Yield ≥ 440 MPa at RT Service up to 450 °C No preheat ≤ 30 mm EN 10028-2 / ASTM A335 P36 CVN ≥ 47 J at –20 °C ISO 9001:2015 Certified EN 10204 3.1 MTC Supplied with Every Order
Section 01

Overview: What Is 1.6368 Steel and Why Does It Exist?

1.6368 steel (designation: 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4; trade name: WB36) is a European low-alloy, fine-grained bainitic steel classified under EN 10028-2, specifically engineered for high-pressure, elevated-temperature pressure vessel and piping service in power generation, nuclear power, and petrochemical industries at operating temperatures up to 450 °C.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, European power plant engineers faced a specific unsolved problem: as boiler operating pressures climbed above 18 MPa and feedwater pipeline temperatures pushed toward 400–450 °C, none of the available low-alloy steels — grades such as 15Mo3 or 13CrMo4-5 — delivered an optimal simultaneous combination of high yield strength at temperature, adequate low-temperature toughness, and weldability without mandatory preheat. A new alloy was needed.

The solution was 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4, assigned European material number 1.6368 and known in the German power industry as WB36 (Werkstoff Bainit, originally rated at 36 kgf/mm² minimum yield — now confirmed as ≥ 440 MPa). Its defining innovation was the deliberate addition of copper (0.50–0.80 wt%) and niobium (0.015–0.045 wt%) to a Ni-Mo matrix — a combination that produces copper precipitation hardening and fine-grained bainite through air cooling alone, eliminating the distortion risks of oil quenching in large forged components.

Why 1.6368 is irreplaceable in its temperature class: At 350 °C, 1.6368 delivers ≥ 353 MPa yield strength — approximately 60% more than 15Mo3 (≥ 175 MPa) and 65% more than 13CrMo4-5 (≥ 215 MPa) at the same temperature. No competing low-alloy grade in the 350–450 °C service window combines this elevated-temperature strength with weldability without mandatory preheat on sections up to 30 mm. This triple performance combination is the reason WB36 became the standard material for feedwater piping, boiler drums, and pressure vessel components in German fossil and nuclear power plants from the 1970s through to the present.

According to published nuclear engineering research (Rieth et al., 2001, Nuclear Engineering and Design), 1.6368 / WB36 was selected as piping and vessel material in boiling water reactor (BWR) and pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants in Germany specifically because of its "improved 0.2% yield strength at elevated temperatures" combined with the microstructural advantage that bainite with high bainite content — without any pearlite — results from air cooling after austenitizing. This makes thick-section heat treatment practical, economical, and distortion-free.

Section 02

Designation, Standard Numbers & International Equivalents

1.6368 carries multiple designations across different national standard systems. The complete cross-reference matrix as used in Jiangsu Liangyi's production documentation and customer qualification packages:

1.6368 International Standard Cross-Reference Table
Standard SystemGrade / DesignationProduct FormsNotes
EN (European)1.6368 / 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4All formsPrimary standard reference
EN 10028-2:200315NiCuMoNb5-6-4Flat products, plates, sheetsMost referenced for composition
EN 10216-215NiCuMoNb5-6-4Seamless steel tubes for pressurePipe/tube procurement standard
DIN 17755 (legacy)WB 36 / 15NiCuMoNb5Boiler-grade forgings & tubesGerman nuclear industry origin
ASTM A335Grade P36Seamless ferritic alloy steel pipeUS pipe equivalent
ASTM A213Grade T36Boiler, superheater, heat-exchanger tubesUS tube equivalent
ASME SA-335P36Pressure-certified pipingASME code equivalent
ASME SA-213T36Pressure boiler tubesASME code equivalent
Trade nameWB36All formsLegacy commercial designation only
Always specify the EN or ASTM grade number in procurement documents. "WB36" is a trade/legacy designation, not a live standard — it lacks full traceability on its own.

For forged components specifically, Jiangsu Liangyi manufactures 1.6368 forgings in compliance with EN 10250-1/3 (open steel die forgings for general engineering purposes) and supplies material with EN 10204:2004 Type 3.1 Mill Test Certificates as standard. Type 3.2 (third-party counter-signed) is available on request. TPI by SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV SÜD, or any buyer-nominated inspector is accommodated on request at buyer's cost.

Section 03

Chemical Composition of 1.6368 per EN 10028-2:2003

Chemical composition of 1.6368 (15NiCuMoNb5-6-4) per EN 10028-2:2003 (all values in wt%): C ≤0.17 · Si 0.25–0.50 · Mn 0.80–1.20 · Ni 1.00–1.30 · Mo 0.25–0.50 · Cu 0.50–0.80 · Nb 0.015–0.045 · Al ≤0.015 · N ≤0.020 · P ≤0.025 · S ≤0.010 · Cr ≤0.30.
ElementSymbolMin (wt%)Max (wt%)Primary Metallurgical Function
CarbonC0.17Bainite matrix strength; tightly capped for weldability without mandatory preheat
SiliconSi0.250.50Deoxidation during steelmaking; moderate solid-solution strengthening
ManganeseMn0.801.20Hardenability increase; supports bainite transformation; toughness matrix
PhosphorusP0.025Controlled impurity — limits grain-boundary segregation and temper embrittlement
SulfurS0.010Ultra-low impurity ceiling — prevents MnS bands that nucleate HIC in feedwater
ChromiumCr0.30Residual element only — low cap prevents unwanted carbide networks
MolybdenumMo0.250.50Hardenability; bainite TTT curve suppression; Mo₂C creep resistance at temperature
NickelNi1.001.30Low-temperature CVN toughness; DBTT reduction; austenite field stabilisation
CopperCu0.500.80ε-Cu precipitation hardening (+60–90 MPa); thermally stable to 400 °C
NiobiumNb0.0150.045NbC/NbN grain boundary pinning; ASTM 8–10 grain size; precipitation strengthening
NitrogenN0.020Controlled for Nb effectiveness (N:Nb ratio); limits excess nitride formation
AluminiumAl0.015Deoxidation; combined with Nb for grain size control during normalising
Highlighted rows (Cu, Nb) are the two defining elements that differentiate 1.6368 from standard Ni-Mo boiler steels. Source: EN 10028-2:2003. Jiangsu Liangyi verifies every incoming heat against these limits; full composition is included in the EN 10204 3.1 MTC supplied with every order.
Critical Procurement Warning — Sulfur (S ≤ 0.010 wt%): The sulfur ceiling in 1.6368 is 3.5× tighter than general structural steels (typical S ≤ 0.035 wt%). This reflects the grade's use in pressure-critical applications where MnS inclusion bands initiate hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in feedwater environments. Always verify the S content in the MTC before acceptance — it is the most frequently non-conforming element in substandard material and is not detectable by hardness or visual inspection.
Section 04

The Role of Each Alloying Element: Deep Metallurgical Analysis

Standard datasheets list composition ranges without explaining why each element is present at those specific levels. Understanding the metallurgical rationale is essential for engineers specifying, qualifying, or troubleshooting 1.6368 forgings.

Carbon (C ≤ 0.17 wt%) — The Strength–Weldability Trade-off

Carbon is capped at 0.17 wt% — the practical upper limit where the steel can be welded without mandatory preheat in sections up to 30 mm, avoiding cold cracking in heat-affected zones. Below this ceiling, carbon contributes to bainite lath hardness while keeping the carbon equivalent (CE per IIW formula) below approximately 0.45 for the lower end of the composition range. The required strength is delivered by microstructural mechanisms (Cu precipitation, Nb grain refinement, bainite lath strengthening) rather than carbon content, which is the fundamental innovation of 1.6368 versus earlier boiler steels.

Nickel (Ni: 1.00–1.30 wt%) — Low-Temperature Toughness

Nickel at 1.00–1.30 wt% lowers the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) by approximately 20–25 °C per 1 wt% Ni addition, enabling 1.6368 to pass Charpy CVN ≥ 47 J at –20 °C. This is critical for pipelines in cold-climate power plants and for nuclear safety system components that must function at ambient temperature after long service. Ni also widens the austenite phase field during hot working, suppressing premature ferritic transformation and extending the practical forging temperature window below 950 °C without surface quality penalty.

Copper (Cu: 0.50–0.80 wt%) — The Grade's Defining Innovation

Copper is what makes 1.6368 different from all predecessor Ni-Mo steels. At 0.50–0.80 wt%, copper remains fully dissolved in austenite at normalising temperature (≥ 880 °C) but precipitates as fine ε-Cu particles (body-centred cubic copper clusters, 2–5 nm diameter) during cooling and tempering. This copper precipitation hardening mechanism contributes approximately 60–90 MPa to yield strength without increasing the carbon equivalent or reducing weldability. Critically, Cu precipitates are thermally stable up to approximately 400 °C — unlike conventional carbide precipitation hardening mechanisms (e.g., Mo₂C, V₄C₃) that coarsen rapidly above 450–500 °C. This thermal stability is the direct reason for WB36's superior elevated-temperature yield strength retention compared with 15Mo3 and 13CrMo4-5 at 300–400 °C service temperatures.

Molybdenum (Mo: 0.25–0.50 wt%) — Bainite Promoter & Creep Resistance

Molybdenum serves two independent functions. First, it shifts the pearlite and bainite nose on the TTT (Time-Temperature-Transformation) diagram far enough to the right that air cooling of sections up to 150 mm produces a predominantly bainitic microstructure without oil quenching. Without Mo, sections above approximately 50 mm would transform partially to soft pearlite with inadequate strength. Second, Mo forms fine Mo₂C carbides during tempering at 580–660 °C, which pin dislocations at elevated temperatures and provide measurable creep resistance in components operating continuously above 300 °C.

Niobium (Nb: 0.015–0.045 wt%) — Grain Refinement Champion

Despite its low absolute concentration — the lowest of any intentionally added element in 1.6368 — niobium has the largest per-kilogram impact on the final mechanical properties. Nb dissolves fully in austenite above approximately 1050 °C during normalising and then precipitates as fine NbC and NbN particles as temperature falls through the finish-forging range (950–1020 °C). These 5–20 nm precipitates pin austenite grain boundaries, preventing grain coarsening during the last forging passes and producing the fine austenite grain size (ASTM 8–10) that translates into superior low-temperature CVN toughness after normalising. Without Nb, the Ni-Cu-Mo combination would provide adequate strength but inferior toughness in sections above 50 mm — a critical shortcoming for thick-walled boiler drum forgings.

Section 05

Microstructure: Fine-Grained Bainite

The equilibrium microstructure of 1.6368 after normalising and tempering is fine-grained lower bainite — a feathery arrangement of ferrite laths with dispersed cementite particles formed during austenite transformation at 350–550 °C, with an austenite grain size of ASTM 8–10. This microstructure is self-tempering and achieves final properties through N+T treatment without distortion risks.

The combined effect of Ni and Mo suppresses the bainite nose on the TTT diagram far enough to the right that air cooling of forgings up to 150 mm section diameter produces > 90% bainite microstructure. For sections between 150–400 mm, accelerated cooling (forced air or water mist) is applied after normalising to maintain sufficient cooling rate through the bainite transformation range. For sections exceeding 400 mm, core hardenability calculations must be performed against the specific heat chemistry before committing to N+T treatment.

Non-Conformance Indicator — Pearlite in 1.6368 Forgings: The presence of significant pearlite (visible as lamellar Fe₃C-ferrite structure at ×200–500 magnification in metallographic sections) is a non-conformance indicator for 1.6368. It signals either: (a) insufficient cooling rate after normalising — inadequate for the section size; or (b) section size exceeding the hardenability depth of the specific heat chemistry. A forging containing significant pearlite will fail CVN impact testing at –20 °C even if it passes tensile and hardness requirements. Corrective action: full re-normalise from fresh austenitising temperature, then re-temper. Do not attempt to salvage by re-tempering alone.
Section 06

Mechanical Properties of 1.6368 Steel at Room Temperature

All mechanical properties below apply to the Normalised + Tempered (N+T) delivery condition. Engineers sourcing material can review available product forms — forged bars, seamless rings, discs, and heavy-section blanks — on our 1.6368 forged parts catalogue, where dimensional ranges and lead times are listed for each form.

≥440
MPa Yield (Rp0.2)
610–760
MPa Tensile (Rm)
≥19%
Elongation (A5)
≥50%
Reduction Area (Z)
≥47 J
CVN at –20 °C
180–250
HB Hardness (N+T)
ASTM 8–10
Grain Size (Normalised)
7.84
g/cm³ Density
PropertySymbolUnitValue / RangeTest Standard
0.2% Proof StressRp0.2MPa≥ 440EN ISO 6892-1
Tensile StrengthRmMPa610 – 760EN ISO 6892-1
Elongation at fractureA5%≥ 19EN ISO 6892-1
Reduction of AreaZ%≥ 50EN ISO 6892-1
Charpy CVN Impact at –20 °CKVJ≥ 47 (average of 3); ≥ 34 (individual)EN ISO 148-1
Hardness (Brinell)HBHBW180 – 250EN ISO 6506-1
Elastic Modulus at RTEGPa~210EN 13445 / Literature
Elastic Modulus at 400 °CEGPa~190EN 13445 / Literature
Densityρg/cm³7.84Calculated
Specific Heat Capacity at RTcpJ/(kg·K)~480Literature
Thermal Conductivity at RTλW/(m·K)~42Literature
Mean CTE (20–400 °C)α10⁻⁶/K~12.5Literature
Values are reference minimums per EN 10028-2 for N+T (Normalised + Tempered) delivery condition. Jiangsu Liangyi's production values typically exceed minimums by 5–15% on yield strength and 15–30% on CVN impact. Certified test results are included in the EN 10204 3.1 MTC supplied with every forging order.
Section 07

Elevated-Temperature Mechanical Properties of 1.6368 Steel

The principal engineering reason for selecting 1.6368 over competing grades is its superior yield strength retention at service temperatures. The table below documents the temperature-dependent mechanical behaviour of 1.6368, referenced against published nuclear engineering data (Rieth et al., 2001) and EN standard minimums:

Temperature (°C)Rp0.2 Min. (MPa)Rm Range (MPa)Engineering Significance
20 (RT)≥ 440610 – 760Base reference — all property minimums apply
100≥ 420~590 – 740Minor softening; Cu precipitates fully stable
200≥ 395~560 – 710Dynamic strain aging may produce slight hardening peak
300≥ 375~535 – 685Cu ε-phase precipitates fully stable; Mo₂C creep resistance active
350≥ 353~520 – 660Typical BWR/PWR nuclear plant operating window
400≥ 330~500 – 640Fossil plant continuous operation maximum (typical)
450≥ 295~470 – 610Upper service limit; creep becomes design-controlling; Cu over-aging onset
500Not specifiedAbove recommended service temperature; Cu coarsening degrades strength
Note: Above 450 °C, Cu precipitate coarsening (over-aging) progressively reduces the copper precipitation hardening contribution. 1.6368 is NOT recommended for continuous service above 450 °C. For 450–560 °C service, use 13CrMo4-5 (1.7335). For above 560 °C, use P91 (X10CrMoVNb9-1).
Practical Design Advantage: Comparing yield strength at 350 °C — the typical nuclear BWR/PWR operating temperature — 1.6368 provides ≥ 353 MPa versus 15Mo3's ≥ 175 MPa and 13CrMo4-5's ≥ 215 MPa. This 60–100% advantage in elevated-temperature yield strength allows design engineers to specify thinner walls in boiler drums and pressure vessel shells, directly reducing total material cost per unit of pressure containment capacity.
Section 08

Forging Characteristics & Process Requirements for 1.6368 Steel

1.6368 is a well-behaved forging steel with a working temperature range of 900 °C to 1200 °C, a recommended minimum forging ratio of 4:1 (6:1–8:1 for nuclear/pressure-boundary components), and a requirement for controlled post-forging cooling to ensure a predominantly bainitic microstructure throughout the cross-section.

Forging Temperature Parameters

StageTemperature RangeMetallurgical Purpose
Ingot heating / soaking1180 – 1220 °CFull austenitisation; NbC/NbN dissolution above Nb solvus (~1050 °C); homogenise Cu in solid solution; eliminate ingot segregation segregation bands
Initial breakdown (cogging / upsetting)1100 – 1180 °CDestroy as-cast dendritic structure; close solidification porosity; achieve billet-grade internal soundness; first forging ratio increment
Intermediate forging passes1000 – 1100 °CProgressive shape development; controlled partial Nb reprecipitation begins; austenite grain boundaries remain pinned
Finishing passes950 – 1020 °CMaximum Nb grain boundary pinning effectiveness; final grain size established; this is the most critical temperature window for achieving fine ASTM 8–10 grain size
Minimum forging stop temperature≥ 900 °CBelow 900 °C, Ar₃ is approached; proeutectoid ferrite forms at austenite grain boundaries; surface cracking risk; non-uniform microstructure
All temperatures measured by calibrated contact pyrometer at forging surface. Sections > 300 mm diameter: furnace soak at soaking temperature ≥ 1 hr per 100 mm cross-section before forging commences to ensure temperature homogeneity through the section.

Recommended Forging Ratio

A minimum forging ratio of 4:1 (total reduction from ingot to finished forging cross-section) is required for standard industrial-grade 1.6368 forgings. This ensures complete breakdown of ingot segregation banding and achieves homogeneous microstructure through the full cross-section. For ultrasonic-critical components — boiler drum shells, nuclear pressure boundary nozzle forgings, valve bodies for high-integrity service — Jiangsu Liangyi targets a forging ratio of 6:1 to 8:1, which produces the maximum UT cleanliness and minimum segregation depth achievable from ingot route material.

Step-by-Step Production Process at Jiangsu Liangyi

1

Raw Material Inspection

PMI (positive material identification), chemical composition verification against EN 10028-2 limits, radioactivity test, visual and dimensional surface inspection of incoming ingots or billets. Heat number and chemical composition confirm traceability before any processing begins.

2

Ingot Heating & Soaking

Charge to furnace at ≤ 600 °C (to avoid thermal shock cracking in large-section ingots), controlled ramp to 1180–1220 °C at ≤ 80 °C/hr for sections > 500 mm, soak for ≥ 1 hr per 100 mm of cross-section. Ensures full NbC/NbN dissolution above the Nb solvus and homogeneous Cu in solid solution.

3

Initial Breakdown (Cogging / Upsetting)

First forging passes at 1100–1180 °C on hydraulic press (2,000T – 6,300T capacity). Cumulative forging ratio tracked against target on each heat. Objective: destroy dendritic cast structure, close solidification shrinkage porosity, and establish billet-grade internal soundness.

4

Intermediate & Finishing Passes

Progressive shape development at 950–1100 °C. Reheating cycles as required to maintain metal temperature above 950 °C. Finishing passes in the 950–1020 °C range are critical: this is where Nb pinning of austenite grain growth is most effective and where final grain size is established. For rings: seamless ring rolling on our 1-meter and 5-meter ring mills.

5

Post-Forging Cooling

Sections ≤ 150 mm: controlled air cooling in still air — Ni + Mo combination ensures predominantly bainitic transformation without oil quench. Sections 150–400 mm: forced-air or water-mist cooling to maintain cooling rate above 2 °C/min through the 550–350 °C bainite transformation range and prevent core pearlite formation.

6

Normalising + Tempering (N+T)

Final heat treatment cycle per Jiangsu Liangyi's qualified procedure (see Section 09 below). Computer-controlled furnaces maintain ±5 °C temperature uniformity. Full furnace chart record forms part of the MTC documentation package.

7

Inspection, Testing & Certification

100% volumetric UT per EN 10228-3 (or ASTM A388, ASTM A745 on request); surface inspection by MT (EN ISO 10228-1) or PT (EN ISO 10228-2); dimensional inspection to drawing; mechanical testing (tensile, CVN impact, hardness) from test prolongations; chemical composition verification; hardness traverse; EN 10204 3.1 MTC compilation and sign-off.

Section 09

Heat Treatment of 1.6368 Forgings

Standard delivery condition for 1.6368 forgings is Normalised + Tempered (N+T): normalise at 880–940 °C, then temper at 580–660 °C. This is the only condition in which EN 10028-2 property minimums apply. Critical constraint: never temper in the 450–560 °C range — copper precipitate grain-boundary embrittlement reduces CVN impact energy by 25–40%.
StageTemperatureAtmosphereSoak TimeCooling
Normalising (austenitising)880 – 940 °CAir atmosphere furnace≥ 1 hr / 25 mm section (min. 2 hr)Air cool for sections ≤ 150 mm; forced-air or water mist for heavy sections
Tempering580 – 660 °CAir atmosphere furnace≥ 1.5 hr / 25 mm section (min. 3 hr)Furnace cool at ≤ 50 °C/hr to ≤ 300 °C, then air cool to ambient
Stress Relief (post-weld, optional)550 – 600 °CAir atmosphere furnace≥ 1 hr / 25 mm weld section thicknessFurnace cool at ≤ 30 °C/hr to ≤ 300 °C, then air cool
Jiangsu Liangyi's 10 computer-controlled continuous furnaces maintain ±5 °C temperature uniformity throughout every tempering cycle, verified by calibrated thermocouples at multiple section positions. Full furnace time-temperature charts are supplied as part of the MTC package.
⚠ Critical Warning: The 450–560 °C Tempering Forbidden Zone

Do NOT temper 1.6368 steel at temperatures between 450–560 °C under any circumstances. At these temperatures, fine Cu precipitates migrate to and coarsen preferentially at austenite grain boundaries rather than remaining uniformly distributed within the bainite laths. This grain-boundary copper embrittlement phenomenon reduces CVN impact energy by 25–40% at –20 °C and can cause forgings to fail Charpy impact tests even when hardness and tensile properties appear within specification — because hardness and tensile strength are insensitive to this microstructural change.

If a 1.6368 forging has been inadvertently tempered in this temperature range: do NOT re-temper at the correct temperature and assume the problem is corrected. The grain-boundary embrittlement is not reversible by re-tempering alone. The correct corrective action is: full re-normalise from fresh austenitising temperature (880–940 °C), then re-temper at 580–660 °C to re-dissolve and re-precipitate the copper in its correct intragranular morphology.

For engineers specifying N+T certified components — boiler drum forgings, pressure vessel tube sheets, valve bodies, and flanged nozzles — all product forms available from Jiangsu Liangyi in 1.6368 are listed with dimensions and lead times on our 1.6368 forged pressure vessel components and valve body page. Every shipment is supplied in the correct N+T condition with full furnace time-temperature records included in the MTC.

Section 10

Weldability of 1.6368 Steel

1.6368 has good weldability without mandatory preheat for sections ≤ 30 mm when the carbon equivalent CE (IIW formula) of the specific heat is ≤ 0.45. The CE of 1.6368 typically ranges from 0.43–0.52, depending on the specific heat chemistry within the EN 10028-2 composition range.
Section ThicknessPreheat RequirementPost-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)Note
≤ 25 mmNone (if CE ≤ 0.45)Optional stress relief at 550–600 °CVerify CE of specific heat MTC before waiving preheat
25 – 60 mm75 – 100 °C recommendedStress relief at 550–600 °C recommendedPreheat is precautionary; CE 0.45–0.48 zone
> 60 mm100 – 150 °C requiredPWHT at 580–620 °C mandatoryHAZ hydrogen cracking risk in high-constraint joints
CRITICAL: Maximum PWHT temperature = 640 °C. Above this limit, incipient Cu over-aging in the HAZ reduces local yield strength below design minimums. Always verify base metal CE from the MTC before setting preheat. CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15 (IIW formula).

The carbon equivalent advantage of 1.6368 over alternative high-strength grades is significant: P91 (X10CrMoVNb9-1), which offers higher elevated-temperature strength, requires mandatory preheat of 200–250 °C on all weld joints regardless of section thickness and mandatory PWHT after all welding. The additional fabrication cost and schedule impact of P91 welding requirements is a significant factor in selecting 1.6368 for service temperatures up to 450 °C, where WB36 provides adequate performance without these constraints.

Section 11

Industrial Applications of 1.6368 Forged Parts

The combination of high yield strength at service temperature, adequate low-temperature CVN toughness, good weldability, and long-term microstructural stability targets a defined set of industries where no cheaper grade provides equivalent performance. 1.6368 is not a commodity-substitute material — it is an application-specific grade selected where its triple performance advantage justifies a modest cost premium over simpler boiler steels.

Fossil Power Generation

Boiler drums, high-pressure feedwater heater shells and tube sheets, main steam valve bodies, collector rings, and flange forgings for feedwater pipelines at up to 450 °C and 22 MPa design pressure.

Nuclear Power (BWR / PWR)

Primary circuit piping components, evaporator nozzle forgings, reactor pressure vessel nozzle forgings, and Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) line components. Widely used in German KKW-era nuclear plants per SIEMENS/KWU qualification data from the 1970s–1990s.

Pressure Vessel Fabrication

Thick-walled pressure vessel shells per EN 13445, forged flanged nozzles, manway covers and manway flanges, vessel heads (domed, hemispherical), and tube sheet forgings for high-pressure shell-and-tube heat exchangers.

Petrochemical & Chemical Processing

Reactor vessel bodies, high-pressure separator drums, hydrocracker and hydrotreater pressure components, fired heater coil supports, and regenerator vessels operating in the 250–400 °C temperature range.

Steam System Valve Bodies

Gate valve bodies, globe valve bodies, check valve disc forgings, and valve bonnet forgings for main steam isolation valves, feedwater control valves, drain valves, and bypass service valves in fossil and nuclear power plants.

Water Treatment & Desalination

High-pressure pump casings, impeller rings, and pressure vessel components for seawater desalination multi-effect distillation (MED) and multi-stage flash (MSF) plants where both mechanical strength and mild corrosion resistance to brackish water are required.

Jiangsu Liangyi's 1.6368 Forged Parts Product Range: We manufacture 1.6368 forged components in the following forms: open-die forged round bars (Ø80–1,200 mm), step shafts and multi-diameter shafts, forged flat bars and slabs, seamless rolled rings (OD 200–4,000 mm, wall 30–500 mm), tube sheets (up to 2,500 mm diameter), forged valve bodies and bonnets, flange forgings, nozzle forgings, and hollow forged cylinders. Weight range: 30 kg to 30,000 kg. MOQ: 1 piece. Lead time: 3–5 weeks (standard N+T); 6–8 weeks (with CNC rough machining). Free 24-hour quotation. View the full range of available shapes, sizes, and dimensions on our 1.6368 forging parts product page, or contact us directly for a custom quotation.
Section 12

1.6368 vs Alternative Grades: Engineering Selection Guide

The table below compares 1.6368 against the four most commonly considered alternative grades for elevated-temperature pressure vessel and piping service. Values are reference minimums from respective EN standards.

GradeYield at RT (MPa)Yield at 350 °C (MPa)CVN at –20 °CWeldabilityMax. Service Temp.Key Trade-off
1.6368 (WB36)≥ 440≥ 353≥ 47 JGood — no preheat ≤ 30mm450 °CBest 350–450 °C combination
1.5415 (15Mo3)≥ 265≥ 175≥ 27 JVery good — lower CE500 °CSimpler but 60% lower yield at temp
1.7335 (13CrMo4-5)≥ 295≥ 215≥ 27 JGood — preheat required560 °CHigher temp range; lower strength
1.7380 (10CrMo9-10)≥ 280≥ 215≥ 40 JModerate — preheat required; PWHT rec.580 °CHigher temp range; complex welding
P91 (X10CrMoVNb9-1)≥ 450≥ 390≥ 40 JComplex — mandatory preheat 200–250 °C; PWHT required always620 °CBest >500 °C; high fabrication cost
Grade selection guide: Use 1.6368 when service temperature is 350–450 °C and maximising yield strength combined with easiest weldability is the priority. Use P91 when temperature exceeds 450 °C. Use 13CrMo4-5 when temperature is 400–560 °C and cost is the primary constraint. Contact Jiangsu Liangyi for material selection support specific to your project.

The table makes the selection rationale clear: no other grade in the 350–450 °C service window simultaneously delivers ≥ 440 MPa yield strength and weldability without mandatory preheat on sections ≤ 30 mm. At 350 °C, 1.6368 provides 101% more yield strength than 15Mo3 and 64% more than 13CrMo4-5 — advantages that directly translate into reduced wall thickness, reduced vessel weight, and reduced installation cost in large boiler and pressure vessel fabrication projects.

Section 13

Frequently Asked Questions about 1.6368 Steel

What is 1.6368 steel, and what is it also called?
1.6368 is the EN material number for 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4, a European low-alloy nickel-copper-molybdenum-niobium steel. Commercially it is known as WB36 (from the German legacy designation "Werkstoff Bainit"). The ASTM equivalents are ASTM A335 Grade P36 (for seamless pipe) and ASTM A213 Grade T36 (for boiler and heat-exchanger tubes). The ASME code equivalent for forgings is SA-336 Class F36. "WB36" is a trade designation only — always use the EN or ASTM grade number in procurement documents for full material traceability.
What is the full chemical composition of 1.6368 steel?
Per EN 10028-2:2003, the chemical composition of 1.6368 (15NiCuMoNb5-6-4) in wt% is: Carbon (C) ≤ 0.17, Silicon (Si) 0.25–0.50, Manganese (Mn) 0.80–1.20, Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.025, Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.010, Chromium (Cr) ≤ 0.30, Molybdenum (Mo) 0.25–0.50, Nickel (Ni) 1.00–1.30, Copper (Cu) 0.50–0.80, Niobium (Nb) 0.015–0.045, Nitrogen (N) ≤ 0.020, Aluminium (Al) ≤ 0.015. The defining elements are copper (Cu) and niobium (Nb), which together produce copper precipitation hardening (+60–90 MPa yield strength) and fine-grained bainite (ASTM grain size 8–10).
Is 1.6368 a stainless steel?
No. 1.6368 is a low-alloy carbon steel with a maximum chromium content of only 0.30 wt% — far below the 10.5 wt% minimum chromium required for stainless steel classification per EN 10020. It is susceptible to atmospheric corrosion and requires painting, coating, galvanizing, or cathodic protection in exposed environments. 1.6368 is specifically designed for high-pressure, high-temperature internal service in boilers, pressure vessels, and pipelines where the fluid is typically water, steam, or process gas — not for external corrosion resistance.
What is the maximum service temperature for 1.6368 / WB36?
The maximum recommended continuous service temperature for 1.6368 (WB36) steel is 450 °C. Above 450 °C, the copper precipitates (ε-Cu phase) that provide approximately 60–90 MPa of the grade's elevated-temperature yield strength begin to coarsen (a process called over-aging), progressively reducing the copper precipitation hardening contribution and lowering yield strength below design allowables. For service temperatures between 450–560 °C, 13CrMo4-5 (1.7335) is the standard alternative. For temperatures above 560 °C, P91 (X10CrMoVNb9-1) or P92 is required.
What is the correct heat treatment for 1.6368 forgings?
1.6368 forgings are supplied in Normalised + Tempered (N+T) condition: (1) Normalise at 880–940 °C, soak for ≥ 1 hour per 25 mm section thickness (minimum 2 hours), cool in still air for sections ≤ 150 mm or forced-air/water-mist for heavy sections; (2) Temper at 580–660 °C, soak for ≥ 1.5 hours per 25 mm section thickness (minimum 3 hours), furnace cool to ≤ 300 °C then air cool. Critical warning: never temper at 450–560 °C — copper precipitate grain-boundary embrittlement in this temperature range reduces CVN impact energy by 25–40% and causes impact test failure even when hardness is within specification. The corrective action for parts tempered in this range is full re-normalisation followed by re-tempering at the correct temperature.
What minimum forging ratio is required for 1.6368 steel?
A minimum forging ratio of 4:1 (total cross-sectional area reduction from ingot to finished forging) is required for standard industrial-grade 1.6368 forgings. This ensures complete breakdown of as-cast ingot segregation and homogeneous microstructure through the full cross-section. For pressure-boundary-critical components — boiler drum shells, nuclear vessel nozzles, valve bodies requiring Zone I UT acceptance per EN 10228-3 or ASTM A388 — a forging ratio of 6:1 to 8:1 is recommended to ensure maximum UT cleanliness and minimum depth of segregation bands detectable by ultrasonic inspection.
What inspection certificates are provided with 1.6368 forgings from Jiangsu Liangyi?
All 1.6368 forged parts from Jiangsu Liangyi are supplied with EN 10204:2004 Type 3.1 Mill Test Certificates as standard. The MTC covers: chemical composition by heat (spectrographic analysis), mechanical test results (tensile, Charpy CVN impact, hardness) from test prolongations cut from each production lot, heat treatment time-temperature records, dimensional inspection report, and UT results. Type 3.2 (third-party inspector counter-signed) is available on request at buyer's cost. Third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV SÜD, Intertek, Lloyd's Register, or any buyer-nominated inspector is routinely accommodated with advance scheduling.
What is the difference between 1.6368 and P91 steel?
1.6368 (WB36) and P91 (X10CrMoVNb9-1) are both used for high-temperature pressure service but serve different temperature ranges. 1.6368 is a low-alloy copper-bearing bainitic steel for service up to 450 °C, with no mandatory preheat ≤ 30mm, and delivers ≥ 440 MPa yield at RT. P91 is a 9Cr-1Mo-V-Nb martensitic/ferritic steel for service up to 620 °C with significantly higher elevated-temperature strength (≥ 390 MPa at 350 °C vs ≥ 353 MPa for 1.6368), but requires mandatory preheat of 200–250 °C on all weld joints and mandatory PWHT after welding, adding significant fabrication time and cost. For service at 350–450 °C, 1.6368 is typically selected over P91 because it provides adequate performance at lower total installed cost.
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