ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 Tube
Apr 14, 2026
GNEE supplies ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 Tube, manufactured from commercially pure titanium. This tubing grade is characterized by excellent ductility, superior cold formability, and outstanding corrosion resistance in seawater, chlorides, oxidizing, and mildly reducing environments.
Titanium Grade 1 has a low density (approximately 4.51 g/cm³ – about half that of nickel-based alloys) and a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal material for chemical processing, marine, pharmaceutical, and medical technology applications.
Equivalent Grades for ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 Tube
| Standard | Equivalent Grade / Symbol |
|---|---|
| ASTM B338 | Grade 1 (Titanium Tube) |
| UNS | R50250 |
| DIN | 3.7025 |
| ISO 5832-2 | Grade 1 (Surgical implants) |
| ASTM B265 / ASME SB265 | Grade 1 (Sheet/Plate) |
Chemical Composition (ASTM B338, latest edition, weight %)
| Element | Ti (Titanium) | Fe | O | C | N | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | Balance | max 0.20 | max 0.18 | max 0.08 | max 0.03 | max 0.015 |
Mechanical Properties of Titanium Grade 1 Tube
| Property | Value (Minimum unless specified) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 240 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 138 – 310 MPa |
| Elongation | 24% (min) |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 4.51 g/cm³ (corrected from g/cm²) |
| Melting Point | 1670°C |
| Beta Transus Temperature | 888 ± 4°C |
| Thermal Conductivity at 20°C | 16 W/m·K |
Available Stock Dimensions for ASTM B338 Grade 1 Tube
GNEE offers Titanium Grade 1 tube in the following typical dimensions (custom sizes available upon request):
| Wall Thickness (mm) | Width / Diameter (mm) | Form |
|---|---|---|
| 0.075 | 330.00 | Coil / Tube |
| 0.08 | 330.00 | Coil / Tube |
| 0.10 | 450.00 | Coil / Tube |
| 0.20 | 450.00 | Coil / Tube |
| 0.30 – 0.90 | 1000 – 1250 | Sheet / Tube |
| 1.00 – 4.00 | 1250 | Sheet / Tube |
Seamless and welded tube options available. Contact GNEE for specific diameter and length requirements.
Key Applications for ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 Tube
Chemical Processing – Heat exchanger tubing, reactor lines, piping systems
Marine Engineering – Seawater cooling lines, ballast system tubing
Pharmaceutical Industry – High-purity fluid transfer lines
Medical Technology – Surgical instrument tubing, implantable device components (per ASTM F67)
Desalination Plants – Corrosion-resistant tube bundles
Quality Advantages of GNEE Titanium Grade 1 Tube
Full traceability – Mill test certificates (EN 10204 Type 3.1) provided with each shipment
100% dimensional inspection – Ultrasonic and eddy current testing available
Strict shielding for welded tube – Argon atmosphere to prevent embrittlement
Custom cutting – Tubes cut to precise lengths per order
FAQ – ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 Tube
Q1: What is the difference between ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 tube and ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 2 tube?
A: Grade 1 tube has lower tensile strength (240 MPa vs. 345 MPa for Grade 2) but higher ductility (24% elongation vs. 20% for Grade 2). Grade 1 is easier to cold form and bend, while Grade 2 offers higher strength for pressure-bearing applications.
Q2: What are the equivalent specifications for UNS R50250 titanium tube?
A: UNS R50250 is equivalent to ASTM B338 Grade 1, DIN 3.7025, ISO 5832-2 Grade 1, and ASTM F67 for medical applications. All refer to commercially pure titanium with max 0.18% oxygen.
Q3: Can ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 tube be welded?
A: Yes, Grade 1 tube has excellent weldability using GTAW (TIG) or GMAW (MIG). However, strict argon shielding is required on both the weld zone and root side to prevent oxygen contamination and embrittlement.
Q4: What is the maximum operating temperature for ASTM B338 Grade 1 titanium tube in seawater service?
A: Grade 1 titanium tube can operate continuously at up to 300°C in seawater. Above this temperature, oxidation accelerates. For higher temperatures, consider Grade 12 (Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) which offers better crevice corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.
Q5: Does GNEE provide ASTM B338 Grade 1 seamless titanium tube with mill test certificates?
A: Yes, GNEE supplies both seamless and welded ASTM B338 Grade 1 tube. Each shipment includes EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill test certificates traceable to the original heat number.
Q6: What fabrication methods are recommended for ASTM B338 Grade 1 titanium tube?
A: Grade 1 tube is ideal for cold bending, flaring, and flanging. It has low springback compared to stainless steel. Mandrel bending is recommended for tight radii to prevent kinking.
Q7: Is ASTM B338 Grade 1 titanium tube resistant to crevice corrosion in hot chloride solutions?
A: Grade 1 provides excellent resistance to crevice corrosion up to approximately 70-80°C in chloride solutions. Above this temperature, or in reducing acids, Grade 7 (Ti-0.15Pd) or Grade 12 offers better performance.
Q8: What is the difference between ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 1 tube and ASTM B338 Titanium Grade 9 tube (Ti-3Al-2.5V)?
A: Grade 1 is commercially pure with lower strength (240 MPa UTS) and higher formability. Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) is an alpha-beta alloy with much higher strength (620 MPa UTS) and is commonly used for aerospace hydraulic tubing. Grade 9 requires more force to bend.
Q9: Can ASTM B338 Grade 1 titanium tube be used for pharmaceutical water systems?
A: Yes, Grade 1 titanium tube is suitable for high-purity water and pharmaceutical systems due to its excellent corrosion resistance, non-toxicity, and non-magnetic properties. It meets ISO 5832-2 purity requirements.
Q10: What non-destructive testing (NDT) options are available for GNEE ASTM B338 Grade 1 titanium tube?
A: GNEE offers ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), and hydrostatic testing per ASTM B338 requirements. Radiography (RT) is also available for welded tube upon request.
Packaging Description
Our titanium products (tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips) are carefully packed to ensure safe delivery. Each item is individually protected with anti-scratch materials such as foam or plastic film. For plates and strips, we use reinforced wooden crates with inner cushioning. Tubes and bars are packed in strong wooden cases or bundled with rust-proof straps, with plastic caps on both ends to prevent edge damage. Wires are wound on plastic or steel spools and wrapped with moisture-proof paper. All packages are secured with reinforced straps, clearly labeled with product specifications and quantity, and suitable for long-distance sea or air freight. Export-standard fumigated wooden packaging is used to comply with international shipping regulations.
Our factory
Our factory is equipped with core processing machinery for titanium products. For melting and forming, we use vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnaces and a 2,500-ton hydraulic press. The billet processing line includes a high-temperature rolling mill and a radial forging machine capable of producing bars and rods from 8mm to 300mm in diameter. For seamless titanium tubes, we operate three-roll piercing mills and cold pilger rolling mills (LG-60, LG-90). Titanium plates and strips are produced on a four-high cold rolling mill with an online annealing furnace. For wires, we have a continuous wire drawing line with in-line degreasing and spooling units. All key equipment is CNC-controlled, ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy and surface finish for tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips.
