ASME STANDARDS
ASME material specifications are widely used for titanium supplied for pressure equipment, pressure vessels, piping systems, heat exchangers and other equipment designed in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and related ASME requirements.
Many ASME titanium material specifications closely correspond to ASTM B-series specifications. However, the designations are different and should not be treated as interchangeable on purchase orders or material certification.
For example, ASTM B265 is an ASTM International material specification, while ASME SB-265 is the corresponding ASME material specification used in ASME code applications.
Common ASME Titanium Specifications
| ASME Specification | Product Form | Related ASTM Standard |
|---|---|---|
| ASME SB-265 | Titanium and titanium alloy strip, sheet and plate | ASTM B265 |
| ASME SB-338 | Seamless and welded titanium and titanium alloy tubes for condensers and heat exchangers | ASTM B338 |
| ASME SB-348 | Titanium and titanium alloy bars and billets | ASTM B348 |
| ASME SB-363 | Seamless and welded titanium and titanium alloy butt-welding fittings | ASTM B363 |
| ASME SB-367 | Titanium and titanium alloy castings | ASTM B367 |
| ASME SB-381 | Titanium and titanium alloy forgings | ASTM B381 |
| ASME SB-861 | Titanium and titanium alloy seamless pipe | ASTM B861 |
| ASME SB-862 | Titanium and titanium alloy welded pipe | ASTM B862 |
ASME and ASTM Titanium Specifications
ASME material specifications often use the same numerical designation as a related ASTM specification, with the addition of the SB- prefix.
For example:
- ASTM B265 — ASTM specification for titanium strip, sheet and plate
- ASME SB-265 — ASME material specification for titanium strip, sheet and plate used in ASME code applications
Although the technical requirements may be closely aligned, compliance with one designation should not automatically be assumed to establish compliance with the other.
Where an ASME specification is required by the design code, customer specification or purchase order, the material should be ordered and certified to the required ASME SB specification.
Where ASME Titanium Specifications Are Used
ASME titanium specifications are particularly relevant to equipment manufactured for pressure-containing and process-industry applications. Typical examples include:
- Pressure vessels
- Heat exchangers
- Condensers
- Process piping
- Piping fittings
- Chemical-processing equipment
- Desalination equipment
- Power-generation equipment
- Other pressure-containing systems designed to applicable ASME codes
Specifying ASME Titanium Material
A purchase enquiry should normally identify the complete ASME material specification together with the titanium grade, product form, dimensions, material condition and any additional testing or inspection requirements.
Typical information includes:
- ASME specification, for example ASME SB-265
- Titanium grade or alloy
- Product form
- Dimensions and quantity
- Material condition or heat treatment where applicable
- Required specification edition where contractually specified
- Additional testing or inspection requirements
- Required material certification or inspection documentation
The supplied material test report (MTR) should identify the material, heat or lot, applicable specification and relevant test results required by the purchase order.
Related Titanium Standards
ASME is one of several standards systems used when specifying titanium. Depending on the application, material may instead be ordered to ASTM, SAE AMS, DIN or ISO requirements.
Standards note: ASME standards and code requirements are revised periodically. Always verify the applicable edition and material specification for the equipment being designed or manufactured.
