SA 387 alloy steel plate stands out as a premium solution for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

SA 387 alloy steel plate
Compared with conventional carbon steel like SA 516, SA 387 offers superior heat resistance, creep strength, and long-term reliability, making it the preferred choice in refineries, power plants, and petrochemical industries.
Chemical Composition Of SA 387 vs SA 516
The biggest difference between these two grades lies in alloying elements:
| Element | SA 516 Gr.70 | SA 387 Gr.22 Cl.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.27% | ≤ 0.15% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.85–1.20% | 0.40–0.70% |
| Chromium (Cr) | - | 2.0–2.5% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | - | 0.9–1.1% |
The addition of Chromium (Cr) and Molybdenum (Mo) gives SA 387 excellent oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature strength, which SA 516 cannot provide.
Mechanical Properties of SA 387 vs SA 516
| Property | SA 516 Gr.70 | SA 387 Gr.22 Cl.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 485–620 MPa | 515–690 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 260 MPa | ≥ 310 MPa |
| Creep Resistance | Low | Excellent |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate | Outstanding |
While SA 516 performs well under normal conditions, SA 387 maintains strength and stability under extreme heat, making it far more reliable in critical applications.
Temperature Range Comparison Of SA 387 vs SA 516
| Grade | Working Temperature |
|---|---|
| SA 516 | -50°C to 300°C |
| SA 387 | 400°C to 600°C+ |
SA 387 is specifically engineered for elevated temperature service, where SA 516 would lose strength and durability over time.
Application Differences Of SA 387 vs SA 516
SA 516 Applications
Storage tanks
Low/medium temperature pressure vessels
Boilers
SA 387 Applications (Recommended Choice)
Petrochemical plants
Oil refining units
Heat exchangers
High-temperature pressure vessels
Hydrogen service equipment
In industries where failure is not an option, SA 387 is the safer and more durable material.
Weldability and Fabrication Of SA 387 vs SA 516
| Aspect | SA 516 | SA 387 |
|---|---|---|
| Weldability | Easy | Moderate (requires control) |
| Preheating | Not always required | Required |
| PWHT | Rare | Usually required |
Although SA 387 requires stricter welding procedures, this ensures long-term structural integrity under extreme conditions.
Cost Of SA 387 vs SA 516
SA 516 → Lower cost, suitable for general use
SA 387 → Higher initial cost, but lower maintenance and longer service life
Choosing SA 387 can significantly reduce lifecycle costs in high-temperature environments.]
If your project involves high temperature, high pressure, or corrosive environments, SA 387 alloy steel plate is the superior choice. Its enhanced alloy composition ensures better safety, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance costs, making it ideal for critical industrial applications.
Looking for a reliable supplier of SA 387 alloy steel plates ? Gnee Steel offers high-quality materials, competitive pricing, and global export support-contact us today for a fast quote!
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