316Ti Stainless Steel Properties And Price

Introduction

316Ti stainless steel is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel. This alloy adds titanium to address specific limitations while maintaining the excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties that make the 316 series.

The titanium improves the material's resistance to intergranular corrosion, particularly in high-temperature environments and after welding operations.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of 316Ti stainless steel, analyzing its chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, corrosion behavior, temperature performance, and current market pricing.

Chemical Composition and Specifications

The titanium content, which represents the defining difference from standard 316 stainless steel, is typically controlled at ≥5×C% (carbon content) with a general range of 0.2-0.7%.

The complete chemical composition includes:

Chromium (16.0-19.0%), which provides the fundamental corrosion resistance through the formation of a protective passive film;

Nickel (10.0-14.0%), which stabilizes the austenitic microstructure and enhances toughness;

Molybdenum (2.0-3.0%), which significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments.

The carbon content is controlled at a maximum of 0.08%.

While other compositions including silicon (≤1.00%), manganese (≤2.00%), phosphorus (≤0.045%), and sulfur (≤0.030%) are maintained at levels that minimize their potential negative effects on corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

And, 316Ti has many equlients including UNS S31635, EN 1.4571, and JIS SUS316Ti. This standards ensures consistent material properties regardless of manufacturing source, providing reliability for critical applications.

Mechanical and Physical Properties

316Ti stainless steel offers a balanced combination of strength, ductility, and toughness that makes it suitable for various structural and pressure-containing applications.

In the annealed condition, the material typically exhibits a minimum tensile strength of 520 MPa and a minimum yield strength of 205 MPa, with an impressive elongation of 40% or more.

The physical properties of 316Ti include a density of approximately 7.98 g/cm³ and a melting point range of 1375-1400°C.

The material exhibits typical austenitic stainless steel characteristics with high toughness even at cryogenic temperatures and no magnetic permeability in the annealed condition.

Table: Mechanical Properties of 316Ti Stainless Steel

The material responds well to cold working, with the ability to be significantly strengthened through processes like cold rolling or drawing.

However, this cold working introduces work hardening that may require intermediate annealing operations for severe forming applications.

Corrosion Resistance Performance

The corrosion resistance of 316Ti stainless steel represents one of its most valuable performances, particularly in aggressive chemical environments. The material maintains the excellent general corrosion resistance of the 316 alloy while offering enhanced performance.

The titanium addition primarily improves resistance to inter granular corrosion, a phenomenon that occurs when chromium carbides precipitate at grain boundaries during exposure to temperatures in the range of 550-800°C.

By forming stable titanium carbides preferentially to chromium carbides, the titanium prevents chromium depletion at grain boundaries, thereby maintaining the material's inherent corrosion resistance even after welding or high-temperature exposure.

This makes 316Ti particularly suitable for fabricated equipment where welding is extensive and post-weld heat treatment may not be practical.

In addition to improved inter granular corrosion resistance, 316Ti exhibits excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-containing environments such as seawater, chemical processing streams, and coastal atmospheres.

The material demonstrates good resistance to various organic and inorganic acids, including sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, and formic acids, making it suitable for chemical processing equipment.

This combination of corrosion resistance properties enables 316Ti to perform reliably in diverse corrosive environments, from mild atmospheric exposure to severe chemical processing conditions.

High-Temperature Performance

316Ti stainless steel offers enhanced high-temperature capabilities compared to standard 316 stainless steel, with effective service temperatures ranging from -198°C to approximately 900°C.

The material retains useful mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, with significant strength retention up to approximately 800°C.

This high-temperature strength, combined with good oxidation resistance, makes 316Ti suitable for applications such as heat exchangers, boiler components, furnace parts, and exhaust systems.

The high-temperature oxidation resistance derives from the formation of a protective chromium oxide scale that inhibits further oxidation attack.

For continuous using, 316Ti is generally recommended for temperatures up to approximately 850°C, while intermittent service can extend to 900°C. Above these temperatures, significant scaling may occur, and mechanical properties may degrade to unacceptable levels.

Manufacturing and Fabrication Properties

The fabrication properties of 316Ti stainless steel are generally favorable, with good weldability, formability, and machinability when appropriate techniques are employed.

The material can be welded using all standard fusion welding methods, including gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW/TIG), gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG), and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).

For optimal corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition, matching or over-alloyed filler metals such as ER316Ti or ER320 may be used.

Post-weld heat treatment is generally not required for 316Ti, which represents a significant advantage in fabricating large or complex structures where heat treatment would be impractical or costly.

Forming operations, both cold and hot, can be successfully performed on 316Ti stainless steel.

Cold forming characteristics are similar to other austenitic stainless steels, with relatively high work hardening rates that may necessitate intermediate annealing for severe forming operations.

Hot forming should be performed in the temperature range of 900-1200°C, followed by rapid cooling to optimize corrosion resistance.

Machining of 316Ti requires positive rake angles, rigid setups, and generous use of cutting fluids, which are recommended for optimal machining performance and tool life.

316Ti Stainless Steel Price

The price of 316Ti stainless steel varies based on product form, dimensions, quantity, purchase location, and surface finish.

Based on current market data, prices typically range from 1.80 to 4.00 per kilogram for standard forms such as sheet and plate, with variations based on specific dimensions and purchase quantity.

For precise pricing examples:

316Ti stainless steel pipe is offered at approximately 1,500−6,000 per metric ton (1.50−6.00 per kilogram) depending on specifications.

316Ti stainless steel plates are priced at about $1.80 per kilogram for a minimum order of 1 kilogram.

Prime quality 316Ti stainless steel plates are available at approximately $3.50 per kilogram.

Conclusion

316Ti stainless steel combines the excellent general corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel with enhanced resistance to inter granular corrosion, particularly after welding or high-temperature exposure.

With a current market price typically ranging from 1.80 to 4.00 per kilogram depending on product form and quantity.

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