GR1 Precision Titanium Tube
Jun 30, 2026
GR1 Precision Titanium Tube
| Property | ASTM B338 Requirement | Our Precision Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Purity | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.6% (typical) |
| Oxygen Content | ≤ 0.18% | ≤ 0.15% |
| Yield Strength (YS) | 170 – 310 MPa | 180 – 290 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (TS) | ≥ 240 MPa | ≥ 260 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 24% | ≥ 28% |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 70 | ≤ 65 |
OD, Wall Thickness, and Length Tolerances
| Diameter Range (OD) | OD Tolerance (Precision Grade) | Wall Thickness Tolerance | Length Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.35mm – 12.7mm | ±0.05mm | ±10% of nominal | +3mm / -0mm |
| 12.7mm – 25.4mm | ±0.08mm | ±10% of nominal | +3mm / -0mm |
| 25.4mm – 50.8mm | ±0.10mm | ±10% of nominal | +3mm / -0mm |
| 50.8mm – 114.3mm | ±0.15mm | ±10% of nominal | +3mm / -0mm |
We also offer custom-length GR1 titanium tubing up to 15 meters for applications that require fewer circumferential welds in the field. All dimensional controls are verified using laser micrometers and ultrasonic thickness gauges at three separate checkpoints during production.
Visual and NDT Inspection Criteria
A precision GR1 titanium tube may meet all dimensional targets but still fail in service if its surface contains pits, scratches, lamination, or embedded contaminants. Our manufacturing process includes multi-pass cold pilgering and drawing, followed by acid pickling or bright annealing to produce a smooth, oxide-free surface.
| Defect Type | Rejection Criterion | Inspection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Scratches / Gouges | Depth > 0.05mm or visible to naked eye | Visual (bright light) |
| Pits / Pinholes | Any pit > 0.1mm diameter | Borescope / Magnifying lens |
| Lamination / Seams | Any evidence | Ultrasonic (UT) |
| Embedded contaminants | Any foreign material | Eddy Current (ET) |
| Oxidation / Discoloration | Non-uniform color beyond annealing zone | Visual + Spectrometer |
For critical orders, we offer 100% ultrasonic testing to detect subsurface flaws as small as 0.1mm in depth. This ensures that your GR1 titanium seamless pipe arrives free from hidden defects that could compromise pressure retention or fatigue life.
3-Stage Inspection Process for GR1 Titanium Tubes
| Stage | Inspection Type | Equipment | Acceptance Criterion | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material | Chemical verification | OES Spectrometer | Ti ≥99.5%, O≤0.18%, Fe≤0.20% | Every heat |
| 2. In-Process | Dimensional check | Laser micrometer | OD per tolerance table | Every tube |
| 2. In-Process | Surface inspection | Borescope + visual | No pits, scratches, or seams | Every tube |
| 3. Final Release | Ultrasonic (UT) | Digital UT flaw detector | No subsurface flaws >0.1mm | Per order spec |
| 3. Final Release | Eddy Current (ET) | ET testing system | No continuous defects | Per order spec |
| 3. Final Release | Mechanical testing | Tensile tester | YS 170-310 MPa, Elong ≥24% | Per heat |
Every single tube is marked with a heat number that traces back to the original sponge titanium batch. You will receive a Mill Test Report (MTR) that includes all chemical, mechanical, and NDT results - not as a generic certificate, but as a batch-specific, tube-by-tube report for critical orders.
Request Full Inspection Report for GR1 Tubes
Our Factory
| Production Stage | Process Details | Quality Control Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sponge Selection | High-purity Ti sponge (≥99.6%) | OES chemical verification |
| 2. Electrode Pressing | Compressed sponge into electrodes | Weight and density check |
| 3. VAR Melting (x2) | Double vacuum arc remelting | Chemical homogeneity verified |
| 4. Billet Forging | Forged into round billets | Ultrasonic billet inspection |
| 5. Rotary Piercing | Hollow shell production | Wall thickness scan |
| 6. Cold Pilgering | Multi-pass reduction to near-final size | Dimensional check after each pass |
| 7. Cold Drawing | Final precision sizing | Laser OD/ID measurement |
| 8. Vacuum Annealing | Stress relief + grain refinement | Hardness + grain size test |
| 9. Straightening | Rotary straightening | Straightness ≤0.5mm/m |
| 10. Final NDT | UT + ET + visual | 100% inspection per order |
Packaging
| Packaging Layer | Material | Protection Function |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1 (Inner) | Acid-free VCI paper | Prevents oxidation and corrosion |
| Layer 2 | Individual PE plastic sleeve | Seals against moisture and dust |
| Layer 3 | Polyurethane foam spacers (ends + mid-span) | Prevents tube-to-tube contact and gouging |
| Layer 4 (Outer) | Heavy-duty wooden crate or steel-framed box | Shock absorption, sea-freight certified |
| Packaging Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wooden crate certification | ISPM 15 compliant (heat-treated) |
| Internal support for OD < 10mm | Cardboard core tubes to prevent bending |
| Bundle weight | ≤ 500 kg per bundle for safe handling |
| Marking | Heat number, size, grade, and PO on each bundle |
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between GR1 and GR2 titanium tube?
Answer: GR1 has higher purity (99.5% vs 99.2%) , lower oxygen content (0.18% vs 0.25% max) , and is softer and more formable than GR2. GR1 is ideal for cold bending and flaring, while GR2 offers slightly higher strength for general-purpose applications. Choose GR1 when your process involves severe deformation; choose GR2 for structural strength with moderate forming.
Q2: Can GR1 precision titanium tube be welded?
Answer: Yes, GR1 titanium tube can be welded using GTAW (TIG) or plasma welding with 100% argon shielding on both the front and back of the weld zone. Titanium is highly reactive to oxygen at welding temperatures, so proper shielding gas coverage is critical. We recommend a minimum of 99.999% pure argon and a trailing shield to prevent embrittlement.
Q3: What is the maximum operating temperature for GR1 titanium pipe?
Answer: The maximum recommended long-term service temperature is 300°C (572°F) . Above this temperature, GR1 titanium begins to absorb oxygen from the air, forming a brittle alpha-case layer that reduces ductility. For intermittent use, temperatures up to 400°C may be acceptable, but we strongly advise surface protection or inert atmosphere above 300°C.
Q4: Do you provide Mill Test Reports (MTR) for each batch of GR1 tubes?
Answer: Yes, we provide 100% traceable Mill Test Reports with every shipment. Each MTR includes chemical composition, mechanical properties, NDT results, and heat numbers. For critical orders, we can provide a tube-by-tube report with individual serial numbers. We retain test coupons for a minimum of 5 years for full traceability.
Q5: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for GR1 seamless titanium tubing?
Answer: Our MOQ is 50 kg per size for standard stock sizes (6.35mm, 12.7mm, 19.05mm, 25.4mm OD). For custom diameters or wall thicknesses, the MOQ is typically 100 kg. We understand that some projects require trial quantities - please contact us to discuss sample orders as small as 10 kg for qualification purposes.
Q6: How long is the delivery time for GR1 precision titanium tubes?
Answer: Stock sizes ship within 3 business days after order confirmation. Custom-manufactured GR1 tubes typically require 20–25 working days depending on quantity and dimensional complexity. For urgent projects, we maintain safety stock of the most popular sizes (12.7mm, 19.05mm, 25.4mm OD x 0.89mm – 1.2mm WT) ready for immediate dispatch.
Q7: Are your GR1 titanium tubes ASTM B338 / ASME SB338 compliant?
Answer: Yes, 100% of our GR1 titanium tubes are manufactured and tested to ASTM B338 / ASME SB338 standards. We also comply with ASTM F67 for medical-grade titanium tube applications. Our MTRs clearly state the applicable standard and include all test data required for compliance verification.
