AISI 316H Stainless Steel Plate | 316H China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 316H Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 316H Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 316H (UNS S31609) is the high-carbon variant of the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel AISI 316. It contains approximately 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel and 2–3% molybdenum, with carbon intentionally controlled in the range of 0.04–0.10%. This elevated carbon content significantly improves high-temperature strength and creep resistance compared with standard 316 and the low-carbon 316L grade, while retaining the improved pitting and crevice corrosion resistance provided by molybdenum.
In addition to the controlled carbon content, AISI 316H is typically produced with a controlled grain size (ASTM No. 6 or coarser) to further enhance long-term creep performance. The grade is suitable for elevated-temperature service in chemical processing, heat exchangers, furnace components and other applications where both moderate chloride resistance and higher strength at temperature are required.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316H as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. SHH STEEL offers AISI 316H in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 316H is frequently compared with a240 316, a240 316l, a240 316ti, a240 304, a240 321 and a240 310h when selecting materials for elevated-temperature or corrosive service. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers choose the most appropriate grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 316H / UNS S31609 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, related high-temperature specs | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 1 mm – 80 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | No.1, 2B, and others on request | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 316H dual-certified to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 316H (UNS S31609):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.04 – 0.10 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The controlled higher carbon content (0.04–0.10%) is the defining feature of AISI 316H. Combined with molybdenum (2–3%), it delivers improved high-temperature strength and creep resistance while maintaining better pitting resistance than the 304 family. SHH STEEL carefully controls carbon content to meet the requirements of elevated-temperature service under load.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
| Grain Size | ASTM No. 6 or coarser |
For H grades such as AISI 316H, ASTM A240 requires a controlled grain size of ASTM No. 6 or coarser. This coarser grain structure is essential for optimizing long-term creep resistance at elevated temperatures. SHH STEEL ensures that AISI 316H plates meet the specified grain size requirements in addition to the mechanical property limits.
At elevated temperatures, AISI 316H retains higher strength than standard 316 or 316L due to the controlled carbon content and appropriate grain size. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent high-temperature mechanical properties and verified grain size.
Physical Properties Density is approximately 8.00 g/cm³. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Melting range is approximately 1370–1400°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Carbon | Mo (%) | Grain Size Control | High-Temp Strength | Pitting Resistance | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 316 | ≤ 0.08 | 2.0–3.0 | Not mandatory | Good | Better | General chloride service |
| AISI 316L | ≤ 0.03 | 2.0–3.0 | Not mandatory | Lower | Better | Welded chloride service |
| AISI 316H | 0.04–0.10 | 2.0–3.0 | ASTM No. 6 or coarser | Higher | Better | High-temp strength + moderate chloride |
| AISI 316Ti | ≤ 0.08 | 2.0–3.0 | Not mandatory | Good | Better | Stabilized high-temp chloride service |
| AISI 304H | 0.04–0.10 | — | ASTM No. 6 or coarser | Higher | Good | High-temp strength (no Mo) |
| AISI 310H | 0.04–0.10 | — | ASTM No. 6 or coarser | Higher | Good | Severe high-temp oxidation |
AISI 316H is selected when improved high-temperature strength and creep resistance are required in addition to the pitting resistance provided by molybdenum. The controlled grain size (ASTM No. 6 or coarser) further supports long-term performance under load. Compared with a240 316l, it offers higher strength at elevated temperature. For maximum as-welded corrosion resistance, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l. For stabilized high-temperature service, a240 316ti is often preferred.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 316H offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water and many chemical environments. The molybdenum addition provides better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media compared with the 304 family.
Because of the higher carbon content, AISI 316H is more susceptible to intergranular corrosion after welding or prolonged exposure in the sensitization range than the low-carbon 316L grade. For welded constructions where intergranular corrosion is a concern, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l or the stabilized grade a240 316ti.
Weldability
AISI 316H can be welded by standard fusion welding methods. Matching or 316H-type filler metals are preferred to maintain high-temperature strength in the weld metal. Due to the higher carbon content, the risk of sensitization is greater than with 316L.
Post-weld solution annealing is recommended for critical corrosive or high-temperature service. When maximum as-welded corrosion resistance is required, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l.
Heat Treatment
AISI 316H is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1040–1150°C (often toward the higher end), followed by rapid cooling. Proper annealing is important to dissolve carbides, achieve the required grain size, and optimize both room-temperature and elevated-temperature properties. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent performance and compliance with grain size requirements for high-temperature applications under load.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 316H No.1 – most common for industrial plate |
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 316H 2B – thinner plates |
| Special | Ground or custom finishes | AISI 316H Special – on request |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 316H in No.1 finish, which is the preferred condition for most high-temperature plate applications.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 316H Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 1 mm – 80 mm, width up to 2000–3000 mm, and length up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 316H | — | — |
| UNS S31609 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| ASTM A240 Type 316H | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| 1.4919 / related high-C | EN (Europe) | Closest European grades |
| SUS316 related | JIS G4305 (Japan) | Japanese related grades |
| 07Cr17Ni12Mo2 related | GB/T (China) | Chinese related high-C grades |
| Related 316 / 316L / 316Ti | Multiple | Standard / low-carbon / stabilized variants |
Related grades for comparison include a240 316, a240 316l, a240 316ti, a240 304, a240 321 and a240 310h.
Applications
AISI 316H is selected for applications requiring both improved high-temperature strength/creep resistance and moderate resistance to pitting corrosion. Typical applications of AISI 316H include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Chemical & Process Industry | AISI 316H high-temperature vessels, heat exchangers and piping |
| Heat Exchangers & Boilers | AISI 316H tubesheets, shells and high-temperature components |
| Petrochemical & Refining | AISI 316H process equipment operating at elevated temperature |
| Power Generation | AISI 316H high-temperature ducting and structural parts |
| Industrial Furnaces | AISI 316H fixtures and components requiring strength + corrosion resistance |
| General High-Temperature Service | AISI 316H equipment under load in moderately corrosive environments |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316H for these elevated-temperature applications with consistent quality and verified grain size. For related industry solutions, see our petrochemical industry, energy industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and steel welding services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316H with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- High-carbon material with controlled grain size (ASTM No. 6 or coarser) for optimized creep resistance
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 316H No.1 and AISI 316H 2B)
- Technical support for selection among 316, 316L, 316H, 316Ti and related grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of AISI 316H over AISI 316 or 316L?The controlled higher carbon content (0.04–0.10%) and required grain size of ASTM No. 6 or coarser provide improved high-temperature strength and better creep resistance. SHH STEEL recommends 316H when long-term strength under load at elevated temperature is important.
- Why is grain size controlled for AISI 316H?A coarser grain size (ASTM No. 6 or coarser) improves long-term creep resistance at high temperatures. SHH STEEL ensures compliance with this requirement for all AISI 316H plates.
- What is the density of AISI 316H?Approximately 8.00 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties, including grain size.
Conclusion
AISI 316H Stainless Steel Plate is the high-carbon version of the molybdenum-bearing 316 austenitic grade. It combines improved high-temperature strength and creep resistance (supported by controlled carbon content and grain size of ASTM No. 6 or coarser) with better pitting resistance than the 304 family. It is an excellent choice for heat exchangers, process equipment and other applications requiring long-term performance under load at elevated temperatures in moderately corrosive environments.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 316H Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification, verified grain size and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 316H No.1 and AISI 316H 2B), or a competitive quotation.
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