316Ti Stainless Steel Applications in High-Temp Environments

316Ti Stainless Steel Applications in High-Temp Environments

Published: November 8, 2025 | Updated: November 8, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In industries where extreme heat meets corrosive challenges, selecting the right stainless steel can be the difference between operational success and costly failures.

316Ti stainless steel, a titanium-stabilized variant of the 316 family, is engineered to thrive in high-temperature environments, resisting intergranular corrosion (IGC) that plagues standard grades during prolonged exposure to 425-815°C.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of ASME SA240 316Ti and ASTM A240 316Ti plates, sheets, and bars to global projects in petrochemical, power generation, aerospace, and automotive sectors.

If you're designing for a boiler system or exhaust manifold where high-temp durability is paramount, understanding 316Ti's applications is essential. This article explores its role in high-temperature settings, backed by properties, case studies, and comparisons, based on industry standards and our mill experience.

From our production lines, we've seen 316Ti deliver exceptional results: In a 2024 U.S. power plant retrofit, our 316Ti components endured 700°C steam cycles with acids, showing no IGC after 2 years, as per client inspections—outperforming non-stabilized alternatives by 40%. Often spec'd under ASTM A240 /A240M for general high-temp use or ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure vessels, 316Ti's density of 8.00 g/cm³ and PREN 23-28 make it a robust choice. Let's delve into its high-temp applications, from chemical processing to aerospace, and why it might be the upgrade your project needs.

Summary

316Ti stainless steel (UNS S31635, EN 1.4571, JIS SUS316Ti, AISI 316Ti) excels in high-temperature environments due to titanium stabilization, preventing IGC and maintaining mechanical integrity up to 815°C. Key applications include chemical reactors, power boilers, aerospace components, and automotive exhausts, where it offers superior creep resistance and durability compared to 316 or 304.

With tensile strength 515 MPa min, yield 205 MPa min, and hardness 95 HRB max, it's ideal for thermal cycling. Density 8.00 g/cm³ supports compact designs. Under specs like ASME SA240 316Ti and ASTM A240 316Ti, it's a cost-effective choice for sustained heat. Gangsteel stocks 1-200mm thick with certs for global use.

Chemical Composition: Engineered for High-Temp Stability

316Ti's composition is tailored to withstand high temperatures without losing corrosion resistance, with titanium binding carbon to prevent sensitization.

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

This setup ensures 316Ti performs in oxidizing atmospheres, with Ti improving durability by 30-50% over non-stabilized grades in cyclic heat.

Gangsteel's 316Ti optimizes Ti for max effectiveness.

Mechanical Properties: High-Temp Strength and Durability

At elevated temperatures, 316Ti retains mechanical integrity better than many austenitics, with Ti preventing grain boundary weakening.

Key properties (annealed, per ASTM A240):

316Ti's creep resistance is a standout, making it durable for continuous high-temp service.

Gangsteel's SA240 Type 316Ti stock shows creep values exceeding specs.

Physical Properties: Supporting High-Temp Applications

Physical traits enable 316Ti's high-temp use.

These support high-temp durability, with low expansion minimizing cracks.

For UNS stainless steel plates, 316Ti offers thermal advantages.

Corrosion Resistance: High-Temp Focus

316Ti resists oxidation and scaling at high temps, with Ti preventing IGC.

• Oxidation Rate: <0.1 mm/year in air up to 815°C.
• IGC: Resistant per A262; Ti binds C.
• High-Temp Corrosives: Good in steam/acids; PREN 23-28 for pitting.

Gangsteel's 316Ti shows no corrosion in 1,000-hour tests at 600°C.

Weldability and Fabrication: High-Temp Considerations

316Ti welds without annealing, maintaining properties at heat. Use ER316L fillers; PWHT optional.

Gangsteel's A240 GR 316Ti fabricates easily for high-temp parts.

Applications: High-Temp Environments Where 316Ti Excels

316Ti's properties suit high-temp apps:

• Petrochemical: Reactors (IGC resistance at 500-800°C).
• Power Generation: Boilers, superheaters (creep strength).
• Aerospace: Engine parts (thermal stability).
• Automotive: Exhaust systems (oxidation resistance).
• Pharmaceutical: Sterilizers (high-temp acid durability).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. power, 316Ti endured without failure.

Equivalents: Alternatives for High-Temp Use

Equivalents: UNS S31635, EN 1.4571—matching high-temp performance.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs included. Contact for high-temp data.

FAQ: 316Ti Stainless Steel Applications in High-Temp Environments Questions Answered

Q: What are the main high-temp applications for 316Ti stainless steel?

A: 316Ti is used in petrochemical reactors, power boilers, aerospace engines, automotive exhausts, and pharmaceutical sterilizers for its IGC resistance at 425-815°C.

Q: How does 316Ti perform in high-temperature corrosion?

A: Excellent oxidation resistance <0.1 mm/year up to 815°C; Ti prevents IGC in heat, making it durable in acidic steam.

Q: Is 316Ti suitable for high-temperature pressure vessels?

A: Yes, under ASME SA240; yield retains >70% at 815°C, ideal for boilers with creep strength ~100 MPa at 600°C.

Q: What makes 316Ti better for high-temp environments than 316?

A: Ti stabilization prevents sensitization and IGC at high temps, while 316 risks carbide formation; 316Ti also has Mo for pitting in heat corrosives.

Q: Can 316Ti handle thermal cycling in high-temp apps?

A: Yes, low expansion (16.5 × 10^-6 /°C) and high modulus minimize cracking in cycles up to 815°C.

Q: What is the maximum temperature for 316Ti in high-temp applications?

A: Intermittent up to 815°C, continuous 650°C; beyond, use nickel alloys.

Q: How does 316Ti compare to 321 in high-temp performance?

A: Both Ti-stabilized, but 316Ti's Mo provides better pitting in high-temp corrosives; 321 higher Cr for oxidation.