316Ti vs 316L Stainless Steel:Key Differences Explained

316Ti vs 316L Stainless Steel: Key Differences Explained

Published: November 7, 2025 | Updated: November 7, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the competitive landscape of stainless steels, choosing between 316Ti and 316L can significantly impact your project's performance, especially in environments prone to corrosion or high temperatures.

As a leading 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, pharmaceutical, and marine.

If you're debating which to use for a heat exchanger or piping system, understanding their key differences in composition, properties, and applications is essential. This guide breaks it down, highlighting why 316Ti often edges out 316L in certain scenarios, based on industry standards and our mill experience.

From our production lines, we've seen 316Ti shine: In a 2024 European chemical facility, our 316Ti plates resisted intergranular corrosion at 600°C, outlasting 316L by 30% in acidic conditions, as per client tests. 316L, with its low carbon, excels in general corrosion resistance, but 316Ti's titanium stabilization adds high-temp protection. Both are austenitic SS under ASTM A240 /A240M for plates, but their nuances matter. Let's explore the differences to help you choose wisely.

Summary

316Ti and 316L are both austenitic stainless steels with excellent corrosion resistance, but 316Ti's titanium addition prevents carbide precipitation at high temperatures (425-815°C), making it superior for sustained heat exposure and resisting intergranular corrosion. 316L, with lower carbon (0.03% max), offers better general weldability and resistance to sensitization in ambient conditions but may falter in prolonged high-heat apps.Both have similar mechanical properties (515 MPa tensile, 205 MPa yield) and density (8.00 g/cm³), but 316Ti has higher creep resistance. 316Ti is pricier (~10-20% more) but worth it for high-temp stability; 316L is cost-effective for general use. Gangsteel stocks both under ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps.

Chemical Composition: The Core Difference

The chemical makeup is where 316Ti and 316L diverge most notably. 316Ti includes titanium stabilization to bind carbon and prevent sensitization, while 316L relies on ultra-low carbon.

Standard composition (per ASTM A240, % by weight):

316Ti's Ti (0.4-0.7%) is the game-changer, stabilizing against carbide formation at 425-815°C, where 316L's low C (0.03% max) is effective but less so in prolonged heat. This makes 316Ti better for high-temp apps, while 316L excels in welded structures at room temp.

Mechanical Properties: Similar but with Nuances

Both grades have comparable mechanicals in annealed state, but 316Ti shows better creep and stress rupture at high temps due to Ti.

316Ti retains strength better above 500°C, with creep resistance superior to 316L. For SA240 Type 316Ti plates, Gangsteel ensures enhanced high-temp performance.

Physical Properties: Density and Thermal Behavior

Both have identical density (8.00 g/cm³), but 316Ti's Ti improves high-temp stability.

316Ti's Ti prevents phase changes at heat, maintaining properties better.

Corrosion Resistance: Where 316Ti Edges Out

Both offer excellent general corrosion resistance, but 316Ti's Ti stabilization prevents IGC after welding or heat exposure, while 316L uses low C for similar but limited high-temp protection.

• Pitting/Crevice: PREN 23-28 for both; CPT ~25°C in FeCl3.
• IGC: 316Ti resistant per ASTM A262; superior in 500-800°C range.
• SCC: Both good in chlorides; 316Ti better post-heat.
• Uniform: <0.1 mm/year in dilute acids for both.

316Ti is preferred for sustained high-heat corrosives, like in boilers.

Weldability and Fabrication: Comparable Ease

Both are highly weldable with fillers like ER316L; no preheat needed. 316Ti's Ti eliminates post-weld annealing for IGC prevention, while 316L's low C does the same at ambient. Machinability ~60% of carbon steel for both.

Gangsteel's 316Ti welds show no sensitization, ideal for fabricated tanks.

Applications: Overlapping but Specialized

• Common: Chemical piping, food equipment (both non-reactive).
• 316Ti Specific: High-temp exhausts, boilers (Ti stability).
• 316L Specific: Welded structures at room temp (low C).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. pharma, 316Ti handled steam without corrosion.

Equivalents: Global Alternatives

316Ti equivalents: UNS S31635, EN 1.4571. For A240 GR 316Ti, it's interchangeable with 316L in mild apps.

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

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

FAQ: 316Ti vs 316L Stainless Steel Questions Answered

Q: What are the key differences between 316Ti and 316L stainless steel?

A: The main difference is stabilization: 316Ti uses titanium to prevent carbide precipitation at high temps (425-815°C), resisting IGC better than 316L, which relies on low carbon (0.03% max) for ambient welding protection. 316Ti has higher creep resistance and strength at elevated temps, while 316L offers slightly better general corrosion in low-temp apps. Both have PREN 23-28, but 316Ti is preferred for sustained heat.

Q: How do the chemical compositions of 316Ti and 316L differ?

A: 316Ti has C 0.08 max with Ti 0.70 max for stabilization, while 316L has C 0.03 max without Ti. Other elements (Cr 16-18%, Mo 2-3%, Ni 10-14%) are identical, giving similar general corrosion but 316Ti's Ti prevents high-temp IGC.

Q: Which has better corrosion resistance, 316Ti or 316L?

A: 316Ti has superior resistance to intergranular corrosion at high temps due to Ti, while 316L excels in welded structures at ambient temps with low C. Both have similar pitting resistance (PREN 23-28), but 316Ti is better for prolonged heat exposure.

Q: How do the mechanical properties of 316Ti and 316L compare?

A: Both have tensile 515 MPa min, yield 205 MPa min for 316Ti (170 MPa for 316L), elongation 40% min. 316Ti shows better creep and stress rupture at high temps due to Ti, while 316L has slightly lower yield but similar overall.

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

A: 316Ti is 10-20% more expensive than 316L due to Ti addition; expect $3,200-3,800/ton for 316Ti vs. $2,800-3,300/ton for 316L FOB China. Gangsteel's mill-direct pricing minimizes the gap.

Q: When should I choose 316Ti over 316L?

A: Choose 316Ti for high-temp apps (e.g., exhausts, boilers) where IGC risk is high; 316L for ambient welded structures. 316Ti's Ti provides better long-term stability in heat.

Q: Are 316Ti and 316L interchangeable?

A: Mostly yes for general corrosion, but not for high-temp or post-weld heat exposure where 316Ti's Ti stabilization is superior. Always check specs.