316Ti Stainless Steel SA240 316L SS Comparison

316Ti Stainless Steel SA240 316L SS Comparison

Published: November 12, 2025 | Updated: November 12, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the competitive landscape of stainless steels compliant with ASME SA-240/SA-240M standards, comparing SA240 316L (low-carbon austenitic) and 316Ti (titanium-stabilized austenitic) highlights their distinct approaches to weldability and high-temperature performance, making the choice between them crucial for pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and piping systems.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of both SA240 316L and 316Ti stainless steel, meeting ASME SA-240/SA-240M specs for plates and sheets, to industries like petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and marine.

If you're deciding between SA240 316L SS and 316Ti under ASME SA-240/SA-240M for a welded structure or chemical reactor where sensitization risk, pitting resistance, or service temperature are factors, this guide provides a data-driven comparison. We'll explore their differences in composition, properties, and applications, based on ASME SA-240/SA-240M and ASTM A240/A240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the difference in action: In a 2024 European chemical facility, SA240 316Ti under ASME SA240/SA240M resisted IGC at 600°C post-weld, while SA240 316L excelled in ambient but showed minor risks in heat, as per client A262 tests. Both compliant with ASTM A240 /A240M for general use, with density 8.00 g/cm³. Let's delve into SA240 316L SS vs 316Ti, from composition to choice matrix, to guide your selection.

Summary

The comparison between SA240 316L SS and 316Ti under ASME SA-240/SA-240M reveals that 316L's ultra-low carbon (0.03% max) excels in ambient welding to prevent sensitization, while 316Ti's titanium (0.70% max) provides superior IGC resistance at 425-815°C for high-temp service. Both share Cr 16-18%, Mo 2-3%, Ni 10-14%, PREN 23-28, and density 8.00 g/cm³, with tensile 515 MPa min (485 for 316L) and yield 205 MPa min (170 for 316L). 316Ti costs 10-15% more but offers 30% longer life in heat-corrosives. Choose SA240 316L for ambient, 316Ti for heat. Gangsteel stocks both with certs for custom needs.

Chemical Composition: The Stabilization Difference

The chemical composition of SA240 316L SS and 316Ti under ASME SA-240/SA-240M and ASTM A240/A240M shows their core similarity with one key divergence: carbon and titanium levels.

316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) forms TiC to protect grain boundaries in heat; SA240 316L's low C works at ambient but limits high-temp use.

Mechanical Properties: 316Ti's Slight Edge

Both have comparable mechanicals per ASME SA-240/SA-240M and ASTM A240/A240M, but 316Ti has higher yield.

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

Physical Properties: Identical Foundations

Both share physical properties.

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: 316L's Ambient Edge

Both weld well; 316L's low C prevents ambient sensitization, 316Ti's Ti for 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: Similar with Availability Factor

In 2025, both ~$3,200-3,800/ton FOB China; 316Ti slightly higher for Ti.

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: Difference 316L and 316Ti Questions Answered

Q: What is the main difference between 316L and 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The primary difference is stabilization: 316L uses ultra-low carbon (0.03% max) to prevent sensitization in ambient welds, while 316Ti adds titanium (0.70% max) to bind carbon for IGC resistance at 425-815°C.

Q: How does high-temperature performance differ between 316L and 316Ti?

A: 316Ti excels in high-temp IGC resistance due to Ti, retaining properties at 815°C continuous; 316L risks sensitization above 425°C, leading to corrosion in grain boundaries.

Q: Is 316Ti or 316L better for welding?

A: 316L is better for ambient welding with low C preventing sensitization; 316Ti is superior for high-temp service without PWHT.

Q: What is the cost difference between 316L and 316Ti?

A: 316Ti costs 10-15% more than 316L due to titanium, but offers better value in high-temp apps with 30% longer life.

Q: How do pitting and crevice corrosion compare for 316L and 316Ti?

A: Identical with Mo for pitting resistance (PREN 23-28); no significant difference in chlorides like seawater.

Q: Can I substitute 316L for 316Ti?

A: Yes for ambient conditions, but not for high-temp or welded apps where 316Ti's Ti prevents IGC; check service temp.

Q: What is the PREN of 316L vs 316Ti?

A: Both PREN 23-28; identical pitting resistance, but 316Ti's Ti adds no direct PREN benefit—Mo is the key.