Stainless Steel E316H-SA (Solution Annealed weld metal)
Heat-treated state
Used when the whole weldment is solution annealed (e.g. clad/overlay components or repaired castings) to dissolve carbides, remove ferrite banding and restore maximum ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance.
Values for the SA condition
Other E316H tempers and conditions
E316H is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at E316H.
- SA
- SR
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAThis page Solution Annealed weld metal | Used when the whole weldment is solution annealed (e.g. clad/overlay components or repaired castings) to dissolve carbides, remove ferrite banding and restore maximum ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance. | 300 | 550 | 48 | 155 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
Stress relieved | Only where code or a dissimilar ferritic joint forces PWHT — strength rises slightly but carbide precipitation and sigma formation cut toughness and IGC resistance. | 440 | 600 | 30 | 200 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
What is E316H-SA?
E316H-SA is E316H heat treated to SA — used when the whole weldment is solution annealed (e.g. clad/overlay components or repaired castings) to dissolve carbides, remove ferrite banding and restore maximum ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance. E316H-SA has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). E316H-SA has a density of 7.99 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 87% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Advantages
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 48%, better than 85% of stainless steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 74/100, better than 78% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 68/100, better than 75% of stainless steel grades
E316H-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for E316H-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E316H reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E316H-SA has a density of 7.99 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 87% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical14
E316H-SA has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E316H-SA is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 16 W/m·K (9.24 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E316H-SA conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (74/100), better than 78% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E316H-SA takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 62% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
E316H-SA's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability good (68/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E316H-SA
Is E316H easy to machine?
Weld deposit machines like Type 316 — sharp carbide tools, positive rake, heavy feed and flood coolant to beat work hardening; grind flush before NDT.
Can E316H be welded?
SMAW with DCEP (or AC for -16/-17); redry electrodes ~250–300 °C for 1 h, keep interpass below ~150 °C, use stringer beads and target 3–10 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking while limiting sigma in service.
Can E316H be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product — deposited metal is ductile (≈35–40 % elongation) and tolerates weldment straightening, but heavy cold work raises hardness quickly.
What surface finishes work on E316H?
Pickle and passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or blast-and-brush after welding to remove heat tint; do not anodise, and use stainless-only wire brushes to avoid iron contamination.
E316H chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Craised C is what distinguishes E316H from E316/E316L | 0.04 – 0.08 | 0.06 |
| Cr | 17 – 20 | 18.5 |
| Ni | 11 – 14 | 12 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.4 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.6 |
| Si-17 coatings run toward the upper limit | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.15 |
| Fe | balance | — |
E316H-SA — frequently asked
What is E316H-SA used for?
E316H-SA is typically used for high-temperature piping, power plant components and elevated-temperature pressure vessels. In short: creep-rated 316 electrode; service to 800 °C; highest-carbon 316 filler.
What is the yield strength of E316H-SA?
E316H-SA has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 68% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is E316H-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit machines like Type 316 — sharp carbide tools, positive rake, heavy feed and flood coolant to beat work hardening; grind flush before NDT.
Can E316H-SA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). SMAW with DCEP (or AC for -16/-17); redry electrodes ~250–300 °C for 1 h, keep interpass below ~150 °C, use stringer beads and target 3–10 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking while limiting sigma in service.
What surface finishes work on E316H-SA?
Pickle and passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or blast-and-brush after welding to remove heat tint; do not anodise, and use stainless-only wire brushes to avoid iron contamination.
Can E316H-SA be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product — deposited metal is ductile (≈35–40 % elongation) and tolerates weldment straightening, but heavy cold work raises hardness quickly.
What is the maximum service temperature of E316H-SA?
E316H-SA is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M — Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C (SFA-5.4) and Part D (Type 316H properties) — ASME (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (austenitic stainless weld metal) — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Stainless SMAW electrode datasheets (E316H-15/-16/-17 all-weld-metal typicals) — Lincoln Electric / ESAB / Böhler Welding (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.