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Published: November 8, 2025 | Updated: November 8, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence
In the demanding world of stainless steels, choosing between 316Ti and 304 can make or break a project's longevity, especially when strength and durability are on the line.
As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of both grades in forms like plates, sheets, and bars to industries such as petrochemical, marine, and construction.
If you're weighing options for a chemical tank or architectural structure, understanding their differences in strength, durability, and corrosion resistance is crucial. This guide compares 316Ti and 304 head-to-head, highlighting key advantages, based on industry standards and our mill experience.
From our production lines, we've seen 316Ti outperform 304 in high-heat durability: In a 2024 Australian infrastructure project, our 316Ti components resisted oxidation at 500°C, lasting 30% longer than 304 in similar conditions, as per client tests. 304 excels in cost-effective general use, but 316Ti's titanium and molybdenum additions boost durability in corrosives. Both are austenitic SS under ASTM A240 /A240M for plates, but their nuances matter. Let's explore, from composition to real-world strength, to help you decide.
316Ti and 304 stainless steels are both austenitic grades with good corrosion resistance, but 316Ti's added titanium and molybdenum provide superior durability in high-temperature and chloride environments, with higher tensile strength (515 MPa min vs. 515 MPa, but better retention at heat). 304 is more affordable and sufficient for mild conditions, while 316Ti shines in aggressive apps like marine or chemical processing. Density is similar (8.00 g/cm³ for 316Ti, 7.93 for 304), but 316Ti has better creep resistance. 316Ti costs 20-30% more but offers longer life. Gangsteel stocks both under ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure use.
The compositions reveal why 316Ti offers enhanced durability over 304. 316Ti includes molybdenum and titanium for better resistance, while 304 is a basic Cr-Ni alloy.
Standard composition (per ASTM A240, % by weight):
|
Element |
316Ti (UNS S31635) |
304 (UNS S30400) |
Impact on Strength & Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Carbon (C) |
0.08 max |
0.08 max |
Similar; low C in both for ductility, but 316Ti's Ti binds it for high-temp durability. |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
2.00 max |
2.00 max |
Identical; aids strength without corrosion impact. |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.75 max |
0.75 max |
No difference; oxidation resistance. |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
0.045 max |
0.045 max |
Identical impurity control. |
|
Sulfur (S) |
0.030 max |
0.030 max |
No difference. |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
16.00-18.00 |
18.00-20.00 |
304 has slightly higher Cr for general passivation; 316Ti balanced with Mo. |
|
Molybdenum (Mo) |
2.00-3.00 |
- |
Mo in 316Ti boosts pitting durability (PREN 23-28 vs. 18-20 for 304). |
|
Nickel (Ni) |
10.00-14.00 |
8.00-10.50 |
Higher Ni in 316Ti for austenite stability and durability in acids. |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
5x(C+N) min, 0.70 max |
- |
Ti in 316Ti prevents IGC at high temps, enhancing long-term durability. |
|
Nitrogen (N) |
0.10 max |
0.10 max |
Identical strength booster. |
|
Iron (Fe) |
Balance |
Balance |
Base matrix. |
316Ti's Mo and Ti give it an edge in durability against pitting and high-temp corrosion, while 304's higher Cr suits mild oxidation.
Both grades have similar room-temp strength, but 316Ti retains better at high temps due to Ti stabilization.
|
Property |
316Ti Min |
304 Min |
Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
515 |
515 |
Identical; 316Ti better retention at >500°C. |
|
Yield Strength (MPa) |
205 |
205 |
No difference; both ductile. |
|
Elongation (%) |
40 |
40 |
Equivalent for forming. |
|
Hardness (HRB max) |
95 |
92 |
Slightly softer 304 for machining. |
|
Impact Toughness (J) |
~100 at RT |
~100 at RT |
Similar; both good at low temps. |
316Ti's creep strength is higher, making it more durable in sustained loads at heat.
Both have similar physicals, but 316Ti's Ti improves high-temp stability.
|
Property |
316Ti Value |
304 Value |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Density (g/cm³) |
8.00 |
7.93 |
316Ti slightly denser due to Mo. |
|
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K at 100°C) |
14.6 |
16.2 |
304 better heat transfer. |
|
Specific Heat (J/kg·K) |
500 |
500 |
Identical. |
|
Thermal Expansion (10^-6 /°C, 20-100°C) |
16.5 |
17.3 |
Lower in 316Ti for less distortion. |
316Ti's lower expansion enhances durability in thermal cycling.
Both resist general corrosion well, but 316Ti's Ti prevents IGC at high temps, while 304 is vulnerable to sensitization.
316Ti is more durable for high-heat corrosives like exhausts.
Both weld well with ER316L fillers; no preheat. 316Ti's Ti eliminates post-weld annealing for IGC, while 304 requires care in heat zones. Machinability ~60% of carbon steel for both.
Gangsteel's 316Ti SA240 Type 316Ti welds without sensitization.
In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. marine, 316Ti lasted longer in salt.
316Ti equivalents: UNS S31635, EN 1.4571. 304 equivalents: UNS S30400, EN 1.4301. For A240 GR 316Ti, it's not interchangeable with 304 in heat.
Gangsteel stocks 316Ti and 304 at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB (316Ti higher). 1-200mm thick, ASME SA240 certs. Contact for comparisons.
Q: How does strength compare between 316Ti and 304 stainless steel?
A: Both have similar tensile (515 MPa min) and yield (205 MPa min) at room temp, but 316Ti retains strength better at high temps due to Ti stabilization, with superior creep resistance above 500°C.
Q: Which is more durable, 316Ti or 304 stainless steel?
A: 316Ti is more durable in high-temp and corrosive environments due to Ti preventing IGC and Mo enhancing pitting (PREN 23-28 vs. 18-20 for 304), lasting longer in acids/heat.
Q: What are the key differences in composition between 316Ti and 304?
A: 316Ti has Mo (2-3%) for pitting and Ti (0.7 max) for high-temp stability, while 304 lacks both, with lower Ni (8-10.5%) and Cr (18-20%). This makes 316Ti stronger in corrosives.
Q: Is 316Ti stronger than 304 stainless steel?
A: Yes at high temps, where 316Ti's creep strength is higher; at room temp, similar tensile but 316Ti often shows better retention in durability tests.
Q: How does durability differ in corrosive environments for 316Ti vs 304?
A: 316Ti offers better durability in chlorides and high-heat acids due to Mo/Ti, with lower corrosion rates (<0.1 mm/year) and no IGC; 304 is good for mild but vulnerable to pitting/SCC.
Q: What is the price difference between 316Ti and 304 in 2025?
A: 316Ti is 20-30% more expensive due to Ti/Mo; $3,200-3,800/ton vs. $2,500-3,000/ton for 304 FOB China. Gangsteel's mill-direct minimizes the gap.
Q: When should I use 316Ti instead of 304 stainless steel?
A: Use 316Ti for high-temp or chloride-heavy apps where durability against IGC/pitting is needed; 304 for mild, cost-sensitive general use.
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