GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti Stainless Steel: Properties, Uses & Comparison Guide

If you’re looking for a stainless steel that handles heat and resists corrosion—especially after welding—GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti Stainless Steel is a top contender. But what makes its titanium-stabilized design unique? And when should you choose it over common grades like SUS304? This guide breaks down its key features, real-world uses, manufacturing steps, and how it stacks up to other materials. By the end, you’ll have all the info to pick the right steel for your project.

1. Material Properties of GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti

The performance of GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti starts with its one-of-a-kind alloy composition and austenitic structure—paired with a critical feature: titanium stabilization. Let’s break down what makes it reliable:

Core Alloy Elements

• High chromium content (17.0-19.0%): Forms a protective oxide layer to fight rust and general corrosion.
• High nickel content (9.0-12.0%): Keeps the austenitic structure stable, boosting ductility and low-temperature toughness.
• Titanium stabilization (0.20-0.80% Ti): Binds with carbon in the alloy, preventing chromium carbides from forming during high-heat processes (like welding). This eliminates a major cause of intergranular corrosion (a common flaw in non-stabilized steels).
• Carbon content (max 0.08%): Balances strength and weldability without compromising corrosion resistance.

Key Mechanical Strength Data

A real example: A Shanghai boiler manufacturer uses GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti for heat exchanger tubes. The material’s high elongation (≥40%) lets tubes bend into tight shapes, while titanium stabilization ensures they don’t corrode—even after welding and repeated exposure to 300°C hot water.

2. Applications of GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti

GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti shines in projects that involve heat, welding, or mild corrosive environments—where non-stabilized steels (like SUS304) might fail. Here are its top uses, with practical cases:

• Chemical Processing Plants: Ideal for pipes and reactors that handle mild acids (e.g., acetic acid) and high temperatures. A Jiangsu chemical plant replaced SUS304 pipes with GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti—the new pipes showed no intergranular corrosion after 2 years of welding and heat cycles.
• Food Processing Equipment: Used for baking ovens, sterilizers, and mixing tanks. A Guangdong bakery chose GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti for oven interiors—its heat resistance (up to 800°C) and easy-to-clean surface prevent food sticking and rust.
• Aerospace Components: Found in internal parts of aircraft (e.g., fuel lines) that need to withstand temperature changes. A Chinese aerospace supplier reported that GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti parts meet strict weight and durability requirements, with no corrosion issues at high altitudes.
• Medical Devices: Used for surgical instrument trays and autoclave chambers. A Wuhan hospital uses GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti trays—their resistance to high-temperature sterilization (121°C) and non-toxicity keep instruments clean and safe.
• Construction Materials: Used for high-temperature exhaust systems in commercial buildings. A Beijing mall installed GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti exhaust ducts—they’ve resisted corrosion from city pollution and heat for 5 years.
• Other uses: Automotive Parts (exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty trucks), Electrical Appliances (oven heating elements), and Sanitary Fittings (high-temperature water faucets).

3. Manufacturing Processes for GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti

Producing GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti requires precise steps to preserve its titanium stabilization and austenitic structure. Here’s how it’s made:

1. Hot Rolling: Heat the alloy to 1100-1200°C and roll it into thick plates or coils. This step softens the material for shaping—critical for making large parts like reactor shells. A Hebei steel mill uses hot rolling to produce 20mm-thick GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti plates for chemical plants.
2. Cold Rolling: Use room-temperature pressure to reduce thickness (e.g., to 1mm for oven sheets). Cold rolling improves surface smoothness but hardens the metal—so annealing is needed next.
3. Annealing: Heat to 950-1050°C, hold for 30 minutes, then cool rapidly. This restores ductility and ensures titanium fully binds with carbon (key for titanium stabilization). A Zhejiang factory anneals all GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti sheets to prevent cracking during bending.
4. Pickling: Dip in nitric acid to remove oxide scales from rolling. Pickling brightens the surface and enhances corrosion resistance—essential for food or medical parts.
5. Drawing/Extrusion: Pull the alloy through dies to make wires or tubes. Drawn GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti wires are used for medical instrument springs, while extruded tubes work in chemical pipes.
6. Machining: Cut the material into final parts (e.g., valve handles). Use high-speed steel tools—its ductility means it can be drilled or turned easily without chipping. A Shenzhen workshop recommends a cutting speed of 180 m/min for best results.
7. Forging: Hammer the alloy into complex shapes (e.g., pump casings). Forging at 900-1000°C ensures parts keep their strength and titanium stabilization benefits.

6. Standards and Specifications for GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti

To ensure you’re getting high-quality, genuine GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti, always check compliance with these standards:

• GB/T 20878: The core Chinese standard for stainless steels—it defines the alloy’s alloy composition (including titanium content), mechanical strength, and testing methods.
• ASTM A240: U.S. standard—GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti is equivalent to ASTM 321, so it meets this standard’s requirements for flat products (plates, sheets).
• EN 10088: European standard—equivalent grade is X6CrNiTi18-10, making it suitable for EU-based projects (e.g., food processing plants in Germany).
• ISO Standards: ISO 15510 aligns with GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti for pressure equipment (e.g., chemical reactors).

Always ask suppliers for:

• Material Certification (e.g., Mill Test Report) to verify titanium content (must be 0.20-0.80%) and mechanical properties.
• Conformance Testing results (e.g., GB/T 4334.5 for intergranular corrosion resistance—critical for welded parts).
• Technical Data Sheets (TDS) with details on annealing temperatures and welding guidelines.

Quality control is key: A Fujian supplier once sold fake GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti with too little titanium—parts developed intergranular corrosion after welding. Always confirm compliance before buying.

7. Comparison: GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti vs. Other Materials

How does GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti stack up against common stainless steels and alloys? Below is a side-by-side comparison focusing on key factors like corrosion resistance, strength, and cost:

For example: If you’re building a welded chemical reactor, GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti is better than SUS304 (no intergranular corrosion) and cheaper than SUS316. If you’re making a home kitchen sink, though, SUS304 is more cost-effective.

Yigu Technology’s Perspective

At Yigu Technology, we’ve supplied GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti to chemical, aerospace, and food clients for 14 years. Its biggest strength is titanium stabilization—it eliminates the need for post-weld heat treatment, saving clients time and money. Our data shows it reduces welded part failures by 35% vs. SUS304 in high-heat projects. We also offer custom machining to ensure parts fit tight tolerances, like aerospace fuel lines. For clients needing reliable performance in welded, hot environments, it’s our go-to recommendation.

FAQ

1. Can GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti be used in seawater?
   No—its Pitting Resistance Equivalent (PRE) of 18 is too low for saltwater. It will develop pitting corrosion over time. For marine applications, use SUS316 or duplex stainless steel instead.
2. Do I need post-weld heat treatment for GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti?
   No—titanium stabilization binds carbon, preventing intergranular corrosion. This skips the need for post-weld annealing, unlike SUS304 (which requires heat treatment after welding for corrosive projects).
3. Is GB 0Cr18Ni10Ti safe for food contact?
   Yes—it meets global food safety standards (e.g., China’s GB 4806.9). Its non-toxic composition and resistance to high temperatures make it ideal for baking ovens and food sterilizers.