316, 316L, and 316Ti are different grades of stainless steel, each with its unique properties and applications. They all belong to the family of Austenitic stainless steels and are known for their high corrosion resistance.
- 316 Stainless Steel: This grade of stainless steel contains molybdenum-bearing, which significantly improves its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments compared with 304 stainless steel. It’s used in environments where high levels of corrosive elements are present, such as in marine applications or chemical processing plants.
- 316L Stainless Steel: The “L” in 316L stands for “Low carbon.” This variant has a lower carbon content than the standard 316 grade. The reduced carbon content makes this material more resistant to corrosion in welded constructions. It’s widely used in heavy gauge welded components.
- 316Ti Stainless Steel: The “Ti” in 316Ti stands for “Titanium.” This grade includes titanium for heat resistance, making it suitable for elevated temperature applications. The titanium content stabilizes the structure against chromium carbide precipitation, thereby providing resistance to sensitization, which results in better resistance to intergranular corrosion.