A516 vs A387 – What’s the Real Difference?
If you’re choosing steel plates for a pressure vessel, ASTM A516 and ASTM A387 are the most compared materials.
- A516 = Carbon steel plates for moderate temperature service
- A387 = Chrome Moly alloy plates for elevated temperature & corrosion resistance
The right choice depends on temperature, pressure, corrosion, and project specs.
Basic Composition: Carbon vs Alloy Steel
| Grade | Base Type | Alloying Elements |
|---|---|---|
| A516 | Carbon Steel | Manganese |
| A387 | Alloy Steel | Chromium, Molybdenum (Cr-Mo) |
- A516 has better weldability and economy
- A387 has higher resistance to heat and corrosion
Where Are These Grades Used?
- A516: Steam boilers, tanks, heat exchangers
- A387: Oil refineries, thermal power plants, petrochemical reactors
Quick Use Case Reference
| Project | Use A516 If… | Use A387 If… |
|---|---|---|
| Low-to-mid temp boiler | Yes | No |
| High-temp reactor | No | Yes |
| Corrosive oil & gas fluids | Limited | Preferred |
| Budget is tight | Yes | No |
Mechanical Strength Comparison
| Property | A516 Gr 70 | A387 Gr 11 / 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 260–285 MPa | 275–310 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 485–620 MPa | 515–690 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥17% | ≥20% |
| Temp Resistance | Upto 450°C | Upto 600°C+ |
- A387 is superior for elevated temp service
- A516 is more flexible and cost-effective for moderate temperatures
Corrosion Resistance
- A387’s Cr-Mo content helps it resist hydrogen attack, sulfide stress cracking, and oxidation
- A516 is not designed for highly corrosive environments unless coated or clad
Standards and Equivalents
| ASTM Grade | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| A516 Gr 70 | IS 2041, EN 10028 P295GH |
| A387 Gr 11/22 | BS 1501, EN 10028-2 16Mo3, DIN 17155 HII |
Weldability and Fabrication
- A516 = Easier to weld and cut; used in many Indian fabrication shops
- A387 = Requires preheat/post-weld heat treatment due to alloying
Which Plate Should You Choose?
Choose A516 if:
✔ Budget is limited
✔ Temp ≤ 450°C
✔ No aggressive media or hydrogen
Choose A387 if:
✔ Temp ≥ 500°C
✔ Hydrogen or acidic gases present
✔ Long-term elevated temp service is needed
Why Buy from Hindustan Steel Corporation?
- Both grades A516 and A387 ready stock
- In-house cutting, forming, testing, and MTC issuance
- IBR-certified, HIC-tested, and third-party inspected material
- Supplied to NTPC, L&T, ISGEC, HPCL, Thermax
Available Grades & Sizes
| Grade | Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| A516 Gr 60/70 | 6–150 mm | 1250–2500 mm | 6–12 m |
| A387 Gr 11/22 Cl 2 | 6–100 mm | 1500–2500 mm | 6–12 m |
Custom cut-to-size and tested plates available with CE, EN 10204 3.1/3.2, and IBR forms.
Export-Ready Supply
We supply to:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, South Africa
- With heat traceability, CE stamping, NACE, and HIC support
Certifications Provided
- EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 MTC
- IBR Certificate (India)
- CE / PED marking on request
- NABL-tested impact & chemical report
Stock Availability at Hindustan Steel Corporation
- Ready stock of Gr 60 and Gr 70 up to 150 mm thick
- Custom-cut sizes available within 72 hours
- Full export documentation with HS Code 7225.40
FAQs for A516 vs A387
Can A516 be used for elevated temperature?
Only up to ~450°C. For 500°C+, A387 is safer.
Is A387 more expensive than A516?
Yes. Due to alloying with Cr-Mo, A387 is costlier but more durable.
Which one is IBR approved?
Both A516 and A387 are available in IBR-approved versions.
Which one is better for acidic environments?
A387 is preferred due to better resistance to H2S and acidic corrosion.
Call to Action: Hindustan Steel Corporation is a trusted supplier of IBR-approved A516 Gr 70 with all forms, documents, and testing support. Contact us for immediate dispatch.