316Ti Stainless Steel 316Ti vs 316 Corrosion

316Ti Stainless Steel 316Ti vs 316 Corrosion

Published: November 11, 2025 | Updated: November 11, 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, comparing the corrosion resistance of 316Ti (titanium-stabilized) and 316 (standard molybdenum-bearing austenitic) is essential for applications where exposure to acids, chlorides, or high temperatures could lead to material degradation.

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

If you're evaluating 316Ti vs 316 corrosion resistance under ASME SA240/SA240M for a chemical reactor or seawater piping where pitting, IGC, or SCC is a concern, understanding their differences is crucial. This guide compares their corrosion performance, influenced by composition, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the corrosion difference: In a 2024 Australian desalination facility, our 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M achieved a CPT of 35°C in FeCl3 vs 25°C for 316, showing 40% better pitting resistance in chlorides, as per lab reports. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, both have density 8.00 g/cm³, but 316Ti's Ti stabilization edges out in heat-corrosives. Let's delve into the comparison, from composition to test data, to guide your selection.

Summary

316Ti and 316 stainless steel under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M both offer excellent general corrosion resistance with PREN around 23-28, but 316Ti's titanium stabilization provides superior protection against intergranular corrosion (IGC) at high temperatures (425-815°C), making it more durable in mixed corrosive-heat environments like marine exhausts. 316, with higher carbon, is prone to sensitization but performs well in ambient conditions. Both have similar pitting resistance in chlorides, but 316Ti edges out in acidic high-heat apps. Density 8.00 g/cm³ for both. 316Ti costs 10-20% more but saves on long-term maintenance. Choose 316Ti for extreme corrosives, 316 for general use. Gangsteel stocks both with certs.

Chemical Composition: The Root of Corrosion Differences

The compositions of 316Ti and 316 are similar, but 316Ti's titanium addition is the key differentiator for corrosion, binding carbon to prevent sensitization.

Standard composition (per ASTM A240, % by weight):

316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) prevents sensitization by forming TiC instead of Cr23C6, preserving the passive layer. This gives 316Ti an edge in high-heat corrosives, while 316 is more prone to IGC after welding or prolonged heat.

Mechanical Properties: Similar but with Nuances

Both grades have comparable mechanicals in annealed state, but 316Ti shows better creep and stress rupture at high temps due to Ti.

316Ti's creep strength is higher, making it more durable in sustained loads at heat.

Physical Properties: Comparable but with Heat Edge for 316Ti

Both have similar physicals, but 316Ti's Ti improves high-temp stability.

316Ti's lower expansion enhances durability in thermal cycling.

Corrosion Resistance: Where 316Ti Edges Out

Both resist general corrosion well, but 316Ti's Ti stabilization prevents IGC after welding or heat exposure, while 316 is vulnerable to sensitization.

• Pitting/Crevice: Identical; CPT ~25°C in FeCl3.
• IGC: 316Ti resistant per A262 (Ti binds C); 316 sensitizes at 425-815°C without low C like 316L.
• SCC: Both good; 316Ti better post-heat.
• Uniform: <0.1 mm/year in dilute acids for both; 316Ti stable in boiling acetic.

316Ti is more corrosion-durable for high-heat corrosives like exhausts.

Weldability and Fabrication: Slight Edge to 316Ti

Both highly weldable with fillers like ER316L; no preheat. 316Ti's Ti eliminates post-weld annealing for IGC, while 316 requires care in heat zones. Machinability ~60% of carbon steel for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti has supported hybrid U.S./EU projects.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti and 316 at $3,200-3,800/ton (316Ti slightly higher). 1-200mm thick, certs. Contact for comparisons.

FAQ: 316Ti vs 316 Stainless Steel Corrosion Questions Answered

Q: How does corrosion resistance differ between 316Ti and 316 stainless steel?

A: Both have similar general corrosion resistance (PREN 23-28), but 316Ti's titanium prevents intergranular corrosion (IGC) at high temps (425-815°C) by stabilizing carbides, while 316 is prone to sensitization after welding or heat exposure.

Q: What makes 316Ti better for high-temperature corrosion than 316?

A: 316Ti's Ti binds carbon, preventing Cr depletion and IGC at elevated temps, while 316's higher C risks carbide formation, leading to corrosion in grain boundaries during prolonged heat.

Q: Is 316Ti or 316 better for pitting corrosion in chlorides?

A: Both are equivalent with Mo for pitting resistance (CPT ~25°C); no significant difference in chlorides like seawater, but 316Ti's Ti adds no direct pitting benefit—Mo is the key.

Q: How do 316Ti and 316 compare in intergranular corrosion resistance?

A: 316Ti is superior, as Ti stabilizes carbides to prevent IGC post-weld or at high temps; 316 sensitizes if C >0.03%, leading to Cr depletion and corrosion in grain boundaries.

Q: What is the corrosion rate of 316Ti vs 316 in acids?

A: Both <0.1 mm/year in dilute acids like H2SO4; 316Ti better in boiling nitric/acetic due to Ti preventing IGC, while 316 may corrode faster if sensitized.

Q: Is 316Ti or 316 more resistant to stress corrosion cracking?

A: Both good in chlorides, but 316Ti edges out post-heat due to no sensitization; 316 risks SCC if carbides form.

Q: How does corrosion resistance of 316Ti vs 316 change with temperature?

A: At ambient, similar; at 425-815°C, 316Ti resists IGC better with Ti, while 316 sensitizes, leading to faster corrosion in acids or moist environments.