316Ti vs 316L: Which Stainless Steel is Right for You? | Gangsteel

 

Choosing between 316Ti stainless steel and 316L stainless steel can be critical for your project’s success, as both alloys offer unique properties tailored to specific applications.

As a leading supplier, Gangsteel provides high-quality 316Ti and 316L stainless steel in forms like sheets, plates, bars, and pipes, compliant with standards such as ASME SA240 and ASTM A240. This guide compares 316Ti and 316L stainless steel, detailing their chemical compositions, mechanical properties, equivalent grades, and applications to help you decide which is best for your needs, with insights from Gangsteel’s expertise.

 

1. Overview of 316Ti and 316L Stainless Steel

Both 316Ti and 316L are austenitic stainless steels, variants of the 316 grade, known for excellent corrosion resistance and versatility. However, their distinct compositions make them suited for different environments:

  • 316Ti Stainless Steel: Enhanced with titanium (0.4–0.7%) to prevent intergranular corrosion during welding or high-temperature exposure (425–815°C), making it ideal for high-temperature and corrosive applications. (316Ti stainless steel)
  • 316L Stainless Steel: A low-carbon variant of 316 (carbon ≤0.03%), designed to minimize carbide precipitation during welding, offering excellent corrosion resistance for general-purpose applications at lower temperatures.

Gangsteel’s 316Ti and 316L products meet standards like JIS G4304 and ISO TR15510, ensuring quality for diverse industries.

 

2. Applicable Standards for 316Ti and 316L

Both alloys adhere to international standards, ensuring consistent performance:

  • ASME SA240: Specifies chromium-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips for pressure vessels, covering both 316Ti and 316L. (ASME SA240)
  • ASTM A240: Defines standards for plates, sheets, and strips, ensuring corrosion resistance for 316Ti and 316L. (ASTM A240 316Ti)
  • JIS G4304: Covers hot-rolled stainless steel plates and bars, including SUS316Ti and SUS316L. (JIS G4304 SUS316Ti)
  • ASTM A959: Provides standard grades for wrought stainless steels, including 316Ti and 316L. (ASTM A959 316Ti)
  • ISO TR15510: Specifies chemical compositions for stainless steels. (ISO TR15510)
  • ASTM A312 & ASME SA312: Cover seamless and welded stainless steel pipes for both grades. (ASTM A312 Material, ASME SA312)
  • ASTM A213 & ASME SA213: Define seamless stainless steel tubes for boilers and heat exchangers. (ASTM A213 Material, ASME SA213)

These standards ensure Gangsteel’s 316Ti and 316L products meet global quality requirements.

 

3. Chemical Composition Comparison

The chemical compositions of 316Ti and 316L, as per ASME SA240, highlight their key differences:

Element

316Ti (%)

316L (%)

Role

Carbon (C)

≤0.08

≤0.03

316L’s lower carbon reduces carbide precipitation during welding.

Chromium (Cr)

16.0–18.0

16.0–18.0

Boosts corrosion resistance in chloride environments.

Nickel (Ni)

10.0–14.0

10.0–14.0

Improves toughness and acid resistance.

Molybdenum (Mo)

2.0–3.0

2.0–3.0

Enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

Titanium (Ti)

≥5xC, ≤0.70

-

316Ti’s titanium stabilizes against intergranular corrosion at high temperatures.

Manganese (Mn)

≤2.0

≤2.0

Supports strength and formability.

Silicon (Si)

≤1.0

≤1.0

Improves oxidation resistance.

Phosphorus (P)

≤0.045

≤0.045

Ensures weldability and toughness.

Sulfur (S)

≤0.03

≤0.03

Enhances machinability and corrosion resistance.

  • 316Ti: Titanium addition ensures stability at high temperatures, per JIS G4304 SUS316Ti.
  • 316L: Lower carbon content minimizes sensitization, ideal for welding in general environments.

 

4. Mechanical Properties Comparison

The mechanical properties of 316Ti and 316L, as per ASME SA240, are similar but tailored for different conditions:

Property

316Ti Value

316L Value

Description

Tensile Strength (MPa)

≥515

≥485

316Ti slightly stronger due to titanium; both ensure structural integrity.

Yield Strength (MPa)

≥205

≥170

316Ti resists deformation better at high temperatures.

Elongation (%)

≥40

≥40

Both support forming and machining for stainless cutting sheet parts.

Hardness (HB)

≤217

≤217

Balances toughness and machinability.

Impact Resistance

Excellent at low temperatures

Excellent at low temperatures

Ideal for cryogenic applications.

  • 316Ti: Slightly higher strength, per ASTM A959 316Ti, suits high-temperature structural applications.
  • 316L: Lower yield strength but excellent for welding in standard conditions.

 

5. Equivalent Grades for 316Ti and 316L

Both alloys have equivalent grades across standards, ensuring global compatibility:

Standard

316Ti Grade

316L Grade

Reference

ASME SA240

316Ti

316L

ASME SA240 316Ti

ASTM A240

316Ti

316L

ASTM A240 316Ti

JIS G4304

SUS316Ti

SUS316L

JIS G4304 SUS316Ti

EN

1.4571

1.4404

ISO TR15510

UNS

S31635

S31603

ASTM A959 316Ti

These equivalents, per ISO TR15510, ensure flexibility for international projects.

 

6. Key Differences: 316Ti vs 316L

Aspect

316Ti

316L

Composition

Contains titanium for high-temperature stability.

Low carbon to prevent sensitization during welding.

Temperature Range

Excels up to 900°C, ideal for heat-intensive applications.

Best for temperatures below 500°C; may weaken at higher temperatures.

Weldability

Titanium prevents intergranular corrosion post-welding at high temperatures.

Low carbon ensures excellent weldability in standard conditions.

Corrosion Resistance

Superior in high-temperature, chloride-rich environments.

Excellent in general corrosive environments, especially post-welding.

Cost

Slightly higher due to titanium content.

More cost-effective for general applications.

  • Choose 316Tifor high-temperature applications or welded structures exposed to aggressive environments, like ASTM A312 material pipes in chemical plants.
  • 316Lfor general-purpose applications requiring cost-effective corrosion resistance, such as stainless cutting sheet parts in milder conditions.

 

7. Applications of 316Ti and 316L Stainless Steel

316Ti Applications

316L Applications

  • Food & Pharmaceutical: Hygienic equipment like tanks, compliant with JIS G4304.
  • General Manufacturing: Structural components and stainless cutting sheet parts for non-high-temperature environments.
  • Medical Devices: Biocompatible implants and instruments due to excellent corrosion resistance.

 

8. Gangsteel’s 316Ti and 316L Stainless Steel Offerings

Gangsteel offers a comprehensive inventory of 316Ti and 316L stainless steel:

Product Type

Specifications

Standards

Sheets/Plates

Thickness: 0.5–100 mm, Width: 1000–2500 mm, Length: 2000–12000 mm

ASTM A240 316Ti, ASME SA240

Bars (Round, Square, Hex)

Diameter: 4–300 mm, Length: 1–6 meters

ASTM A959 316Ti

Pipes (Seamless/Welded)

Outer Diameter: 1/2"–24" NB, Wall Thickness: SCH 5S–XXS, Length: Up to 12000 mm

ASTM A312 Material, ASME SA312

Tubes

Outer Diameter: 6–114 mm, Wall Thickness: 0.5–8 mm, Length: Up to 12000 mm

ASTM A213 Material, ASME SA213

Our stainless cutting sheet parts are precision-crafted for both grades.

 

9. Why Choose Gangsteel for 316Ti and 316L Stainless Steel?

Gangsteel is your trusted supplier for 316Ti and 316L stainless steel, offering:

  1. Premium Quality: Certified to ASME SA240 and ASTM A959 with rigorous testing.
  2. Extensive Inventory: Immediate availability of 316Ti and 316L sheets, bars, and pipes.
  3. Customization: Precision stainless 316Ti cutting sheets and custom sizes.
  4. Competitive Pricing: Transparent pricing for cost-effective solutions.
  5. Global Delivery: Fast, reliable shipping with secure packaging.
  6. Expert Support: Technical guidance to choose between 316Ti and 316L.

 

10. How to Source 316Ti and 316L from Gangsteel

Ready to source 316Ti or 316L stainless steel? Gangsteel makes it easy:

Choose Gangsteel for high-quality 316Ti and 316L stainless steel to meet your project needs with precision and reliability.

 

Other Products