Comparison guide for titanium grade 5 and grade 23 for industrial use
Jan 19, 2026
Chemical composition table
When deciding between grade 5 and grade 23 titanium, it's crucial to understand their chemical composition. Both are based on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy system, but Grade 23 is the Extra Low Interstitial (ELI) version, meaning it has stricter limits on impurities such as oxygen, carbon, and iron. This difference impacts performance, especially in medical and aerospace applications.
Here's a quick comparison of their typical chemical composition:
| Element | Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) % | Grade 23 (Ti6Al4V ELI) % |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium (TI) | Balance | Balance |
| Aluminum (AL) | 5.5 – 6.75 | 5.5 – 6.75 |
| Vanadium (V) | 3.5 – 4.5 | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| Iron (FE) | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.13 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Hydrogen (H) | ≤ 0.015 | ≤ 0.012 |
What does it mean
Grade 23 has less oxygen and carbon, making it more ductile and strong, ideal for titanium implant material and medical-grade needs.
Grade 5 retains great strength but with slightly higher impurity limits, making it more suitable for industrial uses.
Interactive table with comparison of mechanical properties
When deciding between grade 5 and grade 23 titanium, mechanical properties matter a lot. Both grades fall into the Ti6Al4V alloy category, but they meet slightly different requirements, especially in terms of strength and toughness.
Here's a quick look at how they compare:
| Property | Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) | Grade 23 (Ti6Al4V ELI ASTM F136) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~ 130 ksi (900 MPa) | ~120 ksi (828 MPa) |
| Yield strength | ~ 120 ksi (830 MPa) | ~ 110 ksi (760 MPa) |
| Stretching | 10-15% | 14-16% |
| Strength of fatigue | Well | Better (due to the lower oxygen level of the ELI) |
| Fracture toughness | Standard | Improved |
| Hardness (HRC) | ~36-38 | Similar |
| Density | 4.43 g/cm3 | 4.43 g/cm3 |
Grade 5 is known for its higher strength and is widely used for aerospace and general industrial parts. Grade 23, the ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) version, has slightly lower strength but better fracture toughness and fatigue resistance . This makes Grade 23 the benchmark for medical implants and other critical applications where safety margins and reliability are paramount.
Regarding machinability, Grade 23 tends to be a little easier to machine due to its refined microstructure. If you're purchasing Ti-6Al-4V forging materials from China or elsewhere, knowing these mechanical differences will help you choose the right grade for your project.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the mechanical properties required of the parts. If you need top-notch fatigue resistance and toughness, Grade 23 excels. For more general strength and durability, Grade 5 is usually suitable.
Real-World Application Matrix
When choosing between Titanium Grade 5 and Grade 23, it's crucial to understand where each grade performs best in the real world. Here's a look at common applications for both grades, with a focus on the U.S. market:
| Application area | Grade 5 Titanium | Grade 23 Titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Medical implants | Widely used in orthopedic and dental implants due to its high strength and corrosion resistance. | Preferred in medical implants for increased biocompatibility (Ti6Al4V ELI supplier standard), including ASTM F136 rods for surgical use |
| Aerospace components | Common in airframes, engine parts and forgings such as Ti-6Al-4V forging in China | Used where lighter weight and improved fracture resistance are required, especially in structural parts of aircraft |
| Marine industry | Excellent corrosion resistance in seawater applications | Same as Grade 5, with additional benefits where fatigue resistance is critical |
| Automotive parts | High performance parts that require strength and durability | Favored in lightweight, high-performance components due to increased toughness |
| Sports equipment | Used in bicycles, golf clubs and other tools for strength and flexibility | Selected for lightweight sporting goods requiring increased durability |
| Chemical processing | Prized for corrosion-resistant AMS 4928 plate and related products | Used less frequently but applicable where purity and safety are paramount |
| Industrial applications | Used in fasteners, bolts and nuts requiring toughness | Improved machinability for complex parts, including ELI titanium wire and plate |
Cost Analysis Grade 5 vs. Grade 23
When it comes to cost, the reference prices for grade 5 and grade 23 titanium reflect their differences in purity and application. Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) generally costs less than grade 23 (Ti6Al4V ELI), primarily because grade 23 contains extremely low interstitials, which means fewer impurities and a higher level of quality control, particularly important for medical use.
Here's a quick breakdown of what influences their prices:
Grade 5 : Most common in aerospace and general industry, it is often cheaper per pound. Suppliers like Baoji Xintaaiai offer competitive prices on Grade 5 titanium bars and plates, making it an economical option for forgings and machined parts.
Grade 23 : This ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) alloy meets the stringent ASTM F136 standards for medical implants and is more expensive due to its higher purity and performance requirements. Costs will be higher for AMS 4928 plate or ELI titanium wire used in biomedical implants or devices.
Production differences
| I wait | Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) | Grade 23 (Ti6Al4V ELI) |
|---|---|---|
| Forging | Standard Ti-6Al-4V forging methods apply well. | Requires more stringent control due to higher purity; favored for precision components such as ASTM F136 rods. |
| Machinability | Good workability but slightly harder than grade 23. | Easier to machine, better surface finish, ideal for Grade 23 machinability requirements in medical implants. |
| Welding | Typical titanium welding processes used. | Similar processes but requiring more attention to maintain ELI quality and prevent contamination. |
| Heat treatment | Standard heat treatment cycles (AMS 4928 plate standard). | Carefully heat treated to maintain the extra low interstitial characteristics intact. |
| Training | It offers good formability for aerospace and industrial parts. | More ductile, preferred in the delicate shaping of titanium implant material. |
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