Stainless steel AISI 316Ti

Stainless Steel AISI 316Ti – The Material for High-Temperature Stainless Steel Containers and Corrosive Applications

Stainless steel 1.4571, also known as AISI 316Ti, is a highly alloyed austenitic stainless steel alloy, particularly appreciated for its excellent resistance to corrosion in extremely aggressive environments. 1.4571 is also colloquially referred to as V4A material. The addition of titanium makes stainless steel 1.4571 particularly stable and resistant to intergranular corrosion, which often occurs after welding. These properties make AISI 316Ti a preferred material for stainless steel containers and components used in the chemical, food, and many other industries with aggressive media.

In this article, we will describe the key features, benefits, and versatile applications of stainless steel 1.4571 in detail. Also, take a look at our article on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and our overview of common materials for stainless steel containers.

What is Stainless Steel AISI 316Ti  ? 

Stainless steel 1.4571 (also known as AISI 316Ti) is a variant of stainless steel grade 1.4401 (AISI 316), with the addition of titanium (Ti). The main component of stainless steel 1.4571 is iron, with chromium (16-18 %), nickel (10-14 %), and molybdenum (2-3 %) also included. The addition of titanium improves resistance to intergranular corrosion, which is especially important after welding. Titanium stabilizes the grain boundaries and prevents the formation of carbides that could promote corrosion.

Key Features of Stainless Steel 1.4571:

• Excellent corrosion resistance: The alloy is particularly resistant to many aggressive media, including chloride-containing solutions, acids, and alkalis. This makes stainless steel 1.4571 especially suitable for use in chemically demanding environments.
• High resistance to intergranular corrosion: Titanium provides a significant improvement in resistance to intergranular corrosion, which commonly occurs after welding.
• Weldability: Stainless steel 1.4571 is easy to weld, and the addition of titanium minimizes the risk of cracking and corrosion at the weld joints.
• Good mechanical properties: 1.4571 offers high toughness and strength, even at low temperatures. Additionally, the material remains formable and easy to process.
• Hygienic properties: Like other stainless steel alloys, 1.4571 offers a smooth, pore-free surface that is easy to clean and ensures high hygienic safety.

Depiction of a reaction vessel made of V4A 1.4571

Buy Used Containers & Reactors in 1.4571

At Behälter KG, you can benefit from over 200 in-stock used process plants, tanks, and reactors made of 1.4571. A used AISI 316Ti process container or storage tank is immediately available and significantly cheaper than purchasing new. This greatly reduces the investment risk without compromising on material quality. Additionally, by purchasing a used 1.4571 agitator or container, you contribute to the circular economy, as no new resources are needed for production in the spirit of sustainability.

The majority of our equipment made of 1.4571 comes from renowned companies in the chemical industry, where the material’s high-temperature resistance is crucial. For almost all equipment made of 1.4571, we provide extensive technical documentation and information on the exact last use, to quickly assess suitability for new projects. All in-stock containers and tanks made of 1.4571 can be viewed at our central warehouse in Bremen at any time.

Differences to Other Stainless Steel Alloys

AISI 316Ti differs from other stainless steel alloys like 1.4401 (AISI 316) primarily due to the addition of titanium. This addition improves resistance to intergranular corrosion, particularly after welding processes.

Compared to stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304), 1.4571 offers significantly higher resistance to chlorides and other aggressive media, making it ideal for use in the chemical industry, food industry, and coastal environments. The addition of molybdenum (2-3 %) is also a key factor for corrosion resistance, especially in salty environments.

Essential Properties of Stainless Steel 1.4571

Stainless steel 1.4571 offers numerous mechanical and chemical properties that make it a preferred choice for many demanding applications. Key properties include:

1. Corrosion Resistance

Thanks to the molybdenum content (2-3 %) and the addition of titanium, stainless steel 1.4571 offers exceptional corrosion resistance. Particularly notable is its resistance to:

• Chlorides and salts: Stainless steel 1.4571 is particularly resistant to chloride-containing solutions, making it suitable for applications near marine environments or in the food industry, where salt is commonly found.
• Acids and alkalis: The alloy offers excellent resistance to many organic and inorganic acids, as well as alkaline solutions, making it ideal for use in the chemical industry.
• High-temperature corrosion: Stainless steel 1.4571 demonstrates good resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications in hot environments.

2. High Weldability and Formability

Stainless steel 1.4571 is easy to weld without significant degradation of its mechanical properties. The addition of titanium prevents carbide formation during the welding process and protects against intergranular corrosion. This makes 1.4571 especially suitable for manufacturing complex stainless steel containers, pipelines, and machine components subjected to high loads.

3. Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion

An outstanding feature of stainless steel 1.4571 is its excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion, which can occur after welding. The addition of titanium stabilizes the grain boundaries and prevents the formation of chromium carbides that lead to this type of corrosion. This property makes AISI 316Ti ideal for applications requiring welding and high corrosion resistance.

4. Good Mechanical Properties

AISI 316Ti offers good strength and toughness, which remain stable even at low temperatures. The alloy shows high ductility and remains stable in a variety of applications. This makesAISI 316Ti a suitable choice for applications where mechanical loads or temperature fluctuations are expected.

5. Hygienic Surfaces

Like other austenitic stainless steels, AISI 316Ti offers a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean. This is especially important in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, where hygiene and cleanliness are of the highest priority. Stainless steel containers made of 1.4571 prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms, ensuring strict hygiene standards are met.

Applications of Stainless Steel AISI 316Ti

AISI 316Ti is used in a variety of high-load and corrosion-intensive applications. Notable areas of use include:

1. Chemical Industry

In the chemical industry, AISI 316Ti is used for manufacturing pipelines, reactors, pressure vessels, and storage tanks. Due to its excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals, particularly acids, alkalis, and chlorides, AISI 316Ti is the preferred choice for many processes involving high chemical stress.

2. Food Industry

AISI 316Ti is also used in the food industry, particularly in environments where high hygiene standards are required. Stainless steel containers made of 1.4571 are used for storing and transporting food, beverages, and chemicals, as they are not only corrosion-resistant but also easy to clean.

3. Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, AISI 316Ti is indispensable due to its corrosion resistance and hygienic properties. The material is used for manufacturing equipment and containers for storing and processing pharmaceutical substances, as it meets strict hygiene requirements and prevents contamination.

4. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Stainless steel 1.4571 is also used in the aerospace and mechanical engineering industries due to its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. It is used for components and parts subjected to extreme mechanical loads and temperatures, such as turbine components or machine housings.