Stainless Steel 316L vs 316Ti Chemical Composition

Stainless Steel 316L vs 316Ti Chemical Composition

Published: November 10, 2025 | Updated: November 10, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the critical domain of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, the chemical composition of 316L and 316Ti defines their distinct performance in corrosion resistance, weldability, and high-temperature stability.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of both 316L and 316Ti stainless steel, meeting ASTM A240/A240M specs for plates and sheets, to industries like petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and marine.

If you're comparing 316L (low-carbon) and 316Ti (titanium-stabilized) for a welded pressure vessel or high-temp reactor under ASME SA240/SA240M, understanding their chemical differences is essential. This article explores the chemical composition of 316L vs 316Ti, their impacts on properties, and practical insights, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the contrast: In a 2024 U.S. chemical plant, our 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted IGC at 600°C due to titanium binding, while 316L excelled in ambient welding with ultra-low carbon, as per client corrosion tests. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, both have density 8.00 g/cm³ but differ in stabilization. Let's delve into the chemical composition comparison, from elements to performance, to guide your material selection.

Summary

316L and 316Ti stainless steel under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M share core elements (Cr 16-18%, Mo 2-3%, Ni 10-14%), but 316L features ultra-low carbon (0.03% max) for weld sensitization resistance at ambient temperatures, while 316Ti includes titanium (0.70% max) to bind carbon and prevent IGC at high temps (425-815°C). Both offer PREN 23-28, but 316Ti's Ti stabilization provides superior high-temp durability. Density 8.00 g/cm³ identical. Choose 316L for ambient welding, 316Ti for heat-corrosives. Gangsteel stocks both with certs.

Chemical Composition: The Core Difference

The chemical composition of 316L and 316Ti, as specified in ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, reveals their distinct stabilization strategies.

316L's ultra-low C (0.03% max) minimizes carbide formation in welds at ambient, while 316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) binds carbon even at higher levels, preventing sensitization in heat.

Gangsteel's melts optimize C/Ti for both grades.

Mechanical Properties: Similar but with Heat Edge for 316Ti

Both grades have comparable room-temp properties, but 316Ti retains better at high temps.

316Ti's Ti prevents property loss from carbides at 425-815°C.

For SA240 Type 316Ti, heat advantage clear.

Physical Properties: Identical Foundations

Both grades share physical properties.

Similarity makes substitution easy.

Corrosion Resistance: 316Ti's High-Temp Edge

Both have excellent resistance (PREN 23-28), but 316Ti's Ti prevents IGC at sensitizing temps.

• Pitting/Crevice: Identical; CPT ~25°C.
• IGC: 316Ti superior with Ti; 316L good at ambient but risks in heat.
• SCC: Both good; 316Ti better post-heat.
• Uniform: <0.1 mm/year in dilute acids; similar.
• High-Temp: 316Ti better for IGC; both for oxidation.

316Ti more reliable for welded high-heat.

Weldability and Fabrication: 316L's Ambient Edge

Both weld well; 316L's low C protects at ambient, 316Ti's Ti at heat. Machinability ~60% for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti offers heat weld edge.

Applications: Overlapping but Temp-Specific

• Common: Chemical piping (both durable).
• 316Ti Specific: High-temp reactors (IGC resistance).
• 316L Specific: Ambient welded tanks (low C).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. pharma, 316Ti excelled in heated corrosives.

Cost Comparison: Similar with Availability Factor

In 2025, both ~$3,200-3,800/ton FOB China; 316Ti slightly higher for Ti.

Equivalents: Alternatives for Both

316Ti equivalents: EN 1.4571. 316L equivalents: EN 1.4404. For A240 GR 316Ti, not interchangeable with 316L in heat.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316L and 316Ti at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs. Contact for comparisons.

FAQ: 316L vs 316Ti Chemical Composition Questions Answered

Q: What is the main chemical difference between 316L and 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The primary difference is carbon control and stabilization: 316L has ultra-low carbon (0.03% max) to prevent sensitization in welds at ambient temperatures, while 316Ti allows higher carbon (0.08% max) but adds titanium (0.70% max) to bind carbon and prevent carbide precipitation at high temperatures (425-815°C).

Q: How does the carbon content affect 316L vs 316Ti?

A: In 316L, carbon is limited to 0.03% max to minimize chromium carbide formation in the heat-affected zone during welding, ensuring excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion without additional treatment. In 316Ti, carbon can be up to 0.08% because titanium (at least 5 times C+N) preferentially forms TiC, leaving chromium free for passivation even in high-heat conditions.

Q: Why does 316Ti include titanium in its chemical composition?

A: Titanium is added to 316Ti (minimum 5x the carbon plus nitrogen content, up to 0.70%) to form stable titanium carbides and nitrides, preventing the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries during exposure to sensitizing temperatures (425-815°C), thus maintaining corrosion resistance in welded structures subjected to heat.

Q: How do molybdenum and nickel levels compare in 316L and 316Ti?

A: Both 316L and 316Ti have identical molybdenum (2.00-3.00%) for pitting resistance and nickel (10.00-14.00%) for austenite stability and general corrosion resistance, ensuring equivalent PREN values of 23-28 and similar performance in chloride environments at ambient temperatures.

Q: What is the role of nitrogen in 316L vs 316Ti chemical composition?

A: Nitrogen is limited to 0.10% max in both grades to enhance strength and pitting resistance without destabilizing the austenitic structure. In 316Ti, nitrogen is also considered in the titanium stabilization ratio (5x(C+N)) to ensure complete binding and prevent nitride-related issues.

Q: How does the chemical composition affect weldability of 316L vs 316Ti?

A: 316L's ultra-low carbon provides excellent weldability without post-weld heat treatment for ambient applications, minimizing sensitization risk. 316Ti, with titanium stabilization, offers comparable weldability but excels in high-temperature service, eliminating the need for solution annealing even after welding in sensitizing conditions.

Q: Are there any other chemical differences between 316L and 316Ti?

A: No significant differences beyond carbon and titanium; all other elements (Cr, Mo, Ni, Mn, Si, P, S, N, Fe) have identical or overlapping ranges per ASTM A240/A240M, ensuring both grades maintain the same base corrosion resistance profile while differing only in stabilization method.