316H Stainless Steel (1.4919)

High-strength stainless steel for sustained structural performance in high-temperature, high-pressure environments.

316H Stainless Steel

316H stainless steel (1.4919) is a high-carbon austenitic alloy developed for structural integrity under extreme mechanical and thermal loads. By increasing the carbon content above that of standard 316, this grade delivers enhanced strength, hardness, and creep resistance, ideal for components exposed to high pressures or prolonged heat.

Its performance makes it a preferred material in heat exchanger tubes, boiler plates, and pressure piping systems across sectors like petrochemicals, offshore oil and gas, and power generation. Where equipment must endure both corrosive exposure and elevated temperatures, 316H ensures long-term reliability with reduced risk of deformation or failure.

The alloy also maintains excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-bearing environments, making it suitable for welded pressure vessels and industrial infrastructure facing chemical or thermal stress.

AVAILABLE FORMS

Intamet offers 316H in a wide range of forms, including the below:

Tubes & Pipes

Fitting & Flanges

Round Bars

Sheet & Plate

FAQs: 316H Stainless Steel

What are the Mechanical Properties of 316H Stainless Steel?

316H provides greater tensile and yield strength than both 316 and 316L, especially when exposed to elevated temperatures, making it a key material for heat and pressure-intensive systems.

Tensile Strength: 515–655 MPa (75,000–95,000 psi) - Withstands structural loads and pressure containment in boiler and furnace systems.

Yield Strength (0.2%): 205–485 MPa (30,000–70,000 psi) - Provides resilience against permanent deformation under stress.

Elongation: Minimum 40% - Maintains workability for formed or welded components.

Hardness (Brinell): Max 217 - Offers a balance of surface wear resistance and machinability.

Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa (28 × 10⁶ psi) - Delivers necessary stiffness for load-bearing and high-pressure environments.

Due to its elevated carbon levels, 316H exhibits improved strength but slightly reduced ductility, making it best suited for static or welded applications operating at high heat, such as reactor tubing, pressure vessels, and superheater tubes.

What are the Physical Properties of 316H Stainless Steel?

The physical properties of 316H support its performance in high-temperature and high-pressure equipment that must remain stable under thermal and mechanical stress.

Density: 7.98 g/cm³ - Supports heavy-duty applications in industrial processing environments.

Melting Point: 1370–1400 °C (2500–2550 °F) - Allows for safe operation in furnace and boiler systems without risk of structural failure.

Thermal Conductivity: ~16.3 W/m·K - Supports efficient thermal exchange in heat transfer equipment.

Thermal Expansion: ~16 × 10⁻⁶/K - Offers dimensional stability through thermal cycling.

Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa - Maintains rigidity for structural and high-pressure service.

These attributes ensure that 316H can endure the combined effects of heat, pressure, and corrosive exposure common to energy and chemical infrastructure.

Are there Variants of 316H Stainless Steel?

The 316 series includes multiple variants designed to support different fabrication processes, strength requirements, and corrosion conditions:

316L: Low-carbon for improved weldability and intergranular corrosion resistance.

316Ti: Titanium-stabilised for elevated temperature performance in welded systems.

316LN: Nitrogen-strengthened for increased toughness and strength in high-pressure use.

316F: Free-machining grade for complex or precision-machined components.

316L Mod: Modified composition to support specific fabrication needs.

316L-Si: Silicon-enhanced for oxidation protection in furnace and thermal processing.

316L-Mo / 316L-Cu: Tailored options for increased pitting resistance or stress corrosion performance.

316H remains the most appropriate choice when long-term strength under heat and stress is the top design priority.

What is the Chemical Composition of 316H Stainless Steel?

The chemical formulation of 316H (1.4919) is tailored for elevated strength and structural consistency under thermal load.

Typical Composition (%):

Carbon (C): 0.04–0.10
Increases strength and creep resistance at high temperatures.

Chromium (Cr): 16.0–18.0
Provides base corrosion resistance in oxidising environments.

Nickel (Ni): 10.0–14.0
Enhances ductility and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Molybdenum (Mo): 2.0–3.0
Boosts pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride-rich systems.

Titanium (Ti): 0.5–0.7
Helps stabilise the alloy under heat (present in some variants).

Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00
Supports mechanical performance.

Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.00
Improves oxidation resistance at high temperatures.

Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045
Controlled for toughness and workability.

Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.030
Sometimes added to aid machining.

Nitrogen (N): ≤ 0.10
Strengthens austenitic structure.

Iron (Fe): Balance
Forms the bulk structure of the alloy.

The precise carbon level is the defining feature of 316H, enabling its high-temperature strength profile while maintaining reliable corrosion resistance.

Where is 316H Stainless Steel Used?

316H is a go-to material for structural systems exposed to intense heat, stress, and corrosive environments, often where failure could lead to safety risks or costly downtime.

Power Generation: Boiler tubes, superheater coils, and turbine support systems.

Petrochemical & Chemical Plants: Reactors, distillation columns, and corrosive fluid transport systems.

Offshore Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Pressure vessels, welded pipework, and platform components in chloride-heavy settings.

Thermal Processing Equipment: High-heat furnace linings, tube sheets, and exhaust ducting.

Industrial Fabrications: Structural beams, flanges, and heavy-duty assemblies in elevated temperature environments.

Its reliable high-temperature performance makes 316H plate, pipe, and round bar a common specification for engineers building mission-critical systems under thermal and chemical stress.

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316H Stainless Steel (1.4919)