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: A263 − 12 (Reapproved 2019)

Standard Specification for

Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad Plate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A263; 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 A578/A578M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic

2
1.1 This specification covers plate of a carbon steel or Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applica-
low-alloy steel base to which is integrally and continuously tions
bonded on one or both sides a layer of stainless chromium A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemi-
steel. The material is generally intended for pressure vessel cal Analysis of Steel Products
use. 2.2 Other Standards:
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX4
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
and are not considered standard. 3.1.1 This material is considered as single-clad or double-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- clad stainless chromium-steel plate, depending on whether one
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- or both sides are covered.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.1.2 alloy cladding, n—the stainless chromium steel com-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- ponent of the composite plate.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.1.3 base metal (backing steel), n—component to which
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. the alloy cladding is applied, usually the greater percentage of
the composite plate.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.4 integrally and continuously bonded, n—a condition in
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
which the alloy cladding and base metal are brought together to
A6/A6M Specification for General Requirements for Rolled
form a metallurgical bond at essentially the entire interface of
Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
the two metals by means other than those processes that do not
A20/A20M Specification for General Requirements for Steel
produce a homogeneous composite plate.
Plates for Pressure Vessels
A240/A240M Specification for Chromium and Chromium- 4. Ordering Information
Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure 4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all
Vessels and for General Applications requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing specification. Such requirements may include, but are not
of Steel Products limited to, the following:
A480/A480M Specification for General Requirements for 4.1.1 Quantity (weight or number of pieces).
Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, 4.1.2 Cladding alloy specification (UNS or ASTM Specifi-
Sheet, and Strip cation A240/A240M) and whether cladding is for corrosion
allowance only.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, 4.1.3 Base metal specification.
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 4.1.4 Bond integrity Class (1, 3, or 5; see Section 13).
A01.11 for Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
Current edition approved March 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
4.1.5 Dimensions including the minimum or nominal thick-
approved in 1943. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A263 – 12. DOI: nesses of the cladding alloy and the backing steel, or of the
10.1520/A0263-12R19. total composite and if more or less restrictive thickness
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- tolerances apply.
cation SA-263 in Section II of that Code.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
the ASTM website. www.asme.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 A263 − 12 (2019)
4.1.6 Product analysis, if required (see Section 10). Specify scribed in 6.2 and 6.3 and as agreed upon between the
whether applicable to the cladding alloy, backing steel, or both. purchaser and the manufacturer.
4.1.7 Mechanical properties including shear test if required 6.2 Alloy Cladding Metal—The alloy-cladding metal speci-
(see Sections 7, 8, and 9). fied shall conform to the requirements as to chemical compo-
4.1.8 Finish (see Section 12). sition prescribed for the respective chromium steel in Specifi-
4.1.9 Restrictions, if required, on repair by welding (see cation A240/A240M.
Section 14).
4.1.10 Additions to the specification or special requirements 6.3 Base Metal—The base metal shall be carbon steel or
such as any applicable construction code rules. low-alloy steel conforming to the ASTM specifications for
steels for pressure vessels or other as agreed by the purchaser
4.1.11 Notification when the cladding alloy is to be used for
and the manufacturer. The base metal shall conform to the
inclusion in the design strength calculations for an applicable
chemical requirements of the specification to which it is
construction code.
ordered.
NOTE 1—Construction codes may dictate certain fabrication require-
ments when the cladding is used in the design calculations that may be 7. Mechanical Properties
different than if the cladding is used for corrosion resistance only. This
may be particularly important when the alloy cladding involves the use of 7.1 Tensile Requirements:
welded components in the explosion bonded clad manufacturing process. 7.1.1 The tensile properties shall be determined by a tension
It is incumbent on the purchaser to make the clad manufacturer aware of
test of the composite plate for clad plates that meet all of the
any such restrictions or applications at time of order.
following conditions.
4.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this specification (1) The nominal composite gage is less than or equal to
and the backing steel specification, certain supplementary 11⁄2 in. (38 mm).
requirements are available when additional control, testing, or (2) The specified minimum tensile strength of the base
examination is required to meet end use requirements. The steel is less than or equal to 70 000 psi (485 MPa).
purchaser is referred to the listed supplementary requirements (3) The specified minimum yield strength of the base steel
in this specification and to the detailed requirements in is less than or equal to 40 000 psi (275 MPa).
Specification A20/A20M. The tensile properties thus determined shall be not less than
4.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict the minimum and not more than 5000 psi (35 MPa) over the
with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M, the require- maximum prescribed in the specification for the base steel
ments of this specification shall prevail. used. All other tensile test requirements of the specification for
the base steel shall be met.
5. Materials and Manufacture 7.1.2 The tensile properties shall be determined by a tension
test of the base steel only for clad plates that meet one of the
5.1 Process:
following conditions. The properties thus determined shall
5.1.1 The steel shall be made by the open-hearth, electric- meet all of the tensile test requirements for the base steel.
furnace, or basic-oxygen processes, or by secondary processes (1) The composite gage is greater than 11⁄2 in. (38 mm).
whereby steel made from these primary processes is remelted (2) The specified minimum tensile strength of the base
using, but not limited to electroslag remelting or vacuum-arc steel is greater than 70 000 psi (485 MPa).
remelting processes. (3) The specified minimum yield strength of the base steel
5.1.2 The alloy-cladding metal may be metallurgically is greater than 40 000 psi (275 MPa).
bonded to the base metal by any method that will produce a 7.1.3 If the cladding is for corrosion allowance only, the
clad steel that will conform to the requirements of this cladding need not be included in the tensile test. The tensile
specification. properties thus determined shall meet the base steel require-
5.1.3 For explosively bonded products, the alloy cladding ments.
metal may be comprised of two or more separate alloy plates
or sheets completely welded together to form a single fabri- 7.2 Tests for strength of the bond, when required, must be
cated component. specified by the purchaser and shall consist of one of the
following.
5.2 Heat Treatment—Unless otherwise specified or agreed 7.2.1 Shear Strength—When required by the purchaser, the
upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer, all plates minimum shear strength of the alloy cladding and base metals
shall be furnished in the normalized, tempered, normalized and shall be 20 000 psi (140 MPa). The shear test, when specified,
tempered, or quenched and tempered condition as permitted by shall be made in the manner indicated in Fig. 1. The minimum
the backing steel specification. Stress relieving of the compos- cladding thickness for shear testing shall be 0.075 in. (1.9 mm)
ite plate by heating subcritically is permitted, provided the exclusive as ordered. Testing for shear strength for clad plates
temperature is 75°F (40°C) or more below the minimum with minimum cladding thickness of 0.075 in. (1.9 mm) or less
tempering temperature (when tempered). shall be permitted upon agreement between the purchaser and
the manufacturer.
6. Chemical Composition 7.2.2 Bond Strength—As an alternative to the shear strength
6.1 The composite plate shall conform to any desired test provided in 7.2.1, or when agreed upon by the purchaser
combination of alloy-cladding metal and base metal as de- and the manufacturer, or both, three bend tests shall be made

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 A263 − 12 (2019)
7.3 Methods and practices relating to mechanical testing
required by this specification shall be in accordance with the
Test Methods and Definitions of A370.

8. Number of Tests and Retests

8.1 One or more tension tests, as required by the specifica-
tions for the base metal and, when specified, one shear test or
three bond bend tests shall be made representing each plate as
rolled. Each specimen shall be in the final condition of heat
treatment required for the plate, including any SPWHT if
required.
8.2 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
develops flaws, it may be discarded and another specimen
substituted.
Metric Equivalents 9. Test Specimens
in. mm in. mm
0.005 0.127 1 25.4 9.1 The tension test specimens from plate shall conform to
1 ⁄8 3.18 2 1⁄2 64.5 the requirements prescribed in the specifications for the base
3 ⁄4 19.1 3 76.2 metal.
FIG. 1 Test Specimen and Method of Making Shear Test of Clad 9.2 Bend test specimens for the alternative bond strength
Plate tests shall be taken at right angles to longitudinal axis of the
plate.
9.3 When required by the purchaser, the shear test specimen
with the alloy cladding in compression to determine the quality should be taken near a corner of the plate, parallel to its
of the bond. These bend tests shall be made in the manner of longitudinal axis, or other location that is representative of the
the tension tests indicated in Fig. 2 and shall be bent through an final product.
angle of 180° to the bend diameters provided for in either 9.4 For plates 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) and under in thickness
Specification A6/A6M or Specification A20/A20M, Appendix tension test specimens shall be full thickness of the material
X4 or equivalent, as applicable. At least two of the three tests except as specified in 7.1.2 and 7.1.3.
shall show not more than 50 % separation on both edges of the
bent portion. Greater separation shall be cause for rejection. 9.5 For plates over 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) in thickness, tension
tests shall be of the form shown in Fig. 3 and shall be of all
base steel conforming to the requirements of the specification
for the base steel.

NOTE 1—When necessary, it is permissible to use a narrower specimen,

but in such a case the reduced portion shall be not less than 1 in. in width.
NOTE 2—Punch marks for measuring elongation after fracture shall be
made on the flat or on the edge of the specimen and within the parallel NOTE 1—The gage length and fillets shall be as shown, but the ends
section; either a set of nine punch marks 1 in. apart, or one or more sets may be of any shape to fit the holders of the testing machine in such a way
of 8-in. punch marks may be used. that the load shall be axial. The reduced section shall have a gradual taper
NOTE 3—The dimension t is the thickness of the test specimen as from the ends toward the center, with the ends 0.003 to 0.005 in. larger in
provided for in the applicable material specifications. diameter than the center.
FIG. 2 Standard Rectangular Tension Test Specimen with 8-in. FIG. 3 Standard Round Tension Test Specimen with 2-in. Gage
Gage Length Length

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 A263 − 12 (2019)
9.6 The bend test specimen used for bond strength determi- backing steel or total composite, and 0.03 in. (0.8 mm) under
nation shall be 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) wide by not more than 3⁄4 in. for the alloy cladding.
(19 mm) in thickness and shall be machined to the form and
11.4 Permissible variations for excess thickness of the total
dimensions shown in Fig. 2, or may be machined with both
composite shall be the greater of 0.125 in. (3 mm) or 10 % of
edges parallel. In reducing the thickness of the specimen, both
the total composite thickness ordered and may occur in either
the alloy cladding and the base steel shall be machined so as to
backing steel, cladding, or both, provided the minimum for
maintain the same ratio of clad metal to base steel as is
each is met.
maintained in the plate, except that the thickness of the clad
metal need not be reduced below 1⁄8 in. (3.1 mm). The sides of 11.5 More restrictive or less restrictive permissible varia-
the bend test specimen used for bond strength determination tions may be agreed upon by the purchaser and the manufac-
may have the corners rounded to a radius not over 1⁄16 in. (1.6 turer.
mm) for plates, 2 in. (50 mm) and under in thickness, and not
over 1⁄8 in. (3.1 mm) for plates over 2 in. (50 mm) in thickness. 12. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10. Product Analysis 12.1 The material shall be free of injurious defects, shall
have a workmanlike appearance, and shall conform to the
10.1 Product analysis may be required for the cladding alloy
designated finish.
on the finished product. Chemical analysis may be accom-
plished by wet chemical or instrumental procedures. If wet 12.2 Plate alloy surfaces shall be blasted (descaled by
chemical procedures are used, millings may be taken only means such as sand or stainless grit, shot or wire, or
when the composite plate thickness is sufficient to permit equivalent), pickled, blast-cleaned and pickled, or 100 %
obtaining millings without danger of contamination from the conditioned.
adjacent layer. If spectrometric procedures are used, the sample
shall be exposed on the center line of the cladding when there 13. Bond Quality
is sufficient cladding thickness available so that there is no 13.1 The cladding metal shall be integrally and continu-
contamination from the adjacent base metal. ously bonded to the base metal.
10.2 If product analysis is specified by the purchaser for the
13.2 Inspection:
cladding alloy, it shall be made from drillings or millings taken
from the final piece or a broken test specimen. For wet 13.2.1 Clad plates less than 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) total minimum
chemical analysis, in order to avoid contamination by the base composite thickness shall be visually inspected for bond
plate metal, millings of cladding samples shall be taken from integrity prior to shipment.
the test coupon by removal and discard of all the base metal 13.2.2 Clad plates 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) and thicker total minimum
plate material, plus 40 % of the cladding thickness from the composite thickness, and when specified by the purchaser, clad
bonded side, not to exceed 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm). The material shall plates less than 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) total minimum composite
be chemically cleaned and sufficient millings shall be taken to thickness, shall be ultrasonically inspected for bond integrity
represent the full cross-section of the remainder. If there is prior to shipment in accordance with the Procedures and
insufficient cladding thickness available to spectrographically Methods of Specification A578/A578M.
expose on the center line of the cladding without 13.2.3 Areas of non-bond detected visually shall be ex-
contamination, 50 % of the cladding shall be removed and the plored ultrasonically to determine the extent of the condition in
sample exposed on this surface. accordance with 13.2.2. For purposes of defining non-bond, the
cladding shall be interpreted to be unbonded when there is
10.3 Methods and practices relating to chemical analysis
complete loss of back reflection accompanied by an echo
required by this specification shall be in accordance with the
indication from the plane of the interface of the clad and
Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology of A751.
backing steel. Areas within 1 in. (25 mm) of a cut edge on the
10.4 Results of the product analysis shall conform to the plate that contain indications exceeding 50 % of the back
requirements of Section 7 of Specification A480/A480M. reflection at the bond interface shall be considered to be
10.5 Results of the product analysis for the backing steel unbonded.
when required shall conform to the requirements of Section 7 13.2.4 Extent of ultrasonic examination shall be at the
of Specification A20/A20M. discretion of the manufacturer and sufficient enough to provide
the quality level required by the purchaser. Plates may be
11. Permissible Variations ordered with 100 % coverage (Supplementary Requirements
11.1 Permissible variations except for thickness shall be in S12).
accordance with Specification A20/A20M.
13.3 Quality Levels:
11.2 Minimum thickness of the alloy cladding metal and of 13.3.1 Class 1—No single unbonded area exceeding 1 in.
the backing steel, or of the total composite plate shall be as (25 mm) in its longest dimension with total unbonded area not
required by purchase order documents when ordered to mini- to exceed 1 % of the total cladded surface area.
mum thicknesses. 13.3.2 Class 3—No single unbonded area exceeding 3 in.
11.3 Permissible variation in thickness when ordered to (75 mm) in its longest dimension with total unbonded area not
nominal thicknesses shall be 0.01 in. (0.3 mm) under each for to exceed 3 % of the total cladded surface area.

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 A263 − 12 (2019)
13.3.3 Class 5—No single unbonded area exceeding 9 in.2 15. General Requirements for Delivery
(58 cm2) with total unbonded area not to exceed 5 % of the 15.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
total cladded surface area. form to the applicable requirements of Specification A20/
13.3.4 The class to be supplied should be listed on the A20M.
purchase order. When none has been specified, plates shall be
furnished as Class 5 at the option of the manufacturer. 16. Certification
14. Welding 16.1 The chemical analysis of the base metal and the alloy
14.1 All welding which is a part of the delivered product, cladding shall be certified to the purchaser by the clad plate
including any made in the fabrication of the cladding alloy manufacturer.
component, shall be performed with a procedure and welders 16.2 The results of the tests in Section 7 and any other tests
or welding operators that are qualified in accordance with required by the purchase order shall be reported to the
Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. purchaser.
14.2 The material manufacturer may repair defects in clad- 16.3 Compliance with the clad quality level of 13.3 shall be
ding by welding provided the following requirements are met: certified. Reports shall include the results of ultrasonic inspec-
14.2.1 When specified in the purchase order, prior approval tion when Supplementary Requirement S12 is specified.
shall be obtained from the purchaser. 16.4 Compliance with any applicable construction code
14.2.2 The defective area shall be removed and the area shall be certified and the appropriate documentation provided
prepared for repair shall be examined by a magnetic particle when appropriate in the case of explosively bonded clad
method or a liquid penetrant method to ensure all defective produced using welded alloy cladding components (see 4.1.10
area has been removed. Method of test and acceptance standard and 4.1.11).
shall be as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
manufacturer. 17. Product Marking
14.2.3 The repair weld shall be deposited in accordance
with a welding procedure and welding materials suitable for 17.1 Except as specified in 17.2, plates shall be marked in
the cladding material. The surface condition of the repaired accordance with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M
area shall be restored to a condition similar to the rest of the for the backing steel and the type number of the alloy cladding
cladding. metal and this specification number.
14.2.4 The repaired area shall be examined by a liquid 17.2 For double-clad material or for material under 1⁄4 in.
penetrant method. (6.35 mm) in thickness, the marking shall be legibly stenciled
14.2.5 The location and extent of the weld repairs together instead of stamped.
with the repair procedure and examination results shall be
transmitted as a part of the certification. 18. Keywords
14.3 All repairs in Alloy Type 410 and any repairs to Type 18.1 alloy cladding; backing steel; bond strength; carbon
410S penetrating into the backing steel shall be stress relieved steel; clad steel plate; low-alloy steel; pressure vessel; shear
to eliminate residual stresses unless otherwise agreed upon. strength; stainless chromium steel

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Supplementary requirements shall not apply unless specified on the order. A list of standardized
supplementary requirements for use at the option of the purchaser are included in Specification
A20/A20M. Several of those considered suitable for use with this specification are listed below by
title. Other tests may be performed by agreement between the supplier and the purchaser.

S2. Product Analysis S5. Charpy V-Notch Impact Test

S3. Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Mechanical S12. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifi-
Test Coupons cation A578/A578M

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 A263 − 12 (2019)
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