Home > News >

 

 

 

316Ti Stainless Steel 316Ti vs 316L Price 2025

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

In the dynamic stainless steel market compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, the price analysis for 316Ti vs 316L in 2025 highlights cost differences driven by composition and application demands, making it essential for budgeting in industries like petrochemical, marine, and food processing.

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 global clients.

If you're comparing 316Ti vs 316L price in 2025 under ASME SA240/SA240M for welded vessels or piping where material costs, performance, and availability are key, this analysis provides insights into trends, factors, and value. We'll explore pricing data, influenced by market dynamics, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill projections.

From our production lines, we've tracked 316Ti vs 316L pricing: In a 2024 U.S. desalination project, our 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M cost 15-20% more than 316L but delivered 25% longer service in chlorinated heat, per client lifecycle analysis. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, both have density 8.00 g/cm³, but 316Ti's Ti addition justifies the premium. Let's delve into the 2025 price analysis, from composition to market trends, to guide your purchase.

 

Summary

316Ti vs 316L price in 2025 shows 316Ti at $3,200-4,200/ton FOB China (higher due to Ti), while 316L is $2,800-3,500/ton, a 10-20% premium for 316Ti's superior high-temp IGC resistance. Factors like alloy costs (Ti/Mo/Ni) and demand drive prices, up 5-10% from 2024. Density 8.00 g/cm³ identical. 316Ti costs more but saves in heat apps. Gangsteel offers mill-direct with certs.

 

Chemical Composition: Driving Price Differences

The chemical composition under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M explains the price gap: 316L's low carbon reduces processing costs, while 316Ti's titanium adds premium.

Element

316L %

316Ti %

Cost Impact

Carbon (C)

0.03 max

0.08 max

Lower in 316L saves on refining; 316Ti's Ti offsets with extra alloy cost.

Manganese (Mn)

2.00 max

2.00 max

Identical; no impact.

Silicon (Si)

0.75 max

0.75 max

No difference.

Phosphorus (P)

0.045 max

0.045 max

Identical.

Sulfur (S)

0.030 max

0.030 max

No difference.

Chromium (Cr)

16.00-18.00

16.00-18.00

Identical.

Molybdenum (Mo)

2.00-3.00

2.00-3.00

No difference; Mo costs ~$30/kg.

Nickel (Ni)

10.00-14.00

10.00-14.00

Identical; Ni volatility adds 5% to both.

Titanium (Ti)

-

5x(C+N) min, 0.70 max

Ti in 316Ti (~$20/kg) drives 10-20% premium.

Nitrogen (N)

0.10 max

0.10 max

Identical.

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Balance

Base; no impact.

316Ti's Ti costs add $300-500/ton; 316L's low C saves on decarburization.

Gangsteel's SA240 316Ti optimizes cost with efficient melting.

For uns stainless steel plates, 316Ti pricing reflects premium properties.

 

Mechanical Properties: Similar but with Heat Edge for 316Ti

Both have comparable mechanicals per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, but 316Ti retains better at high temps.

Property

316L Min

316Ti Min

Key Difference

Tensile Strength (MPa)

485

515

316Ti higher; better heat retention.

Yield Strength (MPa)

170

205

316Ti stronger for loads.

Elongation (%)

40

40

Identical ductility.

Hardness (HRB max)

95

95

No difference.

Impact Toughness (J)

~100 at RT

~100 at RT

Similar.

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

For SA240 Type 316Ti, heat advantage clear.

 

Physical Properties: Identical Foundations

Both share physical properties.

Property

316L Value

316Ti Value

Notes

Density (g/cm³)

8.00

8.00

Identical.

Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K at 100°C)

14.6

14.6

No difference.

Specific Heat (J/kg·K)

500

500

Identical.

Thermal Expansion (10^-6 /°C, 20-100°C)

16.5

16.5

Low for both.

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: 316Ti's Premium Value

In 2025, 316Ti is 10-15% more expensive than 316L ($3,200-3,800/ton vs. $2,800-3,300 FOB China) due to Ti, but saves 20-30% on maintenance in heat apps.

 

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.

 

 

Other Products