Material under this standard named as WP Grade, and for each WP grade stainless steel, several categories of pipe fittings are included, to indicate that a seamless or welded structure is used. Class designations are also used to indicate non-destructive testing methods and the extent of non-destructive testing (NDE).
Heat treatment
For H grade steel, separate solution heat treatment are required for solution annealing. All pipe fittings should be supplied in heat treated condition. All welding work should be done before heat treatment. Fitting that have been machined directly from solution annealed forgings and bar stocks do not need to be annealed again.
ASTM A403 Standard Scope
The standard includes several grades of austenitic stainless steel alloys, and uses the WP or CR prefix to mark the grade of steel, depending on the applicable ASTM or MSS size and rated pressure standards.
ASTM A403 is designed for forged steel pipe fittings, Cast pipe fittings are not suitable. (Austenitic stainless steel castings are included in these standard, A351/A351M, A743/A743M and A744/A744M.)