Difference between ASTM SA-??? and ASTM A-??? 3

[cbrock]

I have found that some ASME codes specify materials such as ASTM A 105, whereas the material is listed as ASTM SA-105 in other codes. The ASTM SA-105 specification says it is identical to ASTM A 105.

Is there any reason why the material is refered to as A105 and SA-105 if it is identical? Are most (or all) SA-XXX's identical to A-XXX's? Are there any differences?

 

[Rich2001]

The SA version is the ASME code accepted version of the ASTM A specification. Once an ASTM standard is revised it must then be accepted by the ASME B&PV code committee. For this reason the ASME SA-XXXX lag behind the revisions to ASTM A-XXXX.



In most cases they are identical, however if you want B&PV material specify the ASME SA-XXXX on your purchase order not ASTM A-XXXX.

 

[JoeTank]

I believe you are misreading the ASME Code. The Code specifies ASME SAxxx material, not ASTM SAxxx material.

The reason ASME Code specifies ASME material designations (rather than ASTM material designations) is that each and every material must be accepted by the ASME Code Committee for Code construction. Eventhough most of the ASTM and ASME material specs are identical, there are many ASTM materials that are not acceptable for Code construction.

Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants

http://www.tankindustry.com