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What is the difference between SS 316 and SS 316Ti?
Short answer
SS 316Ti adds titanium, at least five times the carbon content, to tie up carbon as titanium carbides, protecting it from sensitisation and helping it keep strength at elevated temperature. At room temperature its corrosion resistance matches SS 316. It is the standard SS 316-type grade (1.4571) in German and Central European practice.
SS 316 vs SS 316Ti at a glance
| Property | SS 316 | SS 316Ti |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | S31600 | S31635 |
| EN | 1.4401 | 1.4571 |
| Family | Austenitic stainless steel | Austenitic stainless steel |
| C (%) | 0.08 max | 0.08 max |
| Cr (%) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Ni (%) | 10.0 – 14.0 | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Mo (%) | 2.00 – 3.00 | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| N (%) | 0.10 max | 0.10 max |
| Ti (%) | — | 5×(C+N) – 0.70 |
| Tensile strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) | 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield strength | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| PREN | 23 – 25 | 23 – 25 |
| Density | 8 g/cm³ | 8 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic | Essentially non-magnetic when annealed; cold work can make it slightly magnetic. | Essentially non-magnetic when annealed; cold work can make it slightly magnetic. |
| Typical use | Chemical and petrochemical process equipment | Heat exchangers and pressure vessels to EN / AD 2000 |
Which should you choose?
There's no universal "winner": the right choice depends on service conditions, codes and cost. Share your conditions with us for a recommendation.
Why European specifications favour 1.4571
Before low-carbon steelmaking was common, titanium stabilisation was the reliable way to make weldable Mo-bearing stainless, and EN and AD 2000 equipment designs kept the habit. On export projects to Germany and Central Europe, drawings frequently call for 1.4571 even where ASTM-based designs would use SS 316L.
Substitution
SS 316L (1.4404) is often accepted as an alternative to 1.4571 for room-temperature service, but only with the purchaser's approval, because design codes may rely on 1.4571's elevated-temperature strength values.
Products in both grades
Related guides, comparisons and articles
Guides
Frequently asked questions
Is SS 316Ti harder to polish?
Yes. Titanium carbonitrides can show as fine streaks on highly polished surfaces, so SS 316L is preferred for decorative or hygienic polish.
Which ASTM specification covers SS 316Ti plate?
ASTM A240 covers SS 316Ti (UNS S31635).
What is the main difference between SS 316 and SS 316Ti?
SS 316Ti adds titanium stabilisation against sensitisation and keeps strength better at elevated temperature. It's the dominant SS 316-type in German/EU practice (1.4571). Corrosion resistance at ambient temperature is similar.
When should I choose SS 316?
ASTM-based projects and general service.
When should I choose SS 316Ti?
EN/AD 2000 equipment and prolonged 400–800 °C exposure.
Can SS 316 replace SS 316Ti?
Only when the design, code and specification allow it. Strength, corrosion resistance and temperature limits differ, so substitution must be approved by the design authority.
Which has better pitting resistance, SS 316 or SS 316Ti?
Typical PREN: SS 316 23 – 25, SS 316Ti 23 – 25. A higher PREN generally means better chloride pitting resistance.