ASTM A216/A216M-21
(Specification)Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service
Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service
ABSTRACT
This specification covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought-steel parts by fusion welding. Covered here are three grades of carbon steel (Grades WCA, WCB, and WCC), the selection of which shall depend on the design and service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high temperature characteristics. Castings shall be heat treated and furnished, as appropriate to their design and chemical composition, in the annealed, or normalized, or normalized and tempered conditions after they have been allowed to cool below the transformation range. Furnace temperatures for heat treating shall be effectively controlled by pyrometer. Steel castings shall adhere to chemical composition and tensile property requirements, which include tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area. The surface of castings shall be free of adhering elements such as sand, cracks, hot tears, and other discontinuities, and as such be repair welded when judged appropriate.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought steel parts by fusion welding.
1.2 Three grades, WCA, WCB, and WCC, are covered in this specification. Selection will depend upon design and service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high-temperature characteristics.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Aug-2021
- Technical Committee
- A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
- Drafting Committee
- A01.18 - Castings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2015
Overview
ASTM A216/A216M-21 is a widely referenced standard developed by ASTM International that specifies requirements for carbon steel castings suitable for fusion welding in high-temperature service. This standard applies to castings used for pressure-containing parts such as valves, flanges, and fittings. It covers three grades: WCA, WCB, and WCC. The selection of these grades depends on design, mechanical properties, and high-temperature behavior. Compliance with ASTM A216/A216M-21 ensures that cast steel components meet stringent mechanical, chemical, and quality requirements necessary for reliable performance in demanding environments.
Key Topics
Scope of Application
The standard encompasses carbon steel castings intended for valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-containing components, specifically designed for assembly with other cast or wrought steel parts by fusion welding, in high-temperature environments.Grades Covered
Three grades-WCA, WCB, and WCC-are included, each with defined mechanical properties and chemical composition, suitable for varying service conditions.Mechanical and Chemical Requirements
Castings must conform to specified tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area. Chemical composition limits are set for elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur, ensuring consistent performance.Heat Treatment and Quality Control
All castings must be properly heat treated (annealed, normalized, or normalized and tempered) with controlled furnace temperatures. Surfaces are visually inspected to ensure freedom from cracks, sand, hot tears, and other discontinuities.Repair and Supplementary Requirements
Repair welding must meet defined standards and supplemental requirements can be specified for additional inspection, radiography, or testing.
Applications
ASTM A216/A216M-21 is essential for industries where high-temperature performance and weldability of steel castings are critical, including:
Power Generation:
Cast steel valves, flanges, and fittings in boilers and turbines operate under high temperature and pressure.Petrochemical and Chemical Processing:
Steel castings used in high-strength, corrosion-resistant components for piping and reactor systems.Oil & Gas Industry:
Used for high-pressure valves and flanges in upstream, midstream, and downstream applications.Industrial Manufacturing:
Pressure vessels, fittings, and structural assemblies rely on certified castings for safety and performance.
This standard assures compatibility with both cast and wrought steel components, providing material reliability and integrity in systems subjected to fusion welding.
Related Standards
To fully comply with the intent and details of ASTM A216/A216M-21, it may be necessary to reference additional ASTM and industry standards, including:
ASTM A703/A703M:
General requirements for steel castings for pressure-containing parts.ASTM A985/A985M:
Specifications for steel investment castings used in pressure applications.ASTM A488/A488M:
Practice for welding and qualification of cast steel procedures and personnel.MSS SP-55:
Visual Method for surface examination of steel castings, establishing quality acceptance requirements.
Furthermore, the standard is endorsed by major industry organizations and is frequently used in U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Defense applications.
Keywords: ASTM A216, carbon steel castings, high-temperature service, fusion welding, pressure-containing parts, steel valves, flanges, fittings, mechanical properties, heat treatment, weldability, industrial standards.
Buy Documents
ASTM A216/A216M-21 - Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service
REDLINE ASTM A216/A216M-21 - Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
Inštitut za kovinske materiale in tehnologije
Institute of Metals and Technology. Materials testing, metallurgical analysis, NDT.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A216/A216M-21 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought-steel parts by fusion welding. Covered here are three grades of carbon steel (Grades WCA, WCB, and WCC), the selection of which shall depend on the design and service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high temperature characteristics. Castings shall be heat treated and furnished, as appropriate to their design and chemical composition, in the annealed, or normalized, or normalized and tempered conditions after they have been allowed to cool below the transformation range. Furnace temperatures for heat treating shall be effectively controlled by pyrometer. Steel castings shall adhere to chemical composition and tensile property requirements, which include tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area. The surface of castings shall be free of adhering elements such as sand, cracks, hot tears, and other discontinuities, and as such be repair welded when judged appropriate. SCOPE 1.1 This specification2 covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought steel parts by fusion welding. 1.2 Three grades, WCA, WCB, and WCC, are covered in this specification. Selection will depend upon design and service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high-temperature characteristics. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought-steel parts by fusion welding. Covered here are three grades of carbon steel (Grades WCA, WCB, and WCC), the selection of which shall depend on the design and service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high temperature characteristics. Castings shall be heat treated and furnished, as appropriate to their design and chemical composition, in the annealed, or normalized, or normalized and tempered conditions after they have been allowed to cool below the transformation range. Furnace temperatures for heat treating shall be effectively controlled by pyrometer. Steel castings shall adhere to chemical composition and tensile property requirements, which include tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area. The surface of castings shall be free of adhering elements such as sand, cracks, hot tears, and other discontinuities, and as such be repair welded when judged appropriate. SCOPE 1.1 This specification2 covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought steel parts by fusion welding. 1.2 Three grades, WCA, WCB, and WCC, are covered in this specification. Selection will depend upon design and service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high-temperature characteristics. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM A216/A216M-21 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.140.80 - Iron and steel castings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM A216/A216M-21 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM A488/A488M-24, ASTM A985/A985M-19, ASTM A985/A985M-18a, ASTM A703/A703M-18a, ASTM A488/A488M-18, ASTM A488/A488M-18e1, ASTM A985/A985M-18, ASTM A703/A703M-18, ASTM A703/A703M-17a, ASTM A488/A488M-17, ASTM A703/A703M-17, ASTM A985/A985M-16, ASTM A488/A488M-16, ASTM A703/A703M-15, ASTM A703/A703M-15e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM A216/A216M-21 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:A216/A216M −21 Endorsed by Manufacturers Standardization Society
of the Valve and Fittings Industry
Endorsed by American Foundrymen’s Society
Used in USDOE-NE Standards
Standard Specification for
Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for
High-Temperature Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA216/A216M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* A703/A703M Specification for Steel Castings, General
2 Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts
1.1 This specification covers carbon steel castings for
A985/A985M Specification for Steel Investment Castings
valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for
General Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts
high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly
2.2 Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and
with other castings or wrought steel parts by fusion welding.
Fittings Industry Standard:
1.2 Three grades, WCA, WCB, and WCC, are covered in
SP 55 Steel Castings for Valve, Flanges, and Fittings, and
this specification. Selection will depend upon design and
Other Components (Visual Method)
service conditions, mechanical properties, and the high-
temperature characteristics.
3. General Conditions for Delivery
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Except for investment castings, castings furnished to
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
this specification shall conform to the requirements of Speci-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
fication A703/A703M, including any supplementary require-
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
ments that are indicated in the purchase order. Failure to
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
comply with the general requirements of Specification A703/
with the standard.
A703M constitutes nonconformance with this specification. In
case of conflict between the requirements of this specification
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
and Specification A703/A703M, this specification shall pre-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
vail.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2 Steel investment castings furnished to this specification
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
shall conform to the requirements of Specification A985/
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
A985M, including any supplementary requirements that are
indicated in the purchase order. Failure to comply with the
2. Referenced Documents
general requirements of Specification A985/A985M consti-
tutes nonconformance with this specification. In case of con-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
flict between the requirements of this specification and Speci-
A488/A488M Practice for Steel Castings, Welding, Qualifi-
fication A985/A985M, Specification A985/A985M shall
cations of Procedures and Personnel
prevail.
4. Ordering Information
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
4.1 The inquiry and order should include or indicate the
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.18 on Castings. following:
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published September 2021. Originally
4.1.1 A description of the casting by pattern number or
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A216/A216M – 18.
drawing (dimensional tolerances shall be included on the
DOI: 10.1520/A0216_A0216M-21.
casting drawing),
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi-
cation SA-216/SA-216M in Section II of that code.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM AvailablefromManufacturersStandardizationSocietyoftheValveandFittings
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Industry (MSS), 127 Park St., NE, Vienna, VA 22180-4602, http://www.mss-
the ASTM website. hq.com.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A216/A216M−21
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element, %
B C C C C C
Material Grade Carbon Manganese Phosphorus Sulfur Silicon Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Copper Vanadium
UNS
D
WCA
0.25 0.70 0.035 0.035 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.03
J02502
D
WCB
0.30 1.00 0.035 0.035 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.03
J03002
D
WCC
0.25 1.20 0.035 0.035 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.03
J02503
A
All values are maximums.
B
For lower maximum sulfur content, see Supplementary Requirement S52.
C
Specified Residual Elements—Except when Supplementary Requirement S50 is specified, the total content of these elements is 1.00 % maximum.
D
For each reduction of 0.01 % below the specified maximum carbon content, an increase of 0.04 % manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted up toa
maximum of 1.10 % for WCA, 1.28 % for WCB, and 1.40 % for WCC.
4.1.2 Grade of steel, 9. Quality
4.1.3 Options in the specification,
9.1 The surface of the casting shall be examined visually
4.1.4 Whether the castings are to be produced using the
and shall be free of adhering sand, scale, cracks, and hot tears.
investment casting process, and
Other surface discontinuities shall meet the visual acceptance
4.1.5 The supplementary requirements desired, including
standards specified in the order. Visual Method SP-55 or other
the standards of acceptance.
visual standards may be used to define acceptable surface
discontinuities and finish. Unacceptable visual surface discon-
5. Heat Treatment
tinuities shall be removed and their removal verified by visual
5.1 Allcastingsshallreceiveaheattreatmentpropertotheir
examination of the resultant cavities.
design and chemical composition.
9.2 When additional inspection is desired, Supplementary
5.2 Castings shall be furnished in the annealed, or
Requirements S4, S5, and S10 may be ordered.
normalized, or normalized and tempered condition unless
9.3 The castings shall not be peened, plugged, or impreg-
Supplementary Requirement S15
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A216/A216M − 18 A216/A216M − 21 Endorsed by Manufacturers Standardization Society
of the Valve and Fittings Industry
Endorsed by American Foundrymen’s Society
Used in USDOE-NE Standards
Standard Specification for
Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for
High-Temperature Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A216/A216M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for
high-temperature service and of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought steel parts by fusion welding.
1.2 Three grades, WCA, WCB, and WCC, are covered in this specification. Selection will depend upon design and service
conditions, mechanical properties, and the high-temperature characteristics.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A488/A488M Practice for Steel Castings, Welding, Qualifications of Procedures and Personnel
A703/A703M Specification for Steel Castings, General Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts
A985/A985M Specification for Steel Investment Castings General Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts
2.2 Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry Standard:
SP 55 Steel Castings for Valve, Flanges, and Fittings, and Other Components (Visual Method)
3. General Conditions for Delivery
3.1 Except for investment castings, castings furnished to this specification shall conform to the requirements of Specification
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.18
on Castings.
Current edition approved July 1, 2018Sept. 1, 2021. Published July 2018September 2021. Originally approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 20162018 as
A216/A216M – 16.A216/A216M – 18. DOI: 10.1520/A0216_A0216M-18. 10.1520/A0216_A0216M-21.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specification SA-216/SA-216M in Section II of that code.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry (MSS), 127 Park St., NE, Vienna, VA 22180-4602, http://www.mss-hq.com.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A216/A216M − 21
A703/A703M, including any supplementary requirements that are indicated in the purchase order. Failure to comply with the
general requirements of Specification A703/A703M constitutes nonconformance with this specification. In case of conflict between
the requirements of this specification and Specification A703/A703M, this specification shall prevail.
3.2 Steel investment castings furnished to this specification shall conform to the requirements of Specification A985/A985M,
including any supplementary requirements that are indicated in the purchase order. Failure to comply with the general requirements
of Specification A985/A985M constitutes nonconformance with this specification. In case of conflict between the requirements of
this specification and Specification A985/A985M, Specification A985/A985M shall prevail.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 The inquiry and order should include or indicate the following:
4.1.1 A description of the casting by pattern number or drawing (dimensional tolerances shall be included on the casting drawing),
4.1.2 Grade of steel,
4.1.3 Options in the specification,
4.1.4 Whether the castings are to be produced using the investment casting process, and
4.1.5 The supplementary requirements desired, including the standards of acceptance.
5. Heat Treatment
5.1 All castings shall receive a heat treatment proper to their design and chemical composition.
5.2 Castings shall be furnished in the annealed, or normalized, or normalized and tempered condition unless Supplementary
Requirement S15 is specified.
5.3 Heat treatment shall be performed after castings have been allowed to cool below the transformation range.
6. Temperature Control
6.1 Furnace temperatures for heat treating shall be effectively controlled by pyrometer.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 The steel shall be in accordance with the requirements as to chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
8. Tensile Requirements
8.1 Steel used for the castings shall be in accordance with the requirements as to tensile properties prescribed in Table 2.
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element, %
B C C C C C
Material Grade Carbon Manganese Phosphorus Sulfur Silicon Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Copper Vanadium
UNS
D
WCA
0.25 0.70 0.035 0.035 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.03
J02502
D
WCB
0.30 1.00 0.035 0.035 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.03
J03002
D
WCC
0.25 1.20 0.035 0.035 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.03
J02503
A
All values are maximums.
B
For lower maximum sulfur content, see Supplementary Requirement S52.
C
Specified Residual Elements—Except when Supplementary Requirement S50 is specified, the total content of these elements is 1.00 % maximum.
D
For each reduction of 0.01 % below the specified maximum carbon content, an increase of 0.04 % manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted up to a
maximum of 1.10 % for WCA, 1.28 % for WCB, and 1.40 % for WCC.
A216/A216M − 21
A
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Tensile Elongation
Yield
Material Reduction of
B
Strength, in 2 in.
Strength,
Grade Area, %
C
ksi [MPa] ksi [MPa] [50 mm], %
60 – 85
WCA 30 [205] 24 35
[415 – 585]
60–85
WCA 30 [205] 24 35
[415–585]
70 – 95
WCB 36 [250] 22 35
[485 – 655]
70–95
WCB 36 [250] 22 35
[485–655]
70 – 95
WCC 40 [275] 22 35
[485 – 655]
70–95
WC
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...