ASTM A516/A516M A516 Grade 55 [380] steel has a number of advantages, including:
• High strength at low temperature – The steel has a low temperature strength which makes it suitable for applications in extreme temperatures.
• Corrosion resistance – The steel is highly resistant to corrosion and can be used in corrosive environments.
• Weldability – The steel is highly weldable making it a popular choice for welding operations.
• toughness – The steel is noted for its toughness making it ideal for use in parts and components susceptible to breaking due to impact.
• Low maintenance – The steel requires very little maintenance throughout its lifetime and is very easy to clean.

The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of ASTM A516/A516M A516 Grade 60 [415] steel are affected by its chemical composition and heat treatment process. The thermal conductivity of the material is between 31 to 47 W/(mK), depending on the grade of the material. The thermal diffusivity of the material is between 0.10 to 0.13 m2/s.

The introduction of the ASTM A516/A516M A516 Grade 65 [450] steel standard has extended the range of structural grades available to engineers, helping them to make more accurate assessments of the applicability of steels in pressure vessel based applications. The ASTM standard outlines precise physical, chemical and mechanical requirements and is applicable to plates of up to a maximum of 4 inches thickness rolled from carbon-manganese steels for pressure vessels operating at moderate or lower temperatures. This standard is applicable to pressure vessel plates of moderate and lower-temperature service and provides engineers with a means of determining the properties of steels for engineering applications. ASTM A516/A516M A516 Grade 65 [450] steel is known for its excellent weldability and strength, making it most commonly used in applications such as boilers, storage tanks, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, refineries and other process equipment in the automotive industry.

The thermal performance of a material is determined by the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the material. Thermal conductivity is defined as the ability of a material to transmit heat, and is usually expressed in W/(mK). The thermal diffusivity is the ratio of the thermal conductivity to the product of the material's density and its specific heat capacity, expressed as m2/s. The thermal properties of ASTM A516/A516M A516 Grade 70 steel are affected by the chemical composition and heat treatment process of the material.