SA-540 Bolts - Availability/Cost?

[marty007]

Hello,

I'm struggling through a flange design that is pushing me towards higher-strength bolts. (It's complicated... space constraints etc...)

Before going and bugging vendors, I'm just wondering if anyone here has experience with SA-540 bolting materials. Is it readily available? Is there a significant cost impact?

I realize there are different grades out there, are any more or less common?

Thanks!

 

[gr2vessels]

Hey, are you trying to bend the flanges or you're building a nuclear reactor? Space constraints? Did you try the design of compact flanges? Normally the bolt strength is the last resort, but even that's a very shaky ground...
These bolts are not common and are more or less restricted to the nuclear facilities and similar special applications. I never used or bought them, but I imagine they cost two arms and two legs. If you try to use them because of your design struggle, you're likely to be crucified by the Client. Nevertheless, I believe you have good reasons to use these bolts and you know how to use Google to find a Vendor for these bolts. Perhaps you should re-post your question in the 'Nuclear' forum.
Cheers,
gr2vessels