A182 F316 is the standard austenitic stainless steel forging grade, F316L is the low-carbon version suitable for welding, and F316H is the high-carbon version used for high-temperature and high-strength applications.
What is A182 Gr. F316 / F316L / F316H?
A182 Gr. F316, F316L, and F316H are forged stainless steel grades within the 316 series, used for manufacturing flanges, fittings, valve bodies, pressure-vessel components, and other parts that operate under high-temperature or high-pressure conditions. All three belong to the ASTM A182 standard.
The primary difference among them is carbon content, which determines weldability, resistance to intergranular corrosion, and high-temperature creep strength.
A182 Gr. F316 / F316L / F316H — Equivalent Materials
| Grade (ASTM A182) | F316 | F316L | F316H |
| UNS Number | S31600 | S31603 | S31609 |
| EN / DIN | 1.4401 | 1.4404 | 1.4401 / 1.4436 (High Temp) |
| EN Name | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| JIS | SUS316 | SUS316L | SUS316H |
| GB (China) | 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 | 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (Low C) | 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (High C) |
| Typical ASTM Plate/Pipe | A240 316 / A312 TP316 | A240 316L / A312 TP316L | A240 316H / A312 TP316H |
| Notes | Standard 316 stainless steel | Low-carbon 316L for welding | High-carbon, high-temperature grade |
Chemical Composition
(Typical ranges, for reference only — exact values depend on ASTM A182)
| Identification Symbol | UNS | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Ni | Cr | Mo | N |
| F316 | S31600 | 0.08 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 1 | 10–14 | 16–18 | 2–3 | ≤0.10 |
| F316H | S31609 | 0.04–0.10 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 1 | 10–14 | 16–18 | 2–3 | … |
| F316L | S31603 | 0.03 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 1 | 10–14 | 16–18 | 2–3 | 0.10–0.16 |
Mechanical Properties
(General reference for forged condition)
| Grade Symbol | Tensile Strength, min. | Yield Strength, min. | Elongation min. % | Reduction of Area min. % | Brinell Hardness HBW |
| F316 | 75 ksi (515 MPa) | 30 ksi (205 MPa) | 30 | 50 | … |
| F316H | 75 ksi (515 MPa) | 30 ksi (205 MPa) | 30 | 50 | … |
| F316L | 70 ksi (485 MPa) | 25 ksi (170 MPa) | 30 | 50 | … |
Applications of A182 Gr. F316 / F316L / F316H
A182 F316 — General Purpose (Standard 316)
Suitable for medium-temperature, normal-pressure, or general corrosion-resistance conditions, including:
- Various flanges (WNRF / SORF / BLRF)
- Piping systems, fittings, valve components
- Food processing equipment
- Pharmaceutical industry equipment
- Chemical plants with mild or moderate corrosion (weak acids, weak alkalis)
- Heat exchanger shells, pump bodies, mechanical structures
Feature:
Balanced overall performance with the widest range of applications.
A182 F316L — Low Carbon, Welding-Optimized (Low-Carbon)
Ideal for conditions requiring extensive welding or enhanced resistance to intergranular corrosion:
- Pressure vessel welded systems
- Welded pipelines and welded flanges
- Oil & gas pipelines
- Chemical plants with chloride exposure
- Refrigeration equipment or low-temperature service (not cryogenic)
- LNG/LPG system pipelines at normal temperatures
Feature:
Does not easily develop intergranular corrosion after welding, ensuring long-term reliability.
A182 F316H — High-Temperature Strength Grade (High-Carbon)
Designed specifically for high-temperature environments:
- Boilers and furnace components
- High-temperature heat exchangers
- Heat-treatment furnace tubes, plates, and supports
- High-temperature steam piping
- Power-plant hot-section pipelines
- High-temperature pressure-vessel components
Feature:
Higher carbon content increases creep strength, making it suitable for continuous operation at 525–870°C.
Conclusion
A182 F316, F316L, and F316H belong to the same stainless steel 316 family, yet each grade serves distinct performance needs:
- F316 for general use
- F316L for welding and corrosion resistance
- F316H for high-temperature strength
By understanding their differences in carbon content, weldability, and temperature resistance, engineers and buyers can select the most suitable material for their application.
