Grade dossier
316H Stainless Steel for Elevated-Temperature Pressure Service
The controlled higher-carbon 316 variant used where elevated-temperature strength and code qualification matter, not as a general upgrade to 316L.
Identity before substitution
Define the grade, product and condition together
A familiar grade name is not a complete purchase specification. Product form, controlling standard, dimensions, condition, finish, certification and service environment determine whether the delivered material is suitable.
Composition control
ASTM A240/A240M flat-product chemistry
Limits are not heat analysis targets
The table summarizes grade limits commonly used for plate, sheet and strip. Pipe, tube, bar, forgings and cast products can be governed by different specifications. Always place the product standard and edition on the purchase order.
| C | 0.04-0.10 |
|---|---|
| Mn | 2.00 max |
| Si | 0.75 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 16.00-18.00 |
| Ni | 10.00-14.00 |
| Mo | 2.00-3.00 |
| N | 0.10 max |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Room-temperature tensile strength | 515 MPa min |
|---|---|
| Room-temperature 0.2% yield | 205 MPa min |
| Elongation | 40% min |
| Hardness | 95 HRBW max |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 8.0 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Elevated-temperature strength and creep-rated service |
| Corrosion position | Molybdenum-bearing 316 family |
| Design basis | Code allowable stress, time and temperature |
Values depend on product form, thickness, test orientation, condition and governing edition. Use the mill test certificate and the purchase specification for acceptance, not a web table alone.
Selection boundary
Where 316H belongs and where to escalate
Grade selection is an environmental decision, not a popularity contest. Review the complete medium, temperature, geometry, fabrication, cleaning and inspection requirements.
Good reasons to evaluate it
Boiler and pressure-vessel components under an approved code
High-temperature process piping components
Heat exchangers with defined operating and shutdown conditions
Orders explicitly requiring UNS S31609 certification
Reasons to stop and review
Substituting 316H for 316L in wet welded service
Using room-temperature minimums as creep allowables
Assuming dual certification without checking carbon
Ignoring condensation and intergranular-corrosion risk
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
State the pressure code, design temperature and design life.
Qualify filler, heat input, heat treatment and inspection.
Check sensitization risk where equipment cools into wet service.
Use certificates that identify S31609 and the product specification.
Supply definition
Product form changes the applicable requirements
Do not send an RFQ that names only the grade. State form, governing standard, dimensions, tolerances, finish, edge or end condition, quantity, certification and inspection.
Plate, sheet and strip to ASTM A240/A240M
Pipe and tube under high-temperature product specifications
Forgings and fittings under their applicable specifications
Pressure-equipment components under the governing code
Certificate checkpoint
Request heat identity, chemical analysis, mechanical results and compliance to the exact product specification. Add PMI, corrosion testing or supplementary examination only when the application requires it.
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Interactive selection check
Test 316H against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 316H stainless steel magnetic?
Magnetic response depends on microstructure and delivered condition.
Can 316H replace another grade?
Only after checking the governing standard, composition, mechanical properties, corrosion exposure, fabrication route and certification. A commercial name is not a substitution approval.
Does the table apply to every product form?
Not automatically. The values shown use flat-product requirements as a reference. Other forms can use different product standards, dimensions and tests.
What should a 316H RFQ include?
Product form, standard and edition, UNS or EN designation, dimensions, tolerances, finish, quantity, service, fabrication, certificate and inspection requirements.
Sources, scope and RFQ
Use traceable grade data, then specify the actual product
ASTM A240/A240M requirements for UNS S31609 flat product
ASTM A959 harmonized composition for wrought stainless steels
Producer guidance for H-grade elevated-temperature service
Applicable ASME material and allowable-stress tables