How to find the right Titanium & Titanium Alloys Metal Raw Materials AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Titanium & Titanium Alloys Metal Raw Materials
- Grade matches the job
- Grade 1 or 2 (commercially pure) for forming, welding and corrosion resistance; Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) for strength; Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) for implant-type use Grade 5 is roughly two to three times as strong as Grade 2 but much harder to bend, form and cold-work.
- Stated specification
- Listing names the grade and an ASTM or AMS spec (ASTM B348 for bar, ASTM B265 for sheet and plate, ASTM F67 or F136 for surgical grades) Titanium sold without a grade or spec cannot be verified and may be the wrong alloy.
- Mill test report
- Mill test report or certificate of conformance is available and traceable to a heat or lot It is the only proof of chemistry and mechanical properties, and it is required for any regulated or load-bearing use.
- Dimensional tolerance and finish
- Tolerance on diameter or thickness is stated; the condition (annealed, as-rolled, ground, polished) is stated Undersized stock ruins fits, and the surface condition determines how much you must machine off.
What to avoid
- Listings that say only "titanium" or "titanium alloy" with no grade number
- Titanium-coated, titanium-plated or "titanium color" steel or aluminum
- Stock with no tolerance or no temper/condition given when the part has a tight fit
Questions
Grade 2 or Grade 5?
Choose Grade 2 if you need to bend, weld easily or resist corrosion. Choose Grade 5 if strength-to-weight is the point and you will machine rather than form the part.
Can I weld titanium with an ordinary MIG or TIG setup?
Only TIG with full argon shielding, including trailing and back purge. Blue, gray or white discoloration at the weld means it is contaminated and brittle.