316Ti Stainless Steel SA240 316L vs 316Ti Difference

 

 

316Ti Stainless Steel SA240 316L vs 316Ti Difference

Published: November 9, 2025 | Updated: November 9, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the rigorous domain of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, understanding the differences between SA240 316L and SA240 316Ti is crucial for applications where corrosion resistance and temperature stability are paramount.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of both SA240 316L and SA240 316Ti stainless steel, meeting ASTM A240/A240M specs for plates and sheets, to industries like petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and marine.

If you're comparing SA240 grades for a welded pressure vessel or high-temp piping under ASME SA240/SA240M, knowing their nuances in composition, properties, and performance is essential. This article explores the key differences between SA240 316L (low-carbon) and SA240 316Ti (titanium-stabilized), based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the contrast: In a 2024 European chemical facility, our SA240 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted IGC at 600°C, while SA240 316L excelled in ambient welding but showed sensitization risks in heat, as per client corrosion tests. Both compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, with density 8.00 g/cm³, their differences guide selection. Let's delve into the analysis, from composition to applications, to clarify when to choose each.

 

Summary

SA240 316L and SA240 316Ti, both austenitic stainless steels under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, differ mainly in stabilization: 316L uses low carbon (0.03% max) for weld resistance to sensitization at ambient, while 316Ti employs titanium for superior IGC protection at high temps (425-815°C). Both have tensile 515 MPa min, yield 205 MPa min (170 for 316L), elongation 40% min, and PREN 23-28, but 316Ti retains better properties in sustained heat. Density 8.00 g/cm³ identical. 316Ti costs 10-15% more but offers longer durability in heat-corrosives. Ideal for chemical processing; Gangsteel stocks both with certs.

 

Chemical Composition: The Core Difference

The chemical makeup under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M reveals why SA240 316Ti handles heat better than SA240 316L.

Element	SA240 316L %	SA240 316Ti %	Key Difference Impact
Carbon (C)	0.03 max	0.08 max	Lower in 316L for ambient IGC; higher in 316Ti but Ti stabilizes.
Manganese (Mn)	2.00 max	2.00 max	Identical.
Silicon (Si)	0.75 max	0.75 max	No difference.
Phosphorus (P)	0.045 max	0.045 max	Identical.
Sulfur (S)	0.030 max	0.030 max	No difference.
Chromium (Cr)	16.00-18.00	16.00-18.00	Identical passivation.
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.00-3.00	2.00-3.00	No difference; pitting aid.
Nickel (Ni)	10.00-14.00	10.00-14.00	Identical stability.
Titanium (Ti)	-	5x(C+N) min, 0.70 max	Ti in 316Ti prevents IGC at high temps; absent in 316L.
Nitrogen (N)	0.10 max	0.10 max	Identical.
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Balance	Base matrix.

316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) binds carbon, preventing sensitization in heat, while 316L's ultra-low C works at ambient but limits high-temp use.

 

Mechanical Properties: Similar but with Heat Retention for 316Ti

Both SA240 grades have comparable room-temp properties, but 316Ti retains better at high temps.

Property	SA240 316L Min	SA240 316Ti Min	Key Difference
Tensile Strength (MPa)	485	515	316Ti higher; better heat retention.
Yield Strength (MPa)	170	205	316Ti stronger for loads.
Elongation (%)	40	40	Identical ductility.
Hardness (HRB max)	95	95	No difference.
Impact Toughness (J)	~100 at RT	~100 at RT	Similar.

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

For SA240 Type 316Ti, heat advantage clear.

 

Physical Properties: Identical Foundations

Both SA240 grades share physical properties.

Property	SA240 316L Value	SA240 316Ti Value	Notes
Density (g/cm³)	8.00	8.00	Identical.
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K at 100°C)	14.6	14.6	No difference.
Specific Heat (J/kg·K)	500	500	Identical.
Thermal Expansion (10^-6 /°C, 20-100°C)	16.5	16.5	Low for both.

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: 316Ti's Advantage

Both weld well; 316Ti's Ti eliminates annealing, while 316L's low C protects at ambient. Machinability ~60% for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti SA240 Type 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 but similar overall.

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 SA240 316L and 316Ti at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs. Contact for comparisons.

 

FAQ: SA240 316L vs 316Ti Difference Questions Answered

Q: What is the main difference between SA240 316L and 316Ti?

A: SA240 316L uses low C (0.03 max) for weld IGC resistance at ambient, while SA240 316Ti employs Ti for superior IGC protection at high temps (425-815°C).

Q: How do chemical compositions differ for SA240 316L and 316Ti?

A: 316L has C 0.03 max without Ti; 316Ti C 0.08 max with Ti 0.70 max; other elements (Cr 16-18%, Mo 2-3%) identical.

Q: Which has better high-temperature performance, SA240 316L or 316Ti?

A: SA240 316Ti with Ti stabilization for IGC at heat; 316L risks sensitization above 425°C.

Q: What is the price difference between SA240 316L and 316Ti in 2025?

A: 316Ti 10-15% higher ($3,200-3,800/ton vs. $2,800-3,300 for 316L FOB China) due to Ti.

Q: How do mechanical properties compare for SA240 316L and 316Ti?

A: Similar tensile 515 MPa min, but 316L yield 170 MPa min vs. 205 for 316Ti; elongation 40% both.

Q: Is SA240 316Ti or 316L better for corrosion resistance?

A: 316Ti for high-temp IGC; 316L for ambient welded corrosion; both PREN 23-28.

Q: Can I substitute SA240 316L for 316Ti?

A: Yes for ambient; no for high-heat where 316Ti's Ti is essential.

 

 

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