What is 1.4919 Stainless Steel?

1.4919 stainless steel, commonly known as 316H or UNS S31609, is the high-carbon variant of the standard 316 molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel. The "H" designation indicates its suitability for elevated temperature service, where increased carbon content provides enhanced creep strength and stress rupture resistance. It is widely used in high-temperature pressure vessels, heat exchangers, superheaters, and other components in power generation, chemical processing, and petrochemical industries.

 

This high-temperature molybdenum-enhanced grade is standardized under key international systems.

Standard	Equivalent Grade
EN (Europe)	1.4919
ASTM/AISI (USA)	316H, UNS S31609
JIS (Japan)	SUS316H
KS (Korea)	STS316H

Its carbon content is controlled within a higher range to boost high-temperature strength, while molybdenum enhances corrosion resistance.

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo
Content (%)	0.04 - 0.10	≤ 0.75	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	16.0 - 18.0	10.0 - 14.0	2.0 - 3.0

It offers good mechanical properties at both ambient and elevated temperatures.

Property	Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	Tensile Strength (Rm)	Elongation (A)	Hardness (HB)
Typical Value	≥ 205 MPa	500 - 750 MPa	≥ 40%	≤ 215

 

Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4919 / 316H

Enhanced High-Temperature Strength: The controlled higher carbon content provides improved creep and stress rupture strength at temperatures above 500°C compared to standard 316 or 316L.

Superior Corrosion Resistance: Retains the excellent corrosion resistance of the 316 family, particularly against chlorides and acids, making it suitable for high-temperature corrosive environments.

Good Oxidation Resistance: Maintains resistance to scaling and oxidation in continuous service up to about 900°C.

 

Primary Applications:

Power Generation: Superheater and reheater tubing, boiler components, and high-temperature headers in fossil and nuclear plants.

Petrochemical & Chemical: High-temperature reactors, reformer tubes, cracking furnace tubing, and process piping in corrosive environments.

Heat Exchangers: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers operating at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Pressure Vessels: Components designed under ASME codes for combined high-temperature and corrosive service.

 

What is the main difference between 316H (1.4919) and 316L (1.4404)?
The key difference is carbon content and intended service. 316H has a controlled carbon range of 0.04–0.10% to ensure high-temperature creep strength, while 316L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03% to prevent sensitization and ensure excellent weldability and intergranular corrosion resistance. 316H is used for high-temperature structural applications, whereas 316L is preferred for welded fabrications operating at lower temperatures or in highly corrosive environments.

 

Why is 316H preferred over 304H in certain high-temperature applications?
316H contains molybdenum (2–3%), which 304H lacks. This molybdenum addition provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments, even at elevated temperatures. Therefore, in high-temperature applications where the process environment contains chlorides, acids, or other corrosive media, 316H offers both the required high-temperature strength and superior corrosion resistance compared to 304H.

 

Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4919 / 316H Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel supplies high-temperature grade 316H (1.4919) stainless steel in tubular, plate, and bar forms, suitable for demanding applications in power, chemical, and petrochemical industries. We provide full material traceability and certification to relevant standards. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.