Overview
Grade 5 Titanium, also known as Ti-6Al-4V, is the most widely used titanium alloy in the world, accounting for approximately 50% of all titanium usage globally. It is an alpha-beta titanium alloy containing approximately 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, offering an exceptional combination of high strength, low weight, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and biocompatibility.
Grade 5 titanium provides nearly twice the strength of commercially pure titanium while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance and relatively low density. It is extensively used in aerospace, medical, marine, automotive, energy, and high-performance engineering applications.
Grade 5 titanium is widely used in:
- Aerospace Components
- Aircraft Structures
- Medical Implants
- Surgical Instruments
- Motorsport Components
- Marine Hardware
- Oil & Gas Equipment
- High-Performance Industrial Parts
Because of its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and versatility, Grade 5 is considered the industry standard titanium alloy.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | Grade 5 Titanium |
| Alloy Name | Ti-6Al-4V |
| UNS Number | R56400 |
| ASTM Standard | ASTM B265 / ASTM B348 / ASTM B381 |
| Material Family | Alpha-Beta Titanium Alloy |
| Density | 4.43 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic Property | Non-Magnetic |
| Typical Supply Condition | Annealed, Solution Treated, Aged |
| Standard Forms | Bar, Rod, Plate, Sheet, Tube, Wire, Forgings |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Titanium (Ti) | Balance |
| Aluminum (Al) | 5.5–6.75 |
| Vanadium (V) | 3.5–4.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.40 |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤0.20 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.05 |
| Hydrogen (H) | ≤0.015 |
Aluminum increases strength and reduces density, while vanadium improves toughness and hardenability.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥895 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥828 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥10% |
| Hardness | 330–370 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 114 GPa |
Heat Treated Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 950–1100 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 880–1020 MPa |
| Hardness | 340–390 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 4.43 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1604–1660°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 6.7 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.71 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 8.6 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 560 J/kg·K |
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 Titanium | 4.43 | 895 MPa |
| Grade 4 Titanium | 4.51 | 550 MPa |
| 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 7.75 | 930 MPa |
| 4140 Steel | 7.85 | 655 MPa |
| Aluminum 7075-T6 | 2.81 | 570 MPa |
Grade 5 offers one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among engineering metals.
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Fresh Water | Excellent |
| Salt Water | Excellent |
| Marine Atmosphere | Excellent |
| Chloride Solutions | Excellent |
| Oxidizing Acids | Excellent |
| Industrial Chemicals | Very Good |
Grade 5 forms a highly stable titanium oxide layer that protects against corrosion.
Recommended surface treatments:
- Passivation
- Pickling
- Polishing
- Anodizing
- Electropolishing
Fatigue Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Fatigue Strength | Excellent |
| Cyclic Loading Resistance | Excellent |
| Crack Growth Resistance | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance | Good |
Grade 5 is widely used in aerospace and motorsport applications due to its excellent fatigue performance.
Weldability
| Welding Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| TIG Welding | Excellent |
| MIG Welding | Good |
| Resistance Welding | Excellent |
| Laser Welding | Excellent |
Proper inert gas shielding is required during welding.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Moderate |
| CNC Milling | Moderate |
| Drilling | Moderate |
| Grinding | Good |
| EDM Machining | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| Aluminum 6061 | Excellent |
| 4140 Steel | Good |
| Grade 5 Titanium | Moderate |
| Inconel 718 | Difficult |
Due to low thermal conductivity, proper tooling and cooling are essential.
Heat Treatment
Stress Relief
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 480–650°C |
| Cooling Method | Air Cool |
Solution Treatment
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 925–955°C |
| Cooling Method | Air Cool |
Aging Treatment
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 480–595°C |
| Holding Time | 4–8 Hours |
Heat Treatability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Heat Treat Hardening | Excellent |
| Age Hardening | Excellent |
| Structural Stability | Excellent |
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ASTM (USA) | Grade 5 |
| UNS | R56400 |
| AMS | AMS 4928 |
| DIN (Germany) | 3.7164 / 3.7165 |
| EN (Europe) | TiAl6V4 |
| ISO | Ti-6Al-4V |
| GB/T (China) | TC4 |
| JIS (Japan) | Ti-6Al-4V |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Round Bar | Yes |
| Plate | Yes |
| Sheet | Yes |
| Tube | Yes |
| Pipe | Yes |
| Wire | Yes |
| Forgings | Yes |
| Billets | Yes |
Typical Applications
Aerospace Industry
- Aircraft Structural Components
- Landing Gear Components
- Turbine Components
- Engine Parts
Medical Industry
- Orthopedic Implants
- Dental Implants
- Surgical Instruments
- Bone Fixation Devices
Marine Industry
- Offshore Equipment
- Marine Fasteners
- Propulsion Components
- Seawater Systems
Motorsport Industry
- Suspension Components
- Fasteners
- Connecting Rods
- Exhaust Systems
Oil & Gas Industry
- Downhole Components
- Valve Parts
- Pressure Equipment
- Offshore Hardware
Industrial Manufacturing
- High-Strength Fasteners
- Precision Components
- Tooling Systems
- Corrosion-Resistant Equipment
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Good |
| Forging | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
| Additive Manufacturing | Outstanding |
| Anodizing | Excellent |
| Polishing | Excellent |
Advantages
Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio
One of the strongest lightweight engineering materials available.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Performs exceptionally well in marine and industrial environments.
Outstanding Fatigue Resistance
Ideal for aerospace and dynamic loading applications.
Biocompatible
Widely used in medical implants and surgical equipment.
Heat Treatable
Can be strengthened through heat treatment.
Non-Magnetic
Suitable for aerospace, medical, and electronic applications.
Limitations
Higher Cost
More expensive than steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Lower Thermal Conductivity
Poor heat transfer compared with copper and aluminum.
Challenging Machining
Requires specialized tooling and machining strategies.
Limited Wear Resistance
May require surface treatment in severe wear environments.
Comparison with Other Titanium Grades
| Property | Grade 5 | Grade 4 | Grade 2 | Grade 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Highest | High | Moderate | Low |
| Density | 4.43 | 4.51 | 4.51 | 4.51 |
| Heat Treatable | Yes | No | No | No |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent | Outstanding | Outstanding |
Comparison with Common Engineering Materials
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 Titanium | 4.43 g/cm³ | 895 MPa | Excellent |
| 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 7.75 g/cm³ | 930 MPa | Excellent |
| 4140 Steel | 7.85 g/cm³ | 655 MPa | Moderate |
| Aluminum 7075-T6 | 2.81 g/cm³ | 570 MPa | Good |
Available Surface Finishes
Raw Finishes
- Mill Finish
- Annealed Finish
- Pickled Finish
Functional Finishes
- Precision Machined Finish
- Polished Finish
- Bead Blasted Finish
Specialty Finishes
- Anodized Finish
- Electropolished Finish
- Medical Grade Finish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Grade 5 titanium?
Grade 5 titanium is a titanium alloy containing 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
What is Grade 5 titanium used for?
Typical applications include:
- Aerospace Components
- Medical Implants
- Motorsport Parts
- Marine Equipment
- Oil & Gas Equipment
What is the equivalent material to Grade 5 titanium?
Common equivalents include:
- Ti-6Al-4V
- TC4
- AMS 4928
- UNS R56400
- TiAl6V4
What is the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 5 titanium?
| Property | Grade 2 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Moderate | Much Higher |
| Heat Treatable | No | Yes |
| Machinability | Easier | More Difficult |
| Aerospace Use | Limited | Extensive |
Is Grade 5 titanium corrosion resistant?
Yes. It provides outstanding corrosion resistance in marine, chemical, and industrial environments.
Can Grade 5 titanium be welded?
Yes. Grade 5 can be welded successfully using proper shielding techniques.
Why choose Grade 5 titanium?
Because it combines:
- Exceptional Strength
- Lightweight Properties
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance
- Outstanding Fatigue Resistance
- Heat Treatability
Is Grade 5 titanium suitable for aerospace applications?
Yes. Grade 5 is the most widely used titanium alloy in aerospace engineering.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Grade 5 titanium?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- CNC Machining
- Titanium Forging
- Precision Welding
- Medical Component Manufacturing
- Aerospace Component Production
- Surface Finishing
- Prototype Development
- Mass Production