Min. carbon content of 316H

[sks4338]

I have a 316H specification whose note is "The carbon content is 0.04 percent min".

Why do you need at least 0.04% Carbon, while carbon is considered "not good for weldability" ?

 

[kenvlach]

ASTM has established high-temperature 'H' variations of some AISI stainless steels for use at High temperature. Gives creep resistance, etc.

 

[moltenmetal]

As mentioned by kenvlach, the H grade material has the carbon there for good reasons.

The carbon content doesn't affect the ease with which the material will be welded. Rather it affects the tendency of chromium carbide formation in the HAZ during welding, which reduces aqueous corrosion resistance. Generally you're not using 316H in aqueous services, but if you are you can normalize the parts after welding to redistribute the carbon.