316Ti Stainless Steel 904L vs 316Ti Guide

316Ti Stainless Steel 904L vs 316Ti Guide

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 904L (super-austenitic) and 316Ti (titanium-stabilized austenitic) reveals fundamental differences in corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and suitability for severe environments.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of both 904L and 316Ti stainless steel, meeting ASTM A240/A240M specs for plates and sheets, to industries such as petrochemical, marine, and pharmaceutical.

If you're evaluating 904L vs 316Ti under ASME SA240/SA240M for a chemical reactor or seawater piping where pitting, acid resistance, or high-temp durability is critical, this guide provides a clear, data-driven 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 performance difference: In a 2024 Singapore chemical plant, our 904L piping under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted concentrated sulfuric acid at 80°C with rates <0.01 mm/year, outperforming 316Ti (0.05 mm/year) by 80% in pitting tests. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, 904L's PREN 36-43 vs 316Ti's 23-28 supports ultra-corrosive use. Let's delve into the comparison, from composition to applications, to guide your choice.

Summary

904L and 316Ti stainless steel under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M both offer strong corrosion resistance, but 904L's higher alloying (Mo 4-5%, Ni 23-28%, Cu 1-2%) provides superior pitting and acid resistance (PREN 36-43 vs 23-28 for 316Ti), making it ideal for severe corrosives like sulfuric acid or seawater. 316Ti, with titanium stabilization, excels in high-temp IGC resistance (425-815°C) and is 30-50% cheaper ($3,200-3,800/ton vs $5,000-6,000 for 904L FOB China 2025). Strength is comparable (tensile 515 MPa for 316Ti, 490 for 904L), but 904L has better SCC durability. Density ~8.00 g/cm³ for both. Choose 904L for extreme acids, 316Ti for heat-corrosives. Gangsteel stocks both with certs for custom needs.

Chemical Composition: The Alloying Edge

The compositions of 904L and 316Ti, as per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, underscore 904L's superior acid resistance.

904L's high Mo/Ni/Cu give it an edge in acids, while 316Ti's Ti focuses on high-temp IGC.

Mechanical Properties: Comparable with Edges

Both grades have similar room-temp properties, but 904L's higher alloys improve durability under stress.

Both durable, but 904L's composition enhances SCC resistance.

Physical Properties: Comparable with Acid Edge for 904L

Both have similar physicals, but 904L's alloys improve acid durability.

904L more resistant to thermal stress corrosion.

Corrosion Resistance: 904L's Dominance in Severe Conditions

904L outclasses 316Ti in most corrosives due to higher alloys.

• Pitting/Crevice: 904L PREN 36-43 vs. 23-28; CPT ~45-55°C vs. 25°C.
• IGC: Both resistant (316Ti Ti-stabilized, 904L low C).
• SCC: 904L better in chlorides/acids.
• Uniform: 904L <0.01 mm/year in strong acids; both good but 904L in harsher.
• High-Temp: 316Ti better for IGC at 425-815°C; 904L for general acid heat.

904L more corrosion-durable overall.

Weldability and Fabrication: Similar Ease

Both weld well; 316Ti's Ti eliminates annealing, 904L's high alloys require care to avoid hot cracking. Machinability ~60% for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti SA240 Type 316Ti offers simpler fab.

Applications: Overlapping but Specialized

• Common: Chemical equipment (both durable).
• 904L Specific: Pulp/paper (acid resistance).
• 316Ti Specific: High-temp processing (IGC protection).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. chemical, 904L lasted longer in H2SO4.

Cost Comparison: 904L's Premium for Performance

In 2025, 904L costs 30-50% more than 316Ti ($5,000-6,000/ton vs $3,200-3,800 FOB China) due to Ni/Mo/Cu, but saves on maintenance in severe corrosives.

Equivalents: Alternatives for Both

316Ti equivalents: EN 1.4571. 904L equivalents: EN 1.4539. For A240 GR 316Ti, not interchangeable with 904L in acid-heavy apps.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti and 904L at $3,200-3,800/ton (316Ti) and $5,000-6,000 (904L) FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs. Contact for comparisons.

FAQ: 316Ti vs 904L Performance Questions Answered

Q: How does corrosion resistance compare between 316Ti and 904L stainless steel?A: 904L has superior corrosion resistance in acidic environments like sulfuric acid due to higher Mo (4-5%) and Cu (1-2%), with PREN 36-43 vs. 23-28 for 316Ti.

Q: What are the mechanical property differences between 316Ti and 904L?A: Both have similar tensile (515 MPa for 316Ti, 490 for 904L) and elongation (40% vs. 35%), but 904L's yield is slightly higher (220 vs. 205 MPa), with better SCC performance.

Q: Is 904L better than 316Ti for marine applications?A: Yes, 904L's higher PREN (36.7 avg) offers better resistance to chloride pitting in ocean environments than 316Ti (PREN ~25), though 316Ti suffices for moderate marine use.

Q: How does high-temperature performance compare for 316Ti and 904L?A: 316Ti excels in high-temp IGC resistance (425-815°C) due to Ti, while 904L is better for general oxidation and acid heat but lacks Ti for sensitization prevention.

Q: What is the cost difference between 316Ti and 904L in 2025?A: 904L is 30-50% more expensive ($5,000-6,000/ton vs $3,200-3,800 for 316Ti FOB China) due to higher Ni/Mo/Cu, but 316Ti offers value in high-temp apps.

Q: Can I substitute 904L for 316Ti?A: Yes for upgraded acid resistance, but 904L costs more and has different properties; 316Ti for high-temp IGC focus.

Q: How does 316Ti vs 904L compare in nitric acid corrosion?A: 904L has less resistance in aggressive nitric acid than molybdenum-free grades like 304L, while 316Ti performs well in dilute nitric but not as specialized.