316Ti Stainless Steel vs 904L: Performance Breakdown

316Ti Stainless Steel vs 904L: Performance Breakdown

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

In the specialized field of stainless steels for severe corrosive conditions, 316Ti and 904L represent two high-performance options, each excelling in different aspects of durability and resistance.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of 316Ti and 904L stainless steel in forms like plates, sheets, and bars to industries such as petrochemical, desalination, and pulp & paper.

If you're comparing materials for an offshore platform or acid-handling equipment, analyzing their performance in corrosion, strength, and cost is essential. This breakdown compares 316Ti (titanium-stabilized austenitic) and 904L (high-alloy austenitic), focusing on key metrics, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our experience, 904L often outperforms in ultra-corrosive apps: In a 2024 Singapore chemical plant, our 904L piping under ASTM A240 /A240M resisted concentrated acids at 80°C, showing 50% less pitting than 316Ti, as per client tests. 904L's high Mo/Cu/Ni gives it superior PREN (43-47 vs. 23-28 for 316Ti), but 316Ti's Ti stabilization adds value in high-heat. Both comply with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure use, but choices depend on environment. Let's analyze performance to guide your selection.

Summary

316Ti and 904L are austenitic stainless steels with excellent corrosion resistance, but 904L's higher alloying (Mo 4-5%, Cu 1-2%) provides superior pitting and acid resistance (PREN 43-47 vs. 23-28), making it more durable in severe corrosives like sulfuric acid or seawater. 316Ti, with Ti stabilization, offers better high-temp IGC resistance and is 30-50% cheaper ($3,200-3,800/ton vs. $5,000-6,000 for 904L FOB China 2025).

 Strength is similar (515 MPa tensile), but 904L has better SCC durability. Density ~8.00 g/cm³ for both. Choose 904L for extreme corrosives, 316Ti for high-heat/moderate cost. Gangsteel stocks both for custom apps.

Chemical Composition: Alloying for Corrosion Superiority

Composition is the cornerstone of corrosion performance: 904L's high Mo/Cu/N outshines 316Ti's Ti/Mo balance.

904L's alloys make it more corrosion-durable overall, while 316Ti focuses on high-temp IGC.

Mechanical Properties: Similar Strength, Different Focus

Both have comparable room-temp strength, but 904L's higher alloys improve durability under stress.

Both durable, but 904L's composition enhances SCC resistance.

Physical Properties: Comparable with Acid Edge for 904L

Both have similar physicals, but 904L's alloys improve acid durability.

904L more resistant to thermal stress corrosion.

Corrosion Resistance: 904L's Dominance in Severe Conditions

904L outclasses 316Ti in most corrosives due to higher alloys.

• Pitting/Crevice: 904L PREN 43-47 vs. 23-28; CPT ~45-55°C vs. 25°C.
• IGC: Both resistant (316Ti Ti-stabilized, 904L low C).
• SCC: 904L better in chlorides/acids.
• Uniform: 904L <0.01 mm/year in strong acids; both good but 904L in harsher.
• High-Temp: 316Ti better for IGC at 425-815°C; 904L for general acid heat.

904L more corrosion-durable overall.

Weldability and Fabrication: Similar Ease

Both weld well; 316Ti's Ti eliminates annealing, 904L's high alloys require care to avoid hot cracking. Machinability ~60% for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti SA240 Type 316Ti offers simpler fab.

Applications: Duplex for Severe, 316Ti for Heat-Corrosives

• Common: Chemical equipment (both durable).
• 904L Specific: Pulp/paper (acid resistance).
• 316Ti Specific: High-temp processing (IGC protection).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. chemical, 904L lasted longer in H2SO4.

Cost Comparison: 904L's Premium for Performance

In 2025, 904L costs 50-80% more than 316Ti ($5,000-6,000/ton vs. $3,200-3,800 FOB China) due to Ni/Mo/Cu, but saves on maintenance in severe corrosives.

Equivalents: Alternatives for Both

316Ti equivalents: EN 1.4571. 904L equivalents: EN 1.4539. For A240 GR 316Ti, not interchangeable with 904L in acid-heavy apps.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks 316Ti and 904L at $3,200-3,800/ton (316Ti) and $5,000-6,000 (904L) FOB. 1-200mm thick, ASME SA240 certs. Contact for comparisons.

FAQ: 316Ti vs Duplex Corrosion & Cost Questions Answered

Q: How does corrosion resistance compare between 316Ti and duplex stainless steel?

A: Duplex (PREN ~35) has superior pitting/crevice/SCC resistance in chlorides/H2S due to high Cr/Mo/N, while 316Ti (PREN 23-28) excels in high-temp IGC with Ti but is less effective in severe corrosives like seawater.

Q: What is the cost difference between 316Ti and duplex in 2025?

A: Duplex costs 20-40% more ($3,500-4,500/ton vs. $3,200-3,800 for 316Ti FOB China) due to alloys, but reduces material use with higher strength, lowering overall TCO.

Q: Which has better high-temperature corrosion resistance, 316Ti or duplex?

A: 316Ti for IGC in high-heat acids due to Ti; duplex for general oxidation and SCC with higher Cr/Mo, but less IGC focus.

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

A: Duplex superior with CPT 35-45°C vs. 25°C for 316Ti; duplex's N enhances resistance in chlorides like seawater.

Q: Is duplex or 316Ti more cost-effective for corrosion-prone apps?

A: Duplex for severe corrosives (higher initial cost but longer life/thinner sections); 316Ti for high-temp acids (lower cost, good durability).

Q: What is the PREN of 316Ti vs duplex stainless steel?

A: 316Ti PREN 23-28; duplex (2205) ~35—duplex better for pitting.

Q: Can I substitute duplex for 316Ti in corrosion apps?

A: Yes for upgraded resistance, but duplex costs more and is harder to weld; 316Ti for high-temp IGC focus.

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