3 Key Differences Between SA106B steel pipe and A106B steel pipe

SA106B and A106B steel pipe are often seen as interchangeable, but they serve different purposes in the industry. Understanding their distinctions is crucial for engineers, buyers, and project managers making informed decisions. Here are three key differences:

1. Specification and Certification  
The most important difference lies in their specifications. A106B is an ASTM standard, while SA106B follows the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) specification. Although the material composition is nearly identical, SA106B must meet additional quality control and documentation requirements to comply with ASME pressure vessel codes. This makes SA106B more suitable for boiler and pressure-related applications.

2. Application Use  
A106B is commonly used in general high-temperature services, such as pipelines and structural systems. SA106B, on the other hand, is typically used in critical environments like power plants and refineries, where pressure and safety standards are more demanding. Choosing SA106B ensures compliance with ASME standards required for these environments.

3. Documentation and Testing  
SA106B often includes stricter testing requirements, including full traceability, hydrostatic testing, and sometimes third-party inspection depending on the end-user. This level of documentation is not always required for A106B, especially in non-critical applications.

In summary, while A106B and SA106B may look the same on paper, SA106B stands out for its certification level, application scope, and testing rigor — making it the smarter choice for pressure-sensitive and regulated projects.