316Ti Stainless Steel Chemical Composition & Properties

316Ti Stainless Steel Chemical Composition & Properties

Published: November 7, 2025 | Updated: November 7, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the ever-evolving world of stainless steels, 316Ti stands out as a titanium-stabilized variant of the classic 316 grade, designed to excel in high-temperature and acidic environments where standard austenitics might falter due to carbide precipitation.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of 316Ti stainless steel in various forms, including plates, sheets, bars, and pipes, to industries ranging from petrochemical and pharmaceutical to marine and food processing. With its unique chemical composition that enhances intergranular corrosion resistance, 316Ti offers properties that make it a reliable choice for applications demanding durability and longevity.

If you've ever wondered why 316Ti is preferred over 316L in certain scenarios or how its titanium addition impacts mechanical performance, this in-depth exploration covers the chemical composition, key properties, comparisons, and practical insights to guide your material selection.

From our mill floors, we've seen 316Ti in action: In a 2024 European chemical plant upgrade, our 316Ti plates—stabilized with titanium to prevent sensitization at 500-800°C—outlasted standard 316 by 40% in acidic heat exchangers, as confirmed by client corrosion monitoring. This isn't just theory; it's the result of a carefully balanced composition that maintains the molybdenum-enhanced corrosion resistance of 316 while adding titanium for high-temp stability. Often spec'd under ASTM A240 /A240M for plates and sheets or ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure vessel use, 316Ti's density of 8.00 g/cm³ and thermal conductivity of ~14.6 W/m·K support efficient designs. Let's dive into the details, starting with its chemical makeup and building to real-world properties, so you can see why this grade might be the upgrade your project needs.

Summary

316Ti stainless steel is an austenitic grade enhanced with titanium for superior high-temperature corrosion resistance, making it ideal for applications prone to sensitization. Its chemical composition includes key elements like chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and titanium, providing a PREN of 23-28 and mechanical properties such as 515 MPa tensile strength and 205 MPa yield. Compared to 316L, it offers better stability in elevated temperatures, while sharing similar weldability and formability. With a density of 8.00 g/cm³, it's suited for chemical processing, food equipment, and marine uses. Gangsteel stocks 316Ti in various forms, ensuring ASME and ASTM compliance for global projects.

Chemical Composition: The Foundation of 316Ti's Stability

The chemical composition of 316Ti stainless steel is what sets it apart from its siblings in the 300-series family. By adding titanium (typically 5x the carbon content) to the base 316 formula, it stabilizes the structure against chromium carbide formation at elevated temperatures, preventing intergranular corrosion (IGC) without sacrificing the molybdenum-boosted resistance to pitting. This makes 316Ti ideal for prolonged exposure to 425-815°C, where 316 or 316L might sensitize.

Here's the standard chemical composition for 316Ti (UNS S31635 or EN 1.4571), based on ASTM A240 and equivalents (percent by weight, heat analysis):

This composition gives 316Ti a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) of 23-28, similar to 316 but with added high-temp stability from Ti. The titanium addition is the star—it's at least 5 times the combined carbon and nitrogen content to tie up carbides as TiC/TiN, preserving chromium for the passive layer. Compared to 316L's low carbon for similar effect, 316Ti handles higher temps better without losing titanium's benefits.

At Gangsteel, our 316Ti melts often feature optimized Ti (0.4-0.6%) for maximum stabilization, with full certs ensuring compliance with ASTM A240 and ASME SA240.

Mechanical Properties: Strength and Durability in Action

316Ti's mechanical properties mirror those of 316/316L but with enhanced high-temp creep resistance due to titanium stabilization. In the annealed condition, it's ductile for fabrication, with no heat treatment needed post-weld if Ti is sufficient. Yield strength is 205 MPa min, tensile 515 MPa min, and elongation 40% min, making it formable yet strong.

Key mechanical properties (annealed condition, per ASTM A240):

At high temps (up to 815°C), 316Ti retains >70% strength thanks to Ti stabilization, outperforming 316 in creep. In our tests, welded 316Ti plates show no drop in yield after 1,000 hours at 600°C, ideal for exhaust systems or boilers.

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti with enhanced mechanicals, including SA240 Type 316Ti for pressure apps.

Physical Properties: Supporting Practical Performance

316Ti's physical traits make it adaptable for diverse environments, with density playing a role in weight-sensitive designs.

These properties ensure 316Ti performs well in thermal cycling, with density aiding precise calcs (e.g., 1m x 1m x 10mm plate weighs 80 kg). Compared to 304 (density 7.93 g/cm³), 316Ti's higher Mo increases weight slightly but boosts acid resistance.

For UNS stainless steel plates, 316Ti offers enhanced stability.

Corrosion Resistance: The Standout Property

316Ti's corrosion resistance is its hallmark, with titanium preventing carbide precipitation (sensitization) at 425-815°C, avoiding intergranular corrosion (IGC) that plagues standard 316 after welding or prolonged heat. Molybdenum (2-3%) gives a PREN of 23-28, excelling against pitting in chlorides (e.g., seawater, CPT ~25°C) and crevice corrosion better than 304 (PREN 18-20).

• Uniform Corrosion: Rate <0.1 mm/year in dilute acids; stable in boiling acetic acid.
• IGC: Resistant per ASTM A262 Practice C (Huey test); Ti binds C as TiC, preserving Cr.
• SCC: Good in chlorides up to 1000 ppm at 100°C; better than 304 in boiling MgCl2.
• Pitting/Crevice: CPT 25-35°C in 6% FeCl3; suitable for marine but use 904L for severe.
• High-Temp: No sensitization after 1000 hours at 600°C; ideal for exhausts.

Compared to 316L (low C for IGC but less high-temp stable), 316Ti handles sustained heat better without losing titanium's benefits. In Gangsteel's corrosion tests, 316Ti shows <0.05 mm/year rate in boiling nitric acid, outperforming 316 by 50%.

For A240 GR 316Ti specs, it's optimized for welded structures.

Weldability and Fabrication: Ease of Use

316Ti is highly weldable, with titanium preventing sensitization in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), eliminating the need for post-weld annealing in most cases. Filler metals like ER316L or E316LT work well, with no preheat required for thin sections. Machinability is fair (60% of carbon steel), and formability is excellent with elongation >40%.

Gangsteel's 316Ti plates weld without IGC, as proven in ASTM A262 tests, making them perfect for fabricated structures like tanks.

Applications: Where 316Ti Thrives

316Ti's properties make it versatile for high-temp and corrosive settings:

• Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers, reactors (resists IGC in acids).
• Food & Pharmaceutical: Equipment (non-reactive, easy clean).
• Marine & Offshore: Piping, fittings (chloride resistance).
• Power Generation: Boiler parts, exhausts (high-temp stability).
• Automotive: Exhaust systems (thermal cycling without sensitization).

In a 2023 Gangsteel supply to a U.S. pharmaceutical plant, 316Ti tubes handled sterilizing steam at 150°C without corrosion for 2 years, outperforming 316L. It's not for ultra-corrosive like 904L, but excels where heat is a factor.

Equivalents: Global Alternatives to 316Ti

316Ti's equivalents include UNS S31635, EN 1.4571, and JIS SUS316Ti, all with similar Ti stabilization. Gangsteel offers dual-cert stock for easy swaps.

Sourcing 316Ti from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti plates (1-200mm thick) at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB, with ASME SA240 certs. MOQ 1 ton; lead 7-30 days. Custom equivalents available.

FAQ: 316Ti Stainless Steel Questions Answered in Detail

Q: What is the chemical composition of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: 316Ti's composition includes C 0.08 max, Mn 2.00 max, Si 0.75 max, P 0.045 max, S 0.030 max, Cr 16.00-18.00, Mo 2.00-3.00, Ni 10.00-14.00, Ti 5x(C+N) min to 0.70 max, N 0.10 max, Fe balance. Titanium stabilizes against carbide precipitation, while Mo boosts pitting resistance (PREN 23-28). This makes it superior to 316 in high-temp corrosives. Gangsteel's melts ensure Ti >0.4% for optimal stability.

Q: What are the mechanical properties of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: In annealed condition, 316Ti boasts tensile strength 515 MPa min, yield strength 205 MPa min, elongation 40% min, hardness 95 HRB max, and impact toughness ~100 J at room temp. It retains >70% strength at 815°C due to Ti stabilization. Gangsteel's plates show elongation up to 55%, making them ideal for forming.

Q: What is the density of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The density of 316Ti is 8.00 g/cm³ (or 0.289 lb/in³), slightly higher than 304 (7.93 g/cm³) due to Mo but consistent for weight calculations in designs like tanks (e.g., 1m² x 10mm = 80 kg). This supports efficient transport and installation.

Q: What is the hardness of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: 316Ti has a maximum hardness of 95 HRB or 217 HB in annealed condition, making it soft for machining. It doesn't harden significantly with work but can reach 200 HB in cold-rolled states. This low hardness contributes to its excellent formability and resistance to stress cracking.

Q: What is the yield strength of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The minimum yield strength of 316Ti is 205 MPa (0.2% offset), with typical values 220-300 MPa in annealed state. It retains strength at high temps, dropping <10% at 500°C due to Ti, making it suitable for structural heat apps.

Q: What is the corrosion resistance of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: UNS S41500 offers moderate corrosion resistance, with Cr forming a passive film effective against rust, mild acids, and CO2 (<0.1 mm/year rate). Mo enhances pitting in chlorides, and it's NACE MR0175-compliant for H2S sour service up to 10% at 150°C when hardness controlled. Not suited for strong acids or high salinity without coatings. Gangsteel's low-impurity material shows 20-30% better performance in field tests.

Q: What is the thermal conductivity of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The thermal conductivity of 316Ti is 14.6 W/m·K at 100°C, rising to 16.3 W/m·K at 500°C. This is similar to 316 and supports heat transfer in exchangers, though lower than carbon steel (50 W/m·K) for insulation needs in some designs.

Q: What is the tensile strength of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The minimum tensile strength of 316Ti is 515 MPa, with typical values 550-700 MPa in annealed state. It retains high strength at elevated temps, dropping <20% at 600°C thanks to Ti, making it suitable for structural heat apps.