Designation: A 356/A 356M – 05

Standard Specification for

Steel Castings, Carbon, Low Alloy, and Stainless Steel,
Heavy-Walled for Steam Turbines1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 356/A 356M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* E 709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Examination

1.1 This specification covers one grade of martensitic stain- 2.2 Manufacturers’ Standardization Society of the Valve
less steel and several grades of ferritic steel castings for and Fitting Industry Standard:4
cylinders (shells), valve chests, throttle valves, and other SP-55 Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves,
heavy-walled castings for steam turbine applications. Flanges, and Fittings and Other Piping Components (Vi-
1.2 Optional supplementary requirements (S1 through S5) sual Method)
shall apply as selected by and specified by the purchaser. 3. Classification
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the 3.1 The castings are furnished in the grades shown in Table
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each 1.
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must 4. Ordering Information
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi- 4.1 Orders for material to this specification should include
cation. the following information:
4.1.1 A description of the casting by pattern number or
2. Referenced Documents drawing (dimensional tolerances shall be included on the
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 casting drawing),
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 4.1.2 Grade of steel,
of Steel Products 4.1.3 Options in the specification, and
A 488/A 488M Practice for Steel Castings, Welding, Quali- 4.1.4 The supplementary requirements desired, including
fications of Procedures and Personnel the standards of acceptance.
E 94 Guide for Radiographic Examination 5. Melting Process
E 125 Reference Photographs for Magnetic Particle Indica-
tions on Ferrous Castings 5.1 The steel shall be made by the open-hearth or electric-
E 142 Method for Controlling Quality of Radiographic furnace process.
Testing3 5.2 Deoxidation Practice:
E 165 Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination 5.2.1 Deoxidation of the carbon and low-alloy steel grades
E 186 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (2 to 4 shall be by manganese and silicon. Furnace or ladle deoxida-
1⁄2-in. [51 to 114-mm]) Steel Castings tion with other agents is permissible with the approval of the
E 280 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (41⁄2 to purchaser.
12-in. [114 to 305-mm]) Steel Castings 5.2.2 The purchaser may specify that no aluminum be
E 446 Reference Radiographs for Steel Castings Up to 2 in. added.
[51 mm] in Thickness 5.2.3 Vacuum deoxidation is acceptable. The specific
method shall be subject to approval by the purchaser.
6. Heat Treatment
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, 6.1 Preliminary Heat Treatment—The castings may receive
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.18 on Castings. such preliminary heat treatment as the founder may elect to
Current edition approved March 1, 2005. Published March 2005. Originally employ.
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as A 356/A 356M – 04.
2
6.2 Heat Treatment for Final Properties:
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
4
the ASTM website. Available from Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings
3
Withdrawn. Industry (MSS), 127 Park St., NE, Vienna, VA 22180-4602.

*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.

1
 TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Grade/ Material
Phosphorus,
UNS Carbon Manganese Silicon Sulfur, max Molybdenum Chromium Nickel Vanadium Columbium Nitrogen Aluminum
max
Number
1 carbon steel 0.35A max 0.70A max 0.60 max 0.035 0.030 ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
J03502
2 12
⁄ % molybdenum 0.25A max 0.70A max 0.60 max 0.035 0.030 0.45-0.65 ... ... ... ... ... ...
J12523
5 1⁄2 % chromium, 1⁄2 % 0.25A max 0.70A max 0.60 max 0.035 0.030 0.40-0.60 0.40-0.70 ... ... ... ... ...
J12540 molybdenum
6 11⁄4 % chromium, 1⁄2 % 0.20 max 0.50-0.80 0.60 max 0.035 0.030 0.45-0.65 1.00-1.50 ... ... ... ... ...
J12073 molybdenum
8 1 % chromium, 1 % 0.20 max 0.50-0.90 0.20-0.60 0.035 0.030 0.90-1.20 1.00-1.50 ... 0.05-0.15 ... ... ...
J11697 molybdenum, vanadium
9 1 % chromium, 1 % 0.20 max 0.50-0.90 0.20-0.60 0.035 0.030 0.90-1.20 1.00-1.50 ... 0.20-0.35 ... ... ...
J21610 molybdenum, vanadium
10 21⁄4 % chromium, 1 % 0.20 max 0.50-0.80 0.60 max 0.035 0.030 0.90-1.20 2.00-2.75 ... ... ... ... ...
J22090 molybdenum
12AB 9 % chromium, 1 % 0.08-0.12 0.30-0.60 0.20-0.50 0.030 0.010 0.85-1.05 8.0-9.5 0.40 max 0.18-0.25 0.060-0.10 0.030-0.070 0.040 max
J84090 molybdenum, vanadium

2
CA6NM martensic chromium 0.06 max 1.00 max 1.00 max 0.040 0.030 0.4-1.0 11.5-14.0 3.5-4.5 ... ... ... ...
J91540 nickel
A
For each 0.01 % reduction in carbon below the maximum specified, an increase of 0.04 percentage points of manganese over the maximum specified for that element will be permitted up to 1.00.
B
The designation of Grade 12, formerly covered by this specification, has been changed to Grade 12A.
A 356/A 356M – 05
 A 356/A 356M – 05
6.2.1 Normalizing—The castings shall be heated to and held Section 9.
at the proper temperature for a sufficient time to affect the 8.2 Tension tests shall be performed in accordance with Test
desired transformation and withdrawn from the furnace and Methods and Definitions A 370.
allowed to cool to affect complete transformation. Grade 12A
castings shall be normalized at 1900-1975°F [1040-1080°C] 9. Number of Tests and Retests
and withdrawn from the furnace and allowed to cool to affect 9.1 One tension test shall be made from each heat in each
complete transformation. heat-treatment charge and from each casting on which attached
6.2.2 Tempering—The casting shall be heated to and held at coupons are specified. The bar from which the test specimen is
the proper temperature, which shall be below the transforma- taken shall be heat treated with the casting represented.
tion range, and then cooled under suitable conditions. The 9.2 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
tempering temperature shall not be less than 1100°F [595°C]. develops flaws, it shall be discarded and another specimen
Grade 12A castings shall be tempered at 1350-1470°F [730- substituted from the same heat.
800°C]. 9.3 If the results of the mechanical tests for any lot or
6.2.3 Stress Relieving—The stress relieving operation shall casting do not conform to the requirements specified, the
be carried out in the same manner as tempering. The tempera- founder may reheat treat and retest such lot or casting.
ture shall be within 50°F [28°C], but not exceeding the final
tempering temperature. 10. Test Specimen
6.3 Stainless Steel Casting: 10.1 Tension test specimens and samples for microexami-
6.3.1 Normalizing—The castings shall be heated to 1850°F nation may be taken from coupons conforming substantially to
[1010°C] minimum, held sufficiently at that temperature to the dimensions shown in Fig. 1 and from the locations in the
uniformly heat the castings, and air cooled to below 200°F coupon as indicated in Fig. 1. These coupons shall have been
[93°C]. cast attached to the castings, except as provided in 10.2, and
6.3.2 Tempering—The castings shall be final tempered from have remained attached, without partial severing, until the
1050 to 1150°F [565 to 620°C]. completion of the heat treatment for final properties.
6.3.3 Stress Relieving—The stress relieving operation shall 10.2 If, in the opinion of the manufacturer, the design of any
be performed in the same manner as tempering. Temperature casting is such as to preclude the use of an attached coupon,
shall be between 1050°F [565°C] and 1150°F [620°C]. then the tension test specimen and sample for microexamina-
7. Chemical Composition tion for that casting may be taken from a coupon attached to a
special block. The coupon shall conform substantially to the
7.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements given in
dimensions shown in Fig. 1 and shall have remained attached,
Table 1 (Note 1).
without partial severing, to its special block until after all heat
NOTE 1—The role of alloying elements in the development of Grade treatment for final properties.
12A has been extensively investigated. V and Cb contribute to precipita- 10.3 Test specimens may be cut from heat-treated castings
tion strengthening by forming fine and coherent precipitates of M(C,N)X instead of from test coupons when agreed upon between the
carbo-nitrides in the ferritic matrix. V also precipitates as VN during
manufacturer and the purchaser.
tempering or creep. The two elements are more effective in combination.
Therefore, the addition of strong nitride-forming elements, those with a 10.4 Tension test specimens shall be machined to the form
stronger affinity for nitrogen than Cb and V, as deoxidation agents during and dimensions of the standard round 2-in. [50-mm] gage-
melting of this grade, interferes with these high-temperature strengthening length specimen shown in Fig. 5 of Test Methods and Defini-
mechanisms.5 tions A 370.
8. Tensile Requirements 11. Inspection
8.1 Tensile properties shall conform to the requirements 11.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
listed in Table 2 as determined by the test specimen set forth in free entry, at all times while work on the contract of the
purchaser is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s
5
Viswanathan, R. and Bakker, W. T., Materials for Ultra Supercritical Fossil works that concern the manufacture of material ordered. The
Power Plants, EPRI, Palo Alto, CA, 2000. TR-114750. manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities

TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements

Elongation in 2 Reduction of
Tensile Strength, Yield Strength,
Grade Material in. [50 mm] Area, min,
min, ksi [MPa] min, ksi [MPa]
min, % %
1 carbon steel 70 [485] 36 [250] 20.0 35.0
2 ⁄ % molybdenum
12 65 [450] 35 [240] 22.0 35.0
5 1⁄2 % chromium, 1⁄2 % molybdenum 70 [485] 40 [275] 22.0 35.0
6 11⁄4 % chromium, 1⁄2 % molybdenum 70 [485] 45 [310] 22.0 35.0
8 1 % chromium, 1 % molybdenum, vanadium 80 [550] 50 [345] 18.0 45.0
9 1 % chromium, 1 % molybdenum, vanadium 85 [585] 60 [415] 15.0 45.0
10 21⁄4 % chromium, 1 % molybdenum 85 [585] 55 [380] 20.0 35.0
12A 9 % chromium, 1 % molybdenum, vanadium 85 [585] 60 [415] 20.0 ...
CA6NM martensitic chromium nickel 110 [760] 80 [550] 15.0 35.0

3
 A 356/A 356M – 05

FIG. 1 Dimensions and Location of Test Coupons for Turbine Castings

to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance 15.2 Soundness—The degree of soundness and the method
with this specification. All tests (except product analysis) and for its determination shall be subject to agreement between the
inspection shall be made at the place of manufacture prior to manufacturer and the purchaser. Castings may be produced in
shipment, and shall be so conducted as not to interfere accordance with Supplementary Requirement S2, Supplemen-
unnecessarily with operation of the works. tary Requirement S3, Supplementary Requirement S4, or any
combination of these.
12. Rejection and Rehearing
15.3 Welding—Assembly welds and repair welds shall be
12.1 Any rejection based on tests made in accordance with made using procedures and welders qualified under Practice
Sections 7 or 8, or both, shall be reported to the manufacturer A 488/A 488M.
within 60 days from the receipt of samples by the purchaser. 15.3.1 Welding shall be accomplished with a filler material
12.2 Material that shows injurious defects subsequent to its
known to produce weld deposits having a chemical composi-
acceptance at the manufacturer’s works will be rejected, and
tion and mechanical properties compatible with those of the
the manufacturer shall be notified.
castings.
12.3 Samples tested in accordance with Section 7 that
represent rejected material shall be preserved for 60 days from 15.3.2 Welds shall be inspected to the same quality stan-
the date of transmission of the test report. In case of dissatis- dards as are used to inspect the castings.
faction with the result of the tests, the manufacturer may make 15.3.2.1 When castings are produced with Supplementary
claim for a rehearing within that time. Requirement S2 specified, welds shall be inspected by mag-
netic particle examination to the same standards as are used to
13. Certification inspect the castings.
13.1 The manufacturer shall submit to the purchaser a 15.3.2.2 When castings are produced with Supplementary
certified record of the results of the chemical analysis and Requirement S3 specified, welds shall be inspected by radiog-
mechanical tests, together with a statement that all the require- raphy to the same standards as are used to inspect the castings.
ments of this specification (including year date) have been met. 15.3.3 Welds shall receive at least a stress-relief heat treat-
ment. A complete heat treatment consisting of a normalize and
14. Product Marking
temper may be required for certain welds, subject to agreement
14.1 Pressure-containing castings, made in accordance with between the manufacturer and purchaser.
any of the grades of steel covered by this specification, shall be 15.3.4 When methods involving high temperatures are used
marked for material identification with the ASTM symbols for in the removal of discontinuities, casting shall be preheated to
the grade of alloy steel (Grade 1, Grade 2, and so forth) and the at least the minimum temperatures in Table 3.
heat number or heat identification. Marking shall be positioned
so as not to impair the usefulness of the castings. 15.3.5 Assembly and repair welds on Grade 12A shall be
post-weld heat treated at 1350-1470°F [730-800°C].
15. Quality Assurance
16. Keywords
15.1 Surface Finish—The castings shall be clean when
offered for inspection. A standard practice that may be used as 16.1 carbon steel; low-alloy steel; stainless steel; steam
a basis for visual inspection is SP-55. turbines; steel castings

4
 A 356/A 356M – 05
TABLE 3 Minimum Preheat Temperatures
Minimum Preheat
Thickness, in.
Grade Temperature,
[mm]
°F [°C]
1 over 1 [25] 175 [80]
1 [25] and under 50 [10]
2 over 5⁄8 [16] 250 [120]
5⁄8 [16] and under 50 [10]
5 over 5⁄8 [16] 250 [120]
5⁄8 [16] and under 50 [10]
6 over 1⁄2 [13] 300 [150]
1⁄2 [13] and under 50 [10]
8 over 1⁄2 [13] 300 [150]
1⁄2 [13] and under 50 [10]
9 over 1⁄2 [13] 300 [150]
1⁄2 [13] and under 50 [10]
10 over 1⁄2 [13] 400 [200]
1⁄2 [13] and under 300 [150]
12A all thicknesses 400 [200]
CA6NM all 50 [10]

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Any of the following supplementary requirements may become a part of the specification when
specified on the inquiry or invitation to bid, and when made a part of the purchase order or contract
after mutual agreement by the manufacturer and the purchaser on the exact standards to be applied to
each method of inspection.

S1. Microstructural Requirements S3.2 If radiographic inspection is specified, radiography

S1.1 There shall be no microstructural requirements for shall be performed in accordance with Guide E 94. The quality
Grade 1. level of the radiographic images may be controlled by speci-
S1.2 The microstructural requirements of grades, other than fying adherence to Method E 142.
Grade 1, may be specified by the purchaser. S3.3 If radiographic inspection is specified, the purchaser
S1.3 If microstructural requirements are specified by the shall designate the areas of the castings to be so inspected.
purchaser, he shall furnish suitable standards to serve as a S3.4 If radiographic inspection is specified, the purchaser
satisfactory basis for acceptance or rejection. shall designate acceptance standards for each type of discon-
S1.4 If microstructural requirements are specified, the tinuity in each area of the castings to be so inspected.
sample for examination may be taken from the end of the S3.5 If radiographic inspection is specified, the basis for
broken tension test specimens. acceptance shall be subject to agreement between the manu-
facturer and the purchaser. The types and severity levels of
S2. Magnetic Particle Inspection discontinuities may be judged by reference to three ASTM
standards: (1) Reference Radiographs E 446, (2) Reference
S2.1 The purchaser may specify magnetic particle inspec-
Radiographs E 186, and (3) Reference Radiographs E 280.
tion of castings made in accordance with this specification.
S2.2 If magnetic particle inspection is specified, the pur- S4. Examination of Weld Preparation
chaser shall designate the zones of the casting to be so S4.1 Magnetic particle or liquid penetrant examination of
inspected. cavities prepared for welding shall be performed to verify
S2.3 If magnetic particle inspection is specified, the pur- removal of those discontinuities found unacceptable by the
chaser shall designate acceptance standards for each type of inspection method specified for the casting. The method of
discontinuity, preferably in accordance with Reference Photo- performing the magnetic particle or liquid penetrant test shall
graphs E 125. be in accordance with Guide E 709 or Test Method E 165.
S2.4 Magnetic particle inspection shall preferably be per- Unless other degrees of shrinkage or types of discontinuities
formed in accordance with Guide E 709. found in the cavities are specified, Type II, Internal Shrinkage,
S2.5 The circular or coil method of overall magnetization or of Reference Photographs E 125 of Degree 2 in sections up to
the wet method of magnetic particle inspection, or both, may 2 in. [50.8 mm] thick and of Degree 3 in sections over 2 in.
be used subject to agreement between the manufacturer and thick shall be acceptable.
purchaser.
S5. Aluminum Restriction (Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel)
S3. Radiographic Inspection S5.1 Aluminum shall not be added directly or as a constitu-
S3.1 The purchaser may specify radiographic inspection of ent of other deoxidizers in an amount exceeding 1⁄2 lb/ton [0.25
castings made in accordance with this specification. g/kg] of steel.

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 A 356/A 356M – 05

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A 356/A 356M - 04) that may impact the use of this standard (Approved March 1, 2005).

(1) Changed designation of Grade 12 to 12A in Tables 1-3; and and deleted UNS numbers for this grade from Tables 2 and 3.
in 6.2.1, 6.2.2, Note 1, and 15.3.5. (3) Revised chemistry of Grade 12A in Table 1.
(2) Added UNS numbers for all grades to Table 1, corrected
UNS number of Grade 12A to correspond to new chemistry,

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A 356/A 356M - 98 (2003)) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2004.)

(1) Provided normalizing and tempering temperature ranges for (3) Added 15.3.5 for PWHT of Grade 12.
Grade 12 in 6.2.1 and 6.2.2.
(2) Editorially revised 7.1, and added Note 1 and its reference
source.

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