Steel WC1 A+T
Heat-treated state
GB WC1 · ASTM A217 Grade WC1
A+T = full annealed and tempered
Pick when maximum dimensional stability, lowest residual stress and easiest machining of a thick, complex casting matter more than strength.
Values for the A+T condition
Other WC1 tempers and conditions
WC1 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at WC1.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A+TThis page Full annealed and tempered | Pick when maximum dimensional stability, lowest residual stress and easiest machining of a thick, complex casting matter more than strength. | 275 | 480 | 31 | 149 HB | — |
N+TDefault Normalized and tempered | Standard supply condition for A217 WC1 valve/pump bodies and steam piping castings: good strength/toughness balance with stable elevated-temperature properties. | 305 | 520 | 28 | 160 HB | — |
Quenched and tempered | Choose for heavy-section castings needing the highest and most uniform strength plus better low-temperature toughness within the WC1 chemistry. | 360 | 570 | 26 | 180 HB | — |
What is WC1 A+T?
WC1 A+T is WC1 heat treated to A+T — pick when maximum dimensional stability, lowest residual stress and easiest machining of a thick, complex casting matter more than strength. WC1 A+T has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 91% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 31% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi). WC1 A+T has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). N+T is the default condition FabDigit quotes; A+T is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 31%, better than 94% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 130 MPa·√m (118.3 ksi·√in), better than 89% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 89% of steel grades
- High service temperature — 455°C (851 °F), better than 87% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 275 MPa (39.9 ksi), worse than 91% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 80% of steel grades
WC1 A+T properties
Typical room-temperature values for WC1 A+T; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are WC1 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
WC1 A+T has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical16
WC1 A+T has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 91% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 31% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
WC1 A+T is rated for continuous service to 455°C (851 °F). It conducts heat at 42 W/m·K (24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 56% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.2 µm/m·K (6.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
WC1 A+T conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, better than 63% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of WC1 A+T takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability7
WC1 A+T's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with WC1 A+T
Is WC1 easy to machine?
Machines like a 0.20 %C low-alloy steel at ~60 % of 1212; use rigid setups and sharp carbide, and expect abrasive scale/sand on unblasted as-cast surfaces.
Can WC1 be welded?
P-No.3 material — weld with E7018-A1/ER80S-D2 class consumables, preheat 100–150 °C and apply PWHT at 620–680 °C to restore toughness and relieve stress.
Can WC1 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as sand castings; good fluidity but high solidification shrinkage, so generous risering and directional solidification are required.
What surface finishes work on WC1?
Not anodizable; protect with shot blast plus epoxy/alkyd paint, zinc metallizing or electroless nickel for aqueous service, and machine sealing faces for gaskets.
WC1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CASTM A217 max | ≤ 0.25 | 0.2 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 0.8 | 0.65 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Mocreep-strengthening addition | 0.45 – 0.65 | 0.55 |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.35 | 0.15 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Vresidual; total residuals ≤1.00 % | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Wresidual | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Fe | balance | — |
WC1 A+T — frequently asked
What is WC1 A+T used for?
WC1 A+T is typically used for valve bodies, pump casings, steam piping fittings and petrochemical pressure parts. In short: most weldable A217 grade; lowest-alloy WC casting; carbon-moly creep entry point.
What is the yield strength of WC1 A+T?
WC1 A+T has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 91% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is WC1 A+T easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Machines like a 0.20 %C low-alloy steel at ~60 % of 1212; use rigid setups and sharp carbide, and expect abrasive scale/sand on unblasted as-cast surfaces.
Can WC1 A+T be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). P-No.3 material — weld with E7018-A1/ER80S-D2 class consumables, preheat 100–150 °C and apply PWHT at 620–680 °C to restore toughness and relieve stress.
What surface finishes work on WC1 A+T?
Not anodizable; protect with shot blast plus epoxy/alkyd paint, zinc metallizing or electroless nickel for aqueous service, and machine sealing faces for gaskets.
Can WC1 A+T be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as sand castings; good fluidity but high solidification shrinkage, so generous risering and directional solidification are required.
What is the maximum service temperature of WC1 A+T?
WC1 A+T is rated for continuous use to about 455°C (851 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM A217/A217M Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Martensitic Stainless and Alloy, for Pressure-Containing Parts, Suitable for High-Temperature Service — ASTM International (2021)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part D — Materials, Properties — ASME (2023)
- 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)
- ASME B31.1 Power Piping (graphitization guidance for C-1/2Mo) — ASME (2022)
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.