WCB Valve Full Form: What Does WCB Mean in Valves?
Published: January 18, 2026 | By Supreme Valves India
WCB Valve Full Form
WCB stands for "Wrought Carbon Steel Grade B" as per ASTM A216 standard. It is the most commonly used cast carbon steel material for industrial valve bodies, bonnets, and pressure-containing components.
WCB at a Glance
| Full Form | Wrought Carbon Steel Grade B |
| Standard | ASTM A216 |
| Material Type | Cast Carbon Steel |
| Temperature Range | -29°C to 425°C (-20°F to 800°F) |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi (485 MPa) minimum |
| Yield Strength | 36,000 psi (250 MPa) minimum |
What Does WCB Mean in Valve Terminology?
In valve terminology, WCB is a material designation that breaks down as follows:
- W = Weldable (the material can be welded)
- C = Carbon steel (the base material composition)
- B = Grade B (specific mechanical properties and chemical composition)
WCB is specified under ASTM A216 - "Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service." This standard covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-containing parts intended for high-temperature service.
ASTM A216 WCB Chemical Composition
| Element | WCB (Max %) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.30 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.045 |
WCB vs WCC vs LCB: What's the Difference?
| Property | WCB | WCC | LCB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Wrought Carbon B | Wrought Carbon C | Low-temp Carbon B |
| Standard | ASTM A216 | ASTM A216 | ASTM A352 |
| Min Temp | -29°C (-20°F) | -29°C (-20°F) | -46°C (-50°F) |
| Max Temp | 425°C (800°F) | 425°C (800°F) | 340°C (650°F) |
| Yield Strength | 36,000 psi | 40,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Application | General service | Higher pressure | Low temperature |
Types of WCB Valves
WCB is used to manufacture various types of industrial valves:
Applications of WCB Valves
WCB valves are widely used in:
- Oil & Gas Industry: Pipelines, refineries, offshore platforms
- Petrochemical Plants: Process lines, storage tanks
- Power Generation: Steam lines, feedwater systems
- Water Treatment: Distribution systems, pump stations
- Chemical Processing: Non-corrosive chemical handling
- HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling water lines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of WCB in valves?
WCB stands for Wrought Carbon Steel Grade B. It is a cast carbon steel material specified under ASTM A216 standard, commonly used for valve bodies, bonnets, and other pressure-containing parts in industrial valves.
What does WCB mean in valve material?
In valve terminology, WCB refers to ASTM A216 Grade WCB - a carbon steel casting material. W = Weldable, C = Carbon steel, B = Grade B (indicating specific mechanical properties and chemical composition).
What is the difference between WCB and WCC valves?
Both WCB and WCC are ASTM A216 carbon steel grades. WCC has higher yield strength (40,000 psi vs 36,000 psi) than WCB. WCC is used for higher pressure and more demanding applications.
What is the temperature range for WCB valves?
WCB valves are suitable for temperatures from -29°C (-20°F) to 425°C (800°F). For temperatures below -29°C, low-temperature carbon steel (LCB) should be used.
What types of valves are made from WCB?
WCB is used for gate valves, globe valves, check valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves. It is the most common material for industrial valves in oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and water industries.
Need WCB Valves?
Supreme Valves India supplies ASTM A216 WCB gate, globe, ball, and check valves. Get competitive quotes with complete material traceability.