Stainless Steel 316Ti 304 Comparison Guide

Stainless Steel 316Ti 304 Comparison Guide

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

In the vast landscape of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, comparing 316Ti and 304 reveals fundamental differences in corrosion resistance, strength, and cost-effectiveness for diverse applications.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of both 316Ti and 304 stainless steel, meeting ASTM A240/A240M specs for plates and sheets, to industries such as petrochemical, marine, and construction.

If you're evaluating 316Ti (titanium-stabilized) and 304 (basic austenitic) for a chemical tank or architectural panel under ASME SA240/SA240M where performance vs. price is key, this guide provides a clear comparison. We'll break down their attributes, including corrosion, mechanicals, and more, 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. marine dock project, our 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted pitting in seawater 40% better than 304, justifying the premium for durability, as per client immersion tests. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, 316Ti's density of 8.00 g/cm³ vs. 304's 7.93 g/cm³ supports similar designs. Let's delve into the comparison, from composition to applications, to help you select.

Summary

316Ti and 304 stainless steel under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M are austenitic grades with good corrosion resistance, but 316Ti's added titanium and molybdenum provide superior pitting and IGC resistance (PREN 23-28 vs. 18-20 for 304), making it more durable in chlorides and heat (425-815°C). 304 is cheaper ($2,500-3,000/ton vs. $3,200-3,800 for 316Ti FOB China 2025) and sufficient for mild conditions. Both have tensile 515 MPa min, elongation 40% min, but 316Ti has higher yield (205 vs. 205 MPa). Density 8.00 vs. 7.93 g/cm³. Choose 316Ti for aggressive corrosives, 304 for general use. Gangsteel stocks both with certs.

Chemical Composition: The Basis for Differences

The chemical composition under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M highlights why 316Ti outperforms 304 in corrosives.

316Ti's Mo/Ti give it an edge in pitting and heat, while 304's higher Cr suits mild corrosion.

Mechanical Properties: Comparable Strength

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

No significant strength gap; both ductile.

For SA240 Type 316Ti, properties enhanced.

Physical Properties: Minor Differences

Both have nearly identical physicals.

316Ti's lower expansion aids thermal stability.

Corrosion Resistance: 316Ti's Superiority

316Ti outperforms 304 in corrosives with PREN 23-28 vs. 18-20.

• Pitting/Crevice: 316Ti CPT ~25°C vs. 15°C for 304.
• IGC: 316Ti resistant with Ti; 304 risks sensitization.
• SCC: 316Ti better with Mo.
• Uniform: <0.1 mm/year in acids; 316Ti better in boiling.

316Ti is more corrosion-durable.

Weldability and Fabrication: 316Ti's Heat Edge

Both weld well; 316Ti's Ti prevents IGC at heat, 304 requires care. Machinability ~60% for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti offers superior weld performance.

Applications: Overlapping but Specialized

• Common: Architectural, food equipment.
• 316Ti Specific: Marine, chemical (corrosion in heat).
• 304 Specific: General mild (cost-effective).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. marine, 316Ti lasted longer in salt.

Equivalents: Alternatives for Both

316Ti equivalents: EN 1.4571. 304 equivalents: EN 1.4301. For A240 GR 316Ti, not interchangeable with 304 in corrosives.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti and 304 at $3,200-3,800/ton (316Ti) and $2,500-3,000 (304) FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs. Contact for comparisons.

FAQ: 316Ti vs 304 Stainless Steel Questions Answered

Q: What is the main difference between 316Ti and 304 stainless steel?

A: 316Ti includes Mo (2-3%) and Ti (0.70 max) for enhanced pitting and IGC resistance, while 304 lacks both, making 316Ti better for corrosives and heat (PREN 23-28 vs. 18-20).

Q: How do corrosion resistance levels differ for 316Ti vs 304?

A: 316Ti has superior pitting (CPT ~25°C vs. 15°C for 304) and IGC with Ti, while 304 is good for mild but vulnerable in chlorides/acids.

Q: Which has higher strength, 316Ti or 304 stainless steel?

A: Both have tensile 515 MPa min, but 316Ti's yield 205 MPa vs 205 MPa for 304; 316Ti retains better at high temps.

Q: What is the cost difference between 316Ti and 304 in 2025?

A: 316Ti is 20-30% more expensive ($3,200-3,800/ton vs. $2,500-3,000 FOB China) due to Ti/Mo.

Q: How does weldability differ between 316Ti and 304?

A: Both excellent with ER316L fillers; 316Ti's Ti prevents high-temp IGC, while 304 risks sensitization.

Q: Are 316Ti and 304 interchangeable?

A: No for corrosives/heat where 316Ti's Mo/Ti are essential; 304 for mild, cost-sensitive use.

Q: What is the density of 316Ti vs 304 stainless steel?

A: 316Ti 8.00 g/cm³ vs 304 7.93 g/cm³—316Ti slightly denser.