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16Ti Stainless Steel 316Ti HRC Hardness Range

Published: November 11, 2025 | Updated: November 11, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the rigorous domain of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, 316Ti emerges as a titanium-stabilized austenitic grade whose HRC hardness range is critical for applications requiring balanced strength, ductility, and machinability in high-temperature and corrosive environments.

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

If you're evaluating the HRC hardness range for 316Ti under ASME SA240/SA240M for components like fasteners or wear parts where surface hardness impacts performance, understanding its values and control is essential. This article explores 316Ti's HRC hardness range, conversion data, and insights, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill tests.

From our production lines, we've controlled 316Ti's HRC hardness range: In a 2024 U.S. valve stem application, our 316Ti bars under ASTM A240 /A240M maintained HRC 20-25 after annealing, ensuring machinability while retaining tensile 515 MPa min, as per client hardness mapping. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, 316Ti's density of 8.00 g/cm³ supports consistent hardness. Let's delve into the HRC hardness range, from composition to test data, to guide your material selection.

 

Summary

316Ti stainless steel HRC hardness range under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M is typically 20-30 HRC in annealed condition (max 95 HRB, equivalent to ~30 HRC), with controlled heat treatment allowing up to 35 HRC for enhanced wear while maintaining ductility (elongation 40% min). Density 8.00 g/cm³, PREN 23-28. Ti stabilization ensures hardness stability at 425-815°C without embrittlement. Equivalent to EN 1.4571; softer than 410 but durable. Ideal for fasteners; Gangsteel stocks 1-200mm with certs for custom hardness.

 

Chemical Composition: Influence on HRC Hardness Range

The chemical composition of 316Ti, as per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, is optimized for a soft HRC hardness range in annealed state, with titanium ensuring stability without hardening.

Element

% Range or Max

Role in HRC Hardness Range

Carbon (C)

0.08 max

Low C keeps HRC soft; Ti binds for stability.

Manganese (Mn)

2.00 max

Minor; no hardening effect.

Silicon (Si)

0.75 max

Slight increase in hardness if high.

Phosphorus (P)

0.045 max

Limited for ductility in soft range.

Sulfur (S)

0.030 max

Controlled for machinability in low HRC.

Chromium (Cr)

16.00-18.00

Contributes to base hardness ~20 HRC.

Molybdenum (Mo)

2.00-3.00

Minimal impact on HRC.

Nickel (Ni)

10.00-14.00

Softens for low HRC range.

Titanium (Ti)

5x(C+N) min, 0.70 max

Stabilizes without hardening; prevents embrittlement.

Nitrogen (N)

0.10 max

Slight strengthening; keeps HRC <30.

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Base for austenitic soft range.

This composition under ASTM A240/A240M ensures HRC 20-30 annealed.

Gangsteel's 316Ti meets ASME SA240/SA240M for controlled hardness.

For uns stainless steel plates, hardness range verified.

 

Mechanical Properties: Context for HRC Hardness Range

316Ti's mechanical properties, per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, correlate with its soft HRC hardness range for ductility.

Property

Minimum Value

Typical Range

HRC Hardness Notes

Tensile Strength (MPa)

515

550-700

High strength with low HRC.

Yield Strength (MPa)

205

220-300

Good for soft range.

Elongation (%)

40

45-55

High ductility at HRC 20-30.

Hardness (HRB max)

95

80-90

~20-30 HRC equivalent.

Brinell (HB max)

217

160-190

Converted ~20-28 HRC.

Low HRC ensures machinability; heat treatment raises to 35 HRC.

 

Physical Properties: Supporting HRC Hardness Range

Physical properties of 316Ti, compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, aid hardness control.

Property

Value

Notes on HRC Hardness Range

Density (g/cm³)

8.00

Standard for hardness calcs.

Melting Range (°C)

1370-1400

High for stable HRC in heat.

Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)

14.6 (at 100°C)

Even heat for uniform HRC.

Specific Heat (J/kg·K)

500

Efficient for annealing HRC.

Thermal Expansion (10^-6 /°C)

16.5 (20-100°C)

Low stress in HRC range.

Modulus (GPa)

193

Stiffness despite low HRC.

Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·cm)

74

Moderate for HRC testing.

These support consistent HRC.

 

HRC Hardness Range: Detailed Data

316Ti's HRC hardness range is controlled for annealed (soft) to work-hardened states.

  • Annealed Condition: HRC 20-25 (95 HRB max per A240).
  • Cold Worked: HRC 25-30 (up to 1/4 hard).
  • Heat Treated (Optional): HRC 30-35 for wear parts.
  • Conversion: 95 HRB ≈ 30 HRC; 217 HB ≈ 20 HRC.
  • Test Method: ASTM E18 for Rockwell; Gangsteel's average 22 HRC annealed.

Ti prevents hardening from carbides, keeping HRC low.

Corrosion Resistance: With Low HRC Range

316Ti's corrosion resistance, per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, is unaffected by low HRC range.

  • Uniform: <0.1 mm/year in acids.
  • IGC: Resistant with Ti.
  • SCC: Good in chlorides.
  • Pitting: PREN 23-28.

Weldability and Fabrication: Low HRC Advantage

316Ti is highly weldable per ASTM A240/A240M, low HRC aiding filler flow. Fillers ER316L.

Gangsteel's 316Ti SA240 Type 316Ti maintains low HRC post-weld.

Applications: Where HRC Hardness Range Matters

316Ti's low HRC suits fasteners (machinability), food equipment (soft for forming).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. pharma, low HRC enabled easy fab.

Equivalents: Grades with Similar HRC Range

Equivalents: EN 1.4571 (HRC 20-30). For A240 GR 316Ti, HRC matches.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs with HRC data. Contact for range.

 

FAQ: 316Ti Stainless Steel HRC Hardness Range Questions Answered

Q: What is the HRC hardness range for 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The HRC hardness range for 316Ti is 20-30 in annealed condition (max 95 HRB per ASTM A240/A240M), with cold work raising to 35 HRC for wear applications while maintaining ductility.

Q: What is the annealed HRC hardness for 316Ti?

A: Annealed 316Ti has HRC 20-25 (equivalent to 95 HRB max), soft for machining and forming per grade specifications.

Q: How does heat treatment affect 316Ti's HRC hardness range?

A: Heat treatment can raise 316Ti's HRC to 30-35 for enhanced wear, but standard annealed keeps it 20-25 to avoid embrittlement from Ti.

Q: What is the HRB to HRC conversion for 316Ti?

A: 95 HRB max for 316Ti converts to ~30 HRC; typical 80-90 HRB is 20-25 HRC, ensuring soft yet strong material.

Q: How does 316Ti's HRC hardness compare to 316L?

A: 316Ti and 316L both have HRC 20-30 annealed; Ti in 316Ti prevents hardening from carbides in heat, maintaining range.

Q: What is the maximum HRC hardness for 316Ti?

A: Maximum HRC hardness for 316Ti is ~35 in cold-worked or treated state, but standard stock is 20-30 to balance machinability and strength.

Q: How is HRC hardness tested for 316Ti?

A: HRC hardness for 316Ti is tested per ASTM E18 Rockwell method on polished surfaces, with Gangsteel's average 22 HRC annealed for consistency.

 

 

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