A387 vs A516 Steel Plate: Which One Should You Choose for Pressure Vessels?

Introduction

When selecting materials for pressure vessels, boilers, and heat-resistant equipment, A387 vs A516 steel plate is one of the most critical comparisons in industrial procurement.

Both materials are widely used, but they are designed for very different operating conditions. Understanding the difference between A387 and A516 steel helps buyers make the right decision based on temperature, cost, and long-term performance.

A387 vs A516: Quick Comparison

Property	A387 Steel Plate	A516 Steel Plate
Steel Type	Alloy Steel (Cr-Mo)	Carbon Steel
Typical Grades	Gr 11, Gr 22, Gr91	Gr 60, 65, 70
Main Application	High-temperature pressure vessels	Moderate temperature pressure vessels
Temperature Resistance	Up to 600°C+	Typically below 400°C
Weldability	Controlled welding required	Excellent
Cost Level	Higher	Lower

In simple terms:

• A516 = cost-first, standard temperature applications
• A387 = high-temperature service, long-term reliability

👉 This is the fastest way to understand the A387 vs A516 difference in real projects.

A387 vs A516: Application-Based Selection

1. When to Choose A516 Steel Plate

A516 steel plate is the preferred option when:

• Operating temperature is below 400°C
• Budget is a key concern
• Fabrication needs to be simple

Typical applications include:

• Storage tanks
• Oil & gas vessels
• Water treatment systems

For most standard pressure vessel projects, ASTM A516 steel plate provides a reliable and economical solution (see available specifications and supply options here).

2. When to Choose A387 Steel Plate

A387 steel plate is designed for elevated temperature service.

It should be selected when:

• Operating temperature exceeds 400°C
• Equipment is exposed to continuous heat
• Long-term strength and creep resistance are required

Typical applications include:

• Boilers
• Heat exchangers
• Refinery units
• Power plant systems

According to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC), A387 is suitable for high-temperature pressure vessel applications where carbon steel is no longer sufficient (explore available A387 steel grades and supply conditions).

Temperature Performance Comparison

The key difference in A387 vs A516 steel plate lies in high-temperature behavior.

• A516 steel plate loses strength as temperature increases
• A387 steel plate maintains stability due to chromium and molybdenum

According to ASME Section II Part D, the allowable stress of A387 at elevated temperatures is significantly higher than that of A516.

If your project involves:

• thermal cycling
• continuous heat exposure
• pressure + temperature combination

👉 A387 is the safer long-term choice

A387 vs A516 Cost Comparison

1. A516 Cost Advantage

• Lower alloy content
• Easier production
• Widely available

👉 A516 steel plate price is significantly lower, making it ideal for cost-sensitive projects.

2. A387 Cost Consideration

• Contains Cr and Mo
• Requires more controlled production

👉 Higher upfront cost, but:

Lower long-term risk and maintenance cost

Weldability and Fabrication

1. A516 Steel Plate

• Excellent weldability
• No complex preheating required
• Suitable for general fabrication

2. A387 Steel Plate

• Requires:
  • Preheating
  • Controlled welding procedures
  • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)

👉 Fabrication cost and complexity are higher than A516.

A387 vs A516 Availability and Delivery

1. A516 Steel Plate

• Widely available in stock
• Shorter delivery time
• Suitable for urgent projects

2. A387 Steel Plate

• Often produced on order
• Longer lead time, especially for thick plates

Practical Supply Advantage

For urgent projects → A516 is easier to source
For high-temperature projects → A387 requires early planning

We supply both A387 and A516 steel plates with:

• Flexible thickness range
• Third-party inspection support
• Export-ready packaging

👉 Consolidated sourcing helps reduce logistics cost and delivery risk.

Common Mistakes in Material Selection

1. When You Should NOT Choose A387

• Temperature below 300°C
• Tight budget
• No long-term heat exposure

👉 In this case, A387 is over-engineering and unnecessary cost

2. When You Should NOT Choose A516

• Temperature exceeds 400°C
• Continuous high-temperature operation
• High reliability required

👉 In these conditions, A516 may lead to performance loss and higher long-term risk

Final Recommendation

There is no universally “better” option in A387 vs A516 steel plate — only the right fit for your project.

• ASTM A516 steel plate → cost-effective, moderate temperature
• ASTM A387 steel plate → high temperature, critical applications

👉 The most reliable decision rule:
Select based on temperature + lifecycle cost, not just initial price

For more material selection guidance in industrial applications, you can also explore our pressure vessel steel solutions.

Need Support for Your Project?

Need help selecting between A387 and A516?

Send us your:

• Temperature
• Pressure
• Thickness
• Quantity

👉 We’ll recommend the right grade with pricing and delivery details tailored to your project.