Grade 1 Titanium Material Guide

Overview

Grade 1 Titanium is the softest and most ductile commercially pure titanium grade, offering exceptional corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and biocompatibility. It is classified under ASTM standards as Titanium Grade 1 (UNS R50250) and is widely used in chemical processing, marine environments, medical equipment, and architectural applications.

Among all commercially pure titanium grades, Grade 1 provides the highest ductility and best cold-forming capability, making it ideal for applications requiring complex fabrication and superior corrosion resistance rather than maximum strength.

Grade 1 titanium is widely used in:

  • Chemical Processing Equipment
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Marine Components
  • Medical Devices
  • Aerospace Ducting
  • Architectural Applications
  • Desalination Systems
  • Anodized Decorative Components

Because of its outstanding corrosion resistance and excellent fabrication characteristics, Grade 1 remains a preferred material in highly corrosive environments.


Material Specification

PropertyValue
Material DesignationGrade 1 Titanium
UNS NumberR50250
ASTM StandardASTM B265 / ASTM B348 / ASTM B381
Material FamilyCommercially Pure Titanium
Density4.51 g/cm³
Magnetic PropertyNon-Magnetic
Typical Supply ConditionAnnealed
Standard FormsSheet, Plate, Bar, Rod, Tube, Wire

Chemical Composition

ElementContent (%)
Titanium (Ti)Balance
Oxygen (O)≤0.18
Iron (Fe)≤0.20
Carbon (C)≤0.08
Nitrogen (N)≤0.03
Hydrogen (H)≤0.015

The low oxygen and iron content contribute to excellent ductility and formability.


Mechanical Properties

Annealed Condition

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength≥240 MPa
Yield Strength≥170 MPa
Elongation≥24%
Hardness70–120 HB
Elastic Modulus105 GPa

Typical Mechanical Performance

PropertyValue
Fatigue ResistanceGood
Impact ToughnessExcellent
DuctilityOutstanding
FormabilityOutstanding

Physical Properties

PropertyValue
Density4.51 g/cm³
Melting Point1668°C
Thermal Conductivity17 W/m·K
Electrical Conductivity3% IACS
Electrical Resistivity0.55 μΩ·m
Thermal Expansion Coefficient8.6 × 10⁻⁶/K
Specific Heat Capacity520 J/kg·K

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

MaterialDensity (g/cm³)Tensile Strength
Grade 1 Titanium4.51240 MPa
Stainless Steel 316L8.00485 MPa
Aluminum 6061-T62.70310 MPa
Grade 2 Titanium4.51345 MPa

Although Grade 1 has lower strength than other titanium grades, it offers excellent weight savings and corrosion resistance.


Corrosion Resistance

EnvironmentPerformance
Fresh WaterExcellent
Salt WaterExcellent
Marine AtmosphereExcellent
Chloride SolutionsExcellent
Oxidizing AcidsExcellent
Chemical ProcessingExcellent

Grade 1 titanium develops a stable titanium oxide film that provides exceptional corrosion resistance.

Recommended surface treatments:

  • Pickling
  • Passivation
  • Polishing
  • Anodizing
  • Electropolishing

Weldability

Welding ProcessRating
TIG WeldingOutstanding
MIG WeldingExcellent
Resistance WeldingExcellent
Laser WeldingExcellent

Grade 1 offers the best weldability among commercially pure titanium grades.


Machinability

ProcessRating
CNC TurningModerate
CNC MillingModerate
DrillingModerate
GrindingGood
FormingOutstanding

Machinability Comparison

MaterialMachinability
Aluminum 6061Excellent
Stainless Steel 304Moderate
Grade 1 TitaniumModerate
Grade 5 TitaniumDifficult

Proper tooling and cutting parameters are recommended to avoid heat buildup.


Heat Treatment

Stress Relief

ParameterValue
Temperature480–650°C
Cooling MethodAir Cool

Annealing

ParameterValue
Temperature650–760°C
Cooling MethodAir Cool

Heat Treatability

PropertyPerformance
Heat Treat HardeningNo
Annealing ResponseExcellent
Cold Work StrengtheningLimited

Commercially pure titanium grades are generally not strengthened through heat treatment.


International Equivalent Grades

StandardEquivalent Grade
ASTM (USA)Grade 1
UNSR50250
ISOTitanium Grade 1
DIN (Germany)3.7025
EN (Europe)Titanium Grade 1
JIS (Japan)Class 1 Titanium
GB/T (China)TA1

Available Forms

Product TypeAvailability
SheetYes
PlateYes
Round BarYes
Flat BarYes
TubeYes
PipeYes
WireYes
ForgingsYes

Typical Applications

Chemical Processing Industry

  • Heat Exchangers
  • Pressure Vessels
  • Reactor Components
  • Piping Systems

Marine Industry

  • Seawater Piping
  • Desalination Equipment
  • Offshore Components
  • Marine Fasteners

Medical Industry

  • Surgical Equipment
  • Medical Devices
  • Laboratory Equipment

Aerospace Industry

  • Ducting Systems
  • Hydraulic Tubing
  • Corrosion-Resistant Components

Architecture Industry

  • Decorative Panels
  • Building Facades
  • Roofing Systems

Environmental Industry

  • Water Treatment Equipment
  • Pollution Control Systems
  • Chemical Storage Equipment

Manufacturing Characteristics

Manufacturing ProcessRating
CNC MachiningGood
FormingOutstanding
Deep DrawingOutstanding
WeldingOutstanding
AnodizingExcellent
PolishingExcellent

Advantages

Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

One of the most corrosion-resistant engineering metals available.

Outstanding Formability

Best cold-forming capability among titanium grades.

Excellent Weldability

Highly suitable for fabricated structures and welded assemblies.

Lightweight

Approximately 45% lighter than stainless steel.

Biocompatible

Safe for medical and food-processing applications.

Non-Magnetic

Suitable for sensitive electronic and medical environments.


Limitations

Lower Strength Than Other Titanium Grades

Not suitable for highly loaded structural applications.

Higher Material Cost

More expensive than stainless steel and aluminum.

Lower Wear Resistance

Not recommended for severe abrasion environments.

Lower Conductivity

Poor electrical and thermal conductivity.


Comparison with Other Titanium Grades

PropertyGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 5
StrengthLowestModerateHigherHighest
DuctilityBestExcellentGoodModerate
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
WeldabilityOutstandingExcellentGoodGood
FormabilityOutstandingExcellentGoodModerate

Comparison with Common Materials

MaterialDensityCorrosion ResistanceStrength
Grade 1 Titanium4.51 g/cm³ExcellentModerate
Grade 2 Titanium4.51 g/cm³ExcellentHigher
316L Stainless Steel8.00 g/cm³ExcellentHigher
Aluminum 60612.70 g/cm³GoodModerate

Available Surface Finishes

Raw Finishes

  • Mill Finish
  • Annealed Finish
  • Pickled Finish

Functional Finishes

  • Precision Machined Finish
  • Polished Finish
  • Brushed Finish

Specialty Finishes

  • Anodized Finish
  • Electropolished Finish
  • Medical Grade Finish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Grade 1 titanium?

Grade 1 is the softest and most ductile commercially pure titanium grade with outstanding corrosion resistance.

What is Grade 1 titanium used for?

Typical applications include:

  • Heat Exchangers
  • Chemical Equipment
  • Marine Components
  • Medical Devices
  • Architectural Panels

What is the equivalent material to Grade 1 titanium?

Common equivalents include:

  • UNS R50250
  • DIN 3.7025
  • TA1
  • Titanium Grade 1

What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 titanium?

PropertyGrade 1Grade 2
StrengthLowerHigher
DuctilityHigherLower
FormabilityBetterExcellent
CostSimilarSimilar

Is Grade 1 titanium corrosion resistant?

Yes. It provides exceptional resistance to seawater, chlorides, and many chemical environments.

Can Grade 1 titanium be welded?

Yes. Grade 1 offers outstanding weldability and fabrication characteristics.

Why choose Grade 1 titanium?

Because it combines:

  • Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
  • Outstanding Formability
  • Excellent Weldability
  • Lightweight Properties
  • Biocompatibility

Is Grade 1 titanium suitable for marine applications?

Yes. It is widely used in seawater and offshore environments.

Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Grade 1 titanium?

Yes. GCNOV provides:

  • CNC Machining
  • Titanium Fabrication
  • Precision Welding
  • Sheet Metal Forming
  • Surface Finishing
  • Prototype Development
  • Low-Volume Production
  • Mass Production