due to Mo.
Can A204 Normalized be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (72/100). Readily welded with matching 0.5Mo consumables (E7018-A1 / ER80S-D2); preheat ~100–150 °C on thick plate and apply PWHT at 620–680 °C per code.
What surface finishes work on A204 Normalized?
Blast and paint, phosphate or metallize; no anodizing — for corrosive service use stainless weld overlay or roll-bonded clad plate.
Can A204 Normalized be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-form only mild radii; hot form heads at 900–1000 °C and re-normalize afterwards to restore properties.
What is the maximum service temperature of A204 Normalized?
A204 Normalized is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in A204 Normalized?
Yes — A204 Normalized is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A204/A204M — Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Molybdenum — ASTM International (2019)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part A (SA-204) and Part D (allowable stresses, physical properties) — ASME (2023)
- EN 10028-2 (16Mo3) — Flat products for pressure purposes, creep-resisting steels — CEN (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13C / Vol.19 — Corrosion and Fatigue of steels — ASM International (2006)
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.