ASME SA240 316H Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 Type 316H

As a professional stainless steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Supply / Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASME SA240 316H Stainless Steel Plate, also known as SA240 Type 316H.

ASME SA240 Type 316H is the higher-carbon version of the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel Type 316. While Type 316L is limited to a maximum of 0.030% carbon for optimum resistance to intergranular corrosion, Type 316H is deliberately specified with a carbon range of 0.04–0.10%. This controlled higher carbon content provides significantly improved strength at elevated temperatures, particularly above 500°C, while the 2–3% molybdenum addition retains better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than the 304H grade.

Type 316H is primarily selected for pressure vessels, heat exchangers, boilers, and process equipment that operate continuously at elevated temperatures and still require improved chloride resistance compared with standard 18-8 grades. It is listed in ASME SA240 and is accepted for construction under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code when higher allowable stresses at temperature are needed.

SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA240 316H as true Mill Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, full heat traceability, and shorter lead times. We offer thicknesses from 3 mm to 100 mm (thicker plates available on request), widths up to 2000–3000 mm, and lengths up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length. Material is supplied in the solution-annealed condition, most commonly with No.1 finish for pressure vessel applications.

Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) according to ASME SA240 Type 316H:

Product Analysis (typical permissible variations):

The controlled carbon range of 0.04–0.10% is the key feature that distinguishes Type 316H from both 316 and 316L. This carbon level provides solid-solution strengthening and improved creep and stress-rupture properties at elevated temperatures, while the molybdenum content maintains better localized corrosion resistance than 304H.

Room-Temperature Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Elevated-Temperature Performance ASME SA240 316H is specifically intended for service at elevated temperatures. The higher carbon content delivers better tensile and yield strength above approximately 500°C and improved long-term creep strength compared with Type 316L. It is commonly used in the temperature range where higher ASME allowable stresses are required.

Physical Properties

• Density: 7.98 g/cm³
• Melting Range: approximately 1370–1400°C
• Magnetic: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition

When both elevated-temperature strength and improved chloride resistance are required, ASME SA240 316H is the logical choice over 304H. For applications that combine high temperature with extensive welding and corrosive media, astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate is often preferred because of its titanium stabilization. For maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition at moderate temperatures, astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate remains the standard selection.

High-Temperature Performance and Sensitization

The higher carbon content that gives Type 316H its elevated-temperature strength also increases its susceptibility to sensitization compared with 316L. Prolonged exposure in the temperature range of approximately 450–850°C can lead to chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries. In continuous high-temperature service where the environment is not corrosive during operation or shutdown, this is often acceptable. However, if the equipment will encounter corrosive media while in a sensitized condition, a stabilized grade (316Ti) or post-fabrication solution annealing should be considered.

In the properly annealed condition, ASME SA240 Type 316H offers corrosion resistance similar to Type 316. The 2–3% molybdenum provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 304H in chloride-containing environments. General corrosion resistance in oxidizing acids and many chemical media is good.

Because of the higher carbon level, resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding or after thermal exposure in the sensitization range is inferior to that of 316L. Therefore, Type 316H is selected primarily for its high-temperature mechanical properties rather than for maximum as-welded corrosion performance.

ASME SA240 Type 316H can be welded by all standard fusion and resistance welding methods. When high-temperature strength of the weld metal is required, matching high-carbon filler metals (E316H / ER316H) are recommended. Standard E316 / ER316 or E316L fillers may be used when corrosion resistance of the weld is the higher priority.

Due to the higher carbon content, the heat-affected zone is more prone to sensitization than in 316L. For critical corrosive service after welding, post-weld solution annealing is often advisable.

ASME SA240 Type 316H is supplied in the solution-annealed condition. Proper heat treatment is essential to achieve optimum properties.

Recommended Solution Annealing Parameters

• Temperature range: 1040 – 1120°C (typically 1080 – 1100°C)
• Holding (soaking) time: – Plates ≤ 25 mm thick: minimum 10–20 minutes after the entire cross-section has reached the target temperature – Plates 25–50 mm thick: minimum 20–40 minutes – Plates above 50 mm: 30–60 minutes or longer, depending on thickness and furnace loading, to ensure uniform temperature
• Cooling: Rapid cooling is mandatory. Water quenching is strongly preferred for thicker plates to avoid re-precipitation of carbides and to restore maximum corrosion resistance and ductility.

The relatively high annealing temperature and fast cool dissolve chromium carbides and retain carbon in solid solution, delivering the best combination of high-temperature strength capability and corrosion performance.

Dimensional tolerances for ASME SA240 316H plate follow ASME SA240 and the referenced ASTM A480 requirements. Thickness, width, length, and flatness are controlled within standard limits. Tighter tolerances can be arranged for specific projects.

Related grades that are often evaluated together with ASME SA240 316H include astm a240 type 316 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate, and astm a240 type 304h stainless steel sheet plate.

ASME SA240 Type 316H is selected for equipment that requires both elevated-temperature strength and improved chloride resistance:

SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter of stainless steel plate. We maintain long-term strategic relationships with major Chinese stainless steel mills and supply ASME SA240 Type 316H with the following advantages:

• Competitive mill-direct pricing
• Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
• Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / ASME)
• Flexible thickness, width, and length combinations
• Technical assistance on high-temperature material selection
• Reliable worldwide logistics and export documentation

ASME SA240 316H Stainless Steel Plate (SA240 Type 316H) is the high-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade optimized for elevated-temperature strength while retaining improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared with 304H. It is the material of choice when design conditions demand higher allowable stresses at temperature together with better chloride performance than standard 18-8 high-carbon grades.

As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides reliable ASME SA240 Type 316H plate with competitive pricing, full certification, and complete technical support.

Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, detailed technical data, or a competitive quotation for your high-temperature stainless steel requirements.

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