Steel A216 WCC-A (Solution annealed)
Temper
ASTM A216 WCC · UNS J02503
Pick when maximum machinability, softness and dimensional stability matter more than strength; must still meet the 485 MPa tensile minimum.
Values for the A condition
Other A216 WCC tempers and conditions
A216 WCC is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at A216 WCC.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AThis page Solution annealed | Pick when maximum machinability, softness and dimensional stability matter more than strength; must still meet the 485 MPa tensile minimum. | 290 | 500 | 28 | 150 HB | — |
N+TDefault Normalized and tempered | Most commonly supplied condition for A216 WCC pressure castings: balanced strength, toughness and low residual stress after weld repair. | 315 | 520 | 25 | 170 HB | — |
Normalized | Standard low-cost condition giving a refined, uniform structure and reliable spec properties for general valve bodies. | 315 | 520 | 26 | 165 HB | — |
Quenched and tempered | Choose for the highest strength and toughness within the WCC range (thick sections, high-pressure class valve bodies); tempering ≥595 °C required by A216. | 380 | 585 | 24 | 190 HB | — |
What is A216 WCC-A?
A216 WCC-A is A216 WCC in the A temper — pick when maximum machinability, softness and dimensional stability matter more than strength; must still meet the 485 MPa tensile minimum. A216 WCC-A has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 88% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 202 GPa (29.3 Msi). A216 WCC-A has a density of 7.83 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). N+T is the default condition FabDigit quotes; A is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 68/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 28%, better than 89% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 87% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 290 MPa (42.1 ksi), worse than 88% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 80% of steel grades
A216 WCC-A properties
Typical room-temperature values for A216 WCC-A; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are A216 WCC reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
A216 WCC-A has a density of 7.83 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical15
A216 WCC-A has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 88% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 202 GPa (29.3 Msi).
Thermal6
A216 WCC-A is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.2 µm/m·K (6.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A216 WCC-A conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A216 WCC-A takes about 28 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability8
A216 WCC-A's machinability is good (68/100, better than 95% of steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with A216 WCC-A
Is A216 WCC easy to machine?
Machines like ~0.25 %C wrought steel at roughly 60 % of AISI 1212; expect abrasive skin/scale on as-cast surfaces, so take a cleaning cut with carbide and rigid setups.
Can A216 WCC be welded?
Fully weldable with E7018/ER70S-6; preheat 100–150 °C for heavy sections and PWHT 595–650 °C where the code or A216 heat-treat option requires it.
Can A216 WCC be formed, bent or molded?
Sand-cast grade with good fluidity; needs generous risering and fillets to avoid hot tears and shrinkage porosity in thick-to-thin transitions.
What surface finishes work on A216 WCC?
No anodizing — shot-blast then paint, phosphate, zinc-rich primer, electroless nickel or hard chrome on seating faces; leave a corrosion allowance in wet service.
A216 WCC 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C0.25 % max on heat analysis | ≤ 0.25 | 0.22 |
| Mnhigher Mn than WCB gives the extra strength | ≤ 1.2 | 1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.45 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Curesidual element | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Niresidual element | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Crresidual element | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Moresidual element | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Vresidual element; total residuals ≤1.00 % | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Fe | balance | — |
A216 WCC-A — frequently asked
What is A216 WCC-A used for?
A216 WCC-A is typically used for high-pressure valve bodies, pump housings, flanges and fittings. In short: strongest common A216 grade; weldable pressure casting; higher manganese than WCB.
What is the yield strength of A216 WCC-A?
A216 WCC-A has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 88% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is A216 WCC-A easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (68/100, better than 95% of steel grades). Machines like ~0.25 %C wrought steel at roughly 60 % of AISI 1212; expect abrasive skin/scale on as-cast surfaces, so take a cleaning cut with carbide and rigid setups.
Can A216 WCC-A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Fully weldable with E7018/ER70S-6; preheat 100–150 °C for heavy sections and PWHT 595–650 °C where the code or A216 heat-treat option requires it.
What surface finishes work on A216 WCC-A?
No anodizing — shot-blast then paint, phosphate, zinc-rich primer, electroless nickel or hard chrome on seating faces; leave a corrosion allowance in wet service.
Can A216 WCC-A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand-cast grade with good fluidity; needs generous risering and fillets to avoid hot tears and shrinkage porosity in thick-to-thin transitions.
What is the maximum service temperature of A216 WCC-A?
A216 WCC-A is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between A216 WCC N+T and A216 WCC-A?
N+T is the default condition — most commonly supplied condition for A216 WCC pressure castings: balanced strength, toughness and low residual stress after weld repair. A: pick when maximum machinability, softness and dimensional stability matter more than strength; must still meet the 485 MPa tensile minimum. Yield strength is 315 MPa in N+T versus 290 MPa in A.
Sources
- ASTM A216/A216M — Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service — ASTM International (2023)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part D — Properties (Metric) — ASME (2023)
- ASME B16.34 — Valves, Flanged, Threaded and Welding End — ASME (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Steel Castings Handbook, 6th ed. — Steel Founders' Society of America / ASM (1995)
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.