316Ti Stainless Steel What Difference 316 316Ti

316Ti Stainless Steel What Difference 316 316Ti

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 ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240/SA-240M standards, the difference between 316 and 316Ti lies primarily in titanium stabilization, which dramatically enhances 316Ti's performance in high-temperature and welded applications while maintaining 316's excellent corrosion resistance.

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

If you're evaluating what difference 316 316Ti under ASME SA-240/SA-240M for a heat exchanger or chemical reactor where sensitization risk, pitting resistance, or service temperature is critical, this guide provides a clear, data-driven comparison. We'll break down their differences in composition, properties, and applications, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240/SA-240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've seen the difference in action: In a 2024 European chemical facility, our 316Ti plates under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted IGC at 600°C post-weld, while 316 showed sensitization after similar exposure, reducing life by 35% as per client A262 tests. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, both have density 8.00 g/cm³, but 316Ti's Ti addition (0.70% max) makes the key difference. Let's explore 316 vs 316Ti, from composition to choice matrix.

Summary

The difference between 316 and 316Ti under ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240/SA-240M is titanium stabilization: 316Ti adds Ti (0.70% max) to bind carbon and prevent intergranular corrosion (IGC) at 425-815°C, while 316 has no Ti and risks sensitization in heat. Both share Cr 16-18%, Mo 2-3%, Ni 10-14%, tensile 515 MPa min, yield 205 MPa min, and PREN 23-28. Density 8.00 g/cm³ identical. 316Ti costs 10-15% more but offers 30% longer life in welded high-temp apps. Choose 316Ti for heat-corrosives, 316 for ambient. Gangsteel stocks both with certs.

Chemical Composition: The Core Difference

316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) forms TiC, protecting grain boundaries in heat; 316's higher free C risks Cr23C6 and IGC.

Mechanical Properties: Nearly Identical

Both have comparable mechanicals per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240/SA-240M.

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; 316 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; 316's higher C risks sensitization in heat, 316Ti's Ti eliminates it. 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).
• 316 Specific: Ambient welded tanks (cost).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. pharma, 316Ti excelled in heated corrosives.

Cost Comparison: 316Ti's Premium Value

In 2025, 316Ti is 10-15% more expensive than 316 ($3,200-3,800/ton vs $2,900-3,400 FOB China) due to Ti, but saves 20-30% on maintenance in heat apps.

Equivalents: Alternatives for Both

316Ti equivalents: EN 1.4571. 316 equivalents: EN 1.4401. For A240 GR 316Ti, not interchangeable with 316 in heat.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

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

FAQ: Difference 316 and 316Ti Questions Answered

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

A: The primary difference is titanium stabilization: 316Ti adds Ti (0.70% max) to prevent intergranular corrosion (IGC) at high temps (425-815°C), while 316 has no Ti and risks sensitization after welding or heat exposure.

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

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

Q: Is 316Ti or 316 better for welding?

A: 316Ti is better for welding in high-temp service, as Ti eliminates sensitization risk without PWHT; 316 welds well at ambient but requires care in heat zones.

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

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

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

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

Q: Can I substitute 316 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 316 vs 316Ti?

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