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316Ti Stainless Steel 316Ti Or 316L Choice

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

In the precision domain of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, choosing between 316Ti (titanium-stabilized) and 316L (low-carbon) is a critical decision for applications where weld integrity, high-temperature performance, and corrosion resistance are paramount.

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

If you're deciding 316Ti or 316L under ASME SA240/SA240M for a welded pressure vessel, heat exchanger, or piping system where sensitization risk and service temperature are key factors, this guide provides a clear, data-driven comparison to help you make the right choice. Based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the choice in action: In a 2024 U.S. chemical reactor project, 316Ti under ASTM A240 /A240M was selected over 316L to eliminate post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 600°C, saving 20% in fabrication cost while ensuring zero IGC, as confirmed by ASTM A262 Practice E testing. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, both have density 8.00 g/cm³. Let's break down 316Ti or 316L choice, from composition to decision matrix, to guide your selection.

 

Summary: 316Ti or 316L Choice

Factor

Choose 316L

Choose 316Ti

Service Temp

<425°C (no sensitization risk)

425–815°C (high-temp IGC resistance)

Welding

No PWHT needed (low C)

No PWHT needed (Ti stabilization)

Corrosion

Excellent in ambient acids/chlorides

Same + IGC immunity in heat

Cost

$2,800–3,300/ton FOB

$3,200–3,800/ton FOB (+10–15%)

Availability

Standard stock

Readily available

Best For

Ambient welded tanks, food, pharma

Welded reactors, exhausts, boilers

Quick Rule:

  • 316Lif operating below 425°C and cost is priority.
  • 316Tiif welded + exposed to 425–815°C or long-term heat cycling.

Gangsteel stocks both with certs; contact for 316Ti or 316L choice guidance.


 

Chemical Composition: The Core Difference

Element

316L (% max)

316Ti (% max)

Choice Impact

Carbon (C)

0.03

0.08

316L: Ultra-low C prevents sensitization at ambient. 316Ti: Higher C but Ti binds it.

Titanium (Ti)

0.70(min 5x(C+N))

316Ti only: Stabilizes against IGC in heat.

Cr, Ni, Mo

Identical (16–18 Cr, 10–14 Ni, 2–3 Mo)

Identical

Same base corrosion (PREN 23–28).

Choice Driver:

  • 316Lwins on low carbon for cold/warm service.
  • 316Tiwins on Ti stabilization for hot service.

 

Mechanical Properties: Nearly Identical at RT

Property

316L Min

316Ti Min

Choice Note

Tensile (MPa)

485

515

316Ti slightly higher.

Yield (MPa)

170

205

316Ti stronger.

Elongation (%)

40

40

Same ductility.

At High Temp (650°C):

  • 316L: Risk of carbide formation → property loss.
  • 316Ti: Ti prevents → retains >80% strength.

Choice: 316Ti for elevated temperature strength.


 

Corrosion Resistance: 316Ti or 316L

Type

316L

316Ti

Winner

Pitting (CPT)

~25°C

~25°C

Tie

Uniform (acids)

<0.1 mm/yr

<0.1 mm/yr

Tie

IGC (post-weld)

Risk >425°C

Immune

316Ti

SCC (chlorides)

Good

Good

Tie

Choice: 316Ti if welded and heated.


 

Weldability: Both Excellent — Different Mechanisms

Factor

316L

316Ti

PWHT Required?

No (low C)

No (Ti stab.)

Filler

ER316L

ER316L or ER316Ti

HAZ Sensitization

Possible >425°C

None

Max Interpass Temp

150°C

150°C

Choice:

  • 316Lfor simple ambient welds.
  • 316Tifor welds exposed to heat.

 

Cost & Availability: 316Ti or 316L

Grade

Price/Ton FOB China (2025)

Stock Lead Time

316L

$2,800–3,300

7–15 days

316Ti

$3,200–3,800 (+10–15%)

10–20 days

Choice: 316L saves ~$400/ton; 316Ti justified by performance.


 

Decision Matrix: 316Ti or 316L Choice

Application

Temp Range

Welded?

Choose

Food tank

<100°C

Yes

316L

Pharma vessel

<200°C

Yes

316L

Chemical reactor

400–600°C

Yes

316Ti

Exhaust pipe

500–800°C

Yes

316Ti

Seawater piping

<50°C

No

316L

Boiler tube

600°C

Yes

316Ti


 

Gangsteel Recommendation: 316Ti or 316L

Scenario

Recommended Grade

Cost-sensitive, <425°C, welded

316L

High-temp welded, 425–815°C

316Ti

Uncertain future temp increase

316Ti(future-proof)

Max corrosion in chlorides

Both equal — choose by temp


 

Sourcing from Gangsteel: 316Ti or 316L Stock

Grade

Thickness

Price/Ton FOB

Certs

316L

0.5–100 mm

$2,800–3,300

3.1/3.2, A262

316Ti

1.0–200 mm

$3,200–3,800

3.1/3.2, A262 E Pass

Contact Gangsteelfor 316Ti or 316L choice quotes — fast delivery, dual-grade stock.


 

FAQ: 316Ti or 316L Choice

Q: Should I choose 316Ti or 316L for welding?A: Both weld without PWHT. Choose 316L for <425°C; 316Ti if weld will see 425–815°C.

Q: Is 316Ti worth the extra cost over 316L?A: Yes — if operating or cycling above 425°C. Saves on PWHT, repairs, and downtime.

Q: Can I use 316L instead of 316Ti?A: Only if no heat exposure >425°C post-weld. Otherwise, risk IGC.

Q: What is the main difference in 316Ti or 316L choice?A: 316L = low carbon for ambient. 316Ti = titanium for heat.

Q: Which has better corrosion resistance — 316Ti or 316L?A: Equal in pitting/uniform. 316Ti wins in IGC after heat.

Q: Where can I buy 316Ti or 316L with fast delivery?A: Gangsteel — stock in LA warehouse, 7–15 day delivery, certs included.

 

 

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