This specification covers low-alloy steel and martensitic stainless steels in the normalized and tempered, or quenched and tempered conditions, suitable for pressure-containing parts. All castings shall receive the specified heat treatment requirement: austenitizing temperature, medium, quenching cool, and tempering temperature. Preliminary heat treatment and multiple tempering are permitted. Recording-type pyrometers shall be used to control the furnace temperature. The steel shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, boron, and copper. Residual elements include: copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium. Tensile properties of the steel shall conform to the requirements for tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, reduction of area, hardness, and maximum thickness. Product analysis tolerance is specified. Repair by welding may be done.

1.1 This specification covers low-alloy steels and martensitic stainless steels in the normalized and tempered, or quenched and tempered, condition suitable for pressure-containing parts. The weldability of the classes in this specification varies from readily weldable to weldable only with adequate precautions, and the weldability of each class should be considered prior to assembly by fusion welding.

1.2 Selection will depend on design, mechanical, and service conditions. Users should note that hardenability of some of the grades mentioned may restrict the maximum size at which the required mechanical properties are obtained.

1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. Inch-pound units are applicable for material ordered to Specification A487 and SI units for material ordered to Specification A487M.