Stainless Steel 316L vs 316Ti Difference Explained

Stainless Steel 316L vs 316Ti Difference Explained

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

In the competitive landscape of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, distinguishing between 316L and 316Ti is essential for applications where corrosion resistance and temperature stability are paramount.

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 such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and marine.

If you're debating 316L (low-carbon) vs 316Ti (titanium-stabilized) for a welded structure or high-temp component under ASME SA240/SA240M where differences in sensitization and durability matter, this explanation provides clear insights. We'll break down their variances in composition, properties, and performance, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the difference: In a 2024 Australian desalination project, our 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted IGC at 60°C heat post-weld, while 316L showed minor sensitization risks in similar conditions, as per client corrosion tests. Both compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, with density 8.00 g/cm³, their stabilization methods guide selection. Let's explore the explained differences, from composition to applications, to help you choose.

Summary

316L and 316Ti stainless steel under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M are both austenitic grades with excellent corrosion resistance, but 316L's ultra-low carbon (0.03% max) prevents sensitization in ambient welds, while 316Ti's titanium (0.70% max) stabilizes against carbide at high temps (425-815°C) for superior IGC durability. Both have tensile 515 MPa min (485 for 316L), yield 205 MPa min (170 for 316L), elongation 40% min, and PREN 23-28, but 316Ti retains better properties in sustained heat. Density 8.00 g/cm³ identical. 316Ti costs 10-15% more but offers longer life in heat-corrosives. Ideal for chemical processing; Gangsteel stocks both with certs.

Chemical Composition: The Stabilization Divide

The chemical composition under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M highlights the core difference: 316L uses low carbon for weld protection, while 316Ti adds titanium for high-temp stability.

316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) forms TiC to protect grain boundaries in heat, while 316L's low C works at ambient but limits high-temp use.

Mechanical Properties: 316Ti's Slight Edge in Strength

Both have similar mechanicals per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, but 316Ti has higher yield.

316Ti's Ti doesn't affect room-temp but improves high-temp retention.

For SA240 Type 316Ti, heat advantage clear.

Physical Properties: Identical Foundations

Both 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: 316Ti's Advantage

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 SA240 316L and 316Ti at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs. Contact for comparisons.

FAQ: SA240 316L vs 316Ti Difference Questions Answered

Q: What is the main difference between SA240 316L and 316Ti?

A: SA240 316L uses low C (0.03 max) for weld IGC resistance at ambient, while SA240 316Ti employs Ti for superior IGC protection at high temps (425-815°C).

Q: How do chemical compositions differ for SA240 316L and 316Ti?

A: 316L has C 0.03 max without Ti; 316Ti C 0.08 max with Ti 0.70 max; other elements (Cr 16-18%, Mo 2-3%) identical.

Q: Which has better high-temperature performance, SA240 316L or 316Ti?

A: SA240 316Ti with Ti stabilization for IGC at heat; 316L risks sensitization above 425°C.

Q: What is the price difference between SA240 316L and 316Ti in 2025?

A: 316Ti 10-15% higher ($3,200-3,800/ton vs. $2,800-3,300 for 316L FOB China) due to Ti.

Q: How do mechanical properties compare for SA240 316L and 316Ti?

A: Similar tensile 515 MPa min, but 316L yield 170 MPa min vs. 205 for 316Ti; elongation 40% both.

Q: Is SA240 316Ti or 316L better for corrosion resistance?

A: 316Ti for high-temp IGC; 316L for ambient welded corrosion; both PREN 23-28.

Q: Can I substitute SA240 316L for 316Ti?

A: Yes for ambient; no for high-heat where 316Ti's Ti is essential.