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ASTM A193 Grade B16 stud bolts are engineered for high-temperature, high-pressure service in petrochemical, refining, power generation, and industrial processing environments. With exceptional strength and elevated-temperature resistance, B16 fasteners are the go-to choice for bolting applications involving superheated steam, high-temperature hydrocarbons, and thermal cycling.

This page serves as a complete resource for material chemistry, mechanical properties, temperature ratings, compatible nut grades, and common applications of B16 stud bolts.

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Key Features of B16 Stud Bolts

High Temperature Rating

ASTM A193 B16 is rated for service temperatures up to 1100°F (593°C), making it ideal for:

  • Steam lines

  • High-temperature flanges

  • Pressure vessels

  • Heat exchangers

  • Furnace and boiler assemblies

Superior Strength

Quenched and tempered microstructure provides:

  • Minimum tensile strength: 125 ksi

  • Minimum yield strength: 105 ksi

  • High hardness without brittleness

  • Strong resistance to relaxation at elevated temps

Optimized Chemistry for High Stress

B16 alloy chemistry includes:

  • Chromium – oxidation resistance

  • Molybdenum – high-temperature strength

  • Vanadium – grain refinement and creep resistance

This combination ensures long-term reliability under cyclic loading and extreme heat.
 

Nut Compatibility: Grade 7 & Grade 7L Replacing Grade 4

When mating B16 stud bolts with heavy hex nuts, ASTM standards require compatible strength and temperature resistance.

Important Update:

Grade 4 nuts are being phased out in the industry and are no longer widely supplied.

Current Recommended Nut Grade for B16:

ASTM A194 Grade 7 and Grade 7L Heavy Hex Nuts

Grade 7 nuts offer:

  • Higher strength than Grade 4

  • Better performance under thermal cycling

  • Reliable service in high-temperature bolting applications

  • Quenched and tempered alloy steel for elevated temperature use

Grade 7 nuts are now the accepted and preferred companion for A193 Grade B16 stud bolts across refineries and power plants.

Manufacturing & Heat Treatment

B16 stud bolts must be:

  • Quenched and tempered

  • Tested for hardness, tensile properties, and microstructure

  • Manufactured from alloy steel that meets exact chemistry ranges

Heat treatment is critical to achieving high-temperature strength and creep resistance.

Mechanical Properties

Alloy Steel, Quenched & TemperedPer ASTM A193/A193M-16
DiameterTempering
Temperature
Tensile
Strength
Yield Strength,
0.2% offset
Elongation
in 4D
Reduction
of Area
Hardness
MinksiMin ksiMin %Min %Max
2 1/2" and under1200F1251051850321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 2 1/2 to 4"1200F110951745321 HBW or 35 HRC
over 4 to 8"1200F100851645321 HBW or 35 HRC

Chemical Properties

Per ASTM A193/A193M-16
GradeMaterialCarbonManganesePhosphorusSulfurSiliconChromiumMolybdenumVanadiumAluminum
% by weight% by weight% by weight% by weight% by weight% by weight% by weight% by weight% by weight
B16Chromium-
Molybdenum-
Vanadium
0.36-0.470.45-0.700.035 max0.040 max0.15-0.350.80-1.150.50-0.650.25-0.350.015 max (1)
  1. 1. Total of soluble and insoluble.

Your Trusted Source for B16 Stud Bolts

STS Industrial supplies a full range of ASTM A193 Grade B16 Stud Bolts, engineered for high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-stress applications. Manufactured from quenched and tempered alloy steel with full material traceability, these stud bolts deliver exceptional strength, reliability, and performance in critical bolted joints. Available in a wide variety of sizes, lengths, and configurations, they meet the demanding requirements of industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and industrial processing. Our technical team is available to assist with product selection to ensure proper specification, nut compatibility—including A194 Grade 7—and full compliance for your application.