GR1 vs GR3 Titanium
May 20, 2026
What is the difference between GR1 and GR3?
Oxygen content. That is the main difference.
GR1 has 0.18 percent oxygen maximum. GR3 has 0.35 percent oxygen maximum. GR2 sits in the middle at 0.25 percent.
More oxygen means higher strength and lower ductility.
| Property | GR1 | GR3 | GR2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen max | 0.18% | 0.35% | 0.25% |
| Tensile strength min | 240 MPa | 380 MPa | 345 MPa |
| Yield strength range | 170-310 MPa | 275-450 MPa | 275-450 MPa |
| Elongation min | 24% | 18% | 20% |
| Hardness (HV) | 120-200 | 180-240 | 150-220 |
GR3 is stronger than GR1 but less ductile. It is slightly stronger than GR2 but with slightly lower elongation.
Which one is stronger: GR1 or GR3?
GR3 is stronger.
GR3 tensile strength is 380 MPa minimum. GR1 is 240 MPa minimum. GR3 is about 60 percent stronger.
For yield strength, GR3 overlaps with GR2. Both are 275-450 MPa depending on temper. GR1 is 170-310 MPa.
Which one is easier to form: GR1 or GR3?
GR1 is much easier to form.
GR1 elongation is 24 percent minimum. GR3 elongation is 18 percent minimum.
That 6 percent difference matters in real production.
| Forming operation | GR1 | GR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Deep drawing | Excellent | Not recommended |
| Tight radius bending | Excellent | Marginal |
| U-bend tubes | Yes | Risk of cracking |
| Simple bends | Yes | Yes, with larger radius |
| Flaring and expanding | Yes | Risk of splitting |
Where is GR3 titanium actually used?
High strength pure titanium fasteners. Bolts and screws that need more strength than GR2 but cannot use GR5 because of corrosion concerns.
Pressure vessels with moderate forming. Parts that need both some forming and higher strength than GR2.
Marine components with higher strength requirements. Where GR2 is borderline on strength but GR5 is overkill.
Chemical processing parts with thick walls. For thick sections where oxygen content affects through-thickness properties.
How do I choose between GR1, GR2, and GR3?
Choose GR1 if:
Your part needs deep drawing or tight bends
Formability is more important than strength
You are making U-bend tubes or complex shapes
Choose GR2 if:
You need moderate strength and moderate formability
Your part is straight pipe or simple bends
You want the most common, easiest to find grade
Choose GR3 only if:
You need higher strength than GR2
Your part has minimal forming
GR5 is not suitable (usually due to corrosion concerns)
You have confirmed that GR2 is not strong enough
FAQ
1. What is the main difference between GR1 and GR3 titanium?
Oxygen content. GR1 has 0.18 percent oxygen maximum. GR3 has 0.35 percent oxygen maximum. The higher oxygen makes GR3 stronger but less ductile. GR1 is softer and easier to form.
2. Is GR3 stronger than GR1?
Yes, GR3 is about 60 percent stronger. GR3 tensile strength is 380 MPa minimum. GR1 is 240 MPa minimum. For yield strength, GR3 is 275-450 MPa while GR1 is 170-310 MPa.
3. Is GR3 stronger than GR2?
Slightly. GR3 tensile strength is 380 MPa vs GR2 at 345 MPa. The difference is about 10 percent. For most applications, the difference is too small to matter. GR2 is much more common and easier to find.
4. Can I use GR3 for deep drawing?
No. GR3 elongation is only 18 percent minimum. Deep drawing requires at least 20 percent and preferably 24 percent. GR1 is the right choice for deep drawing. GR3 will likely crack.
5. Why is GR3 titanium so hard to find?
Few buyers order it. GR2 covers most needs for moderate strength pure titanium. Most suppliers do not stock GR3 because demand is low. You can special order it, but expect longer lead times and minimum quantities.
6. Is GR3 more expensive than GR1 or GR2?
Usually similar to GR2, sometimes slightly higher. The price difference is small. The bigger issue is availability. GR1 and GR2 are in stock at most suppliers. GR3 is usually a special order.
7. What is GR3 titanium used for?
High strength pure titanium fasteners, marine components needing more strength than GR2, pressure vessels with moderate forming, and thick section chemical processing parts. Most buyers never need GR3.
8. Can I weld GR3 titanium?
Yes. Use ERTi-2 or ERTi-3 filler metal. Use pure argon shielding on both sides. GR3 welds are stronger than GR1 welds but slightly less ductile. Post-weld heat treatment is not required.
9. What is the hardness of GR3 compared to GR1?
GR3 hardness is 180 to 240 HV. GR1 is 120 to 200 HV. GR3 is noticeably harder. If you are machining, expect more tool wear with GR3 compared to GR1.
10. How does GR3 corrosion resistance compare to GR1?
Nearly identical. Both are commercially pure titanium. The corrosion resistance comes from the passive oxide film, not the oxygen content. GR3 resists the same chemicals as GR1: seawater, chlorides, acetic acid, and dilute sulfuric acid.
11. Can I use GR3 for heat exchanger tubes?
Not for U-bend tubes. GR3 elongation is too low. The tubes would crack during bending. For straight tubes with no bends, GR3 works but GR2 is more common. There is no advantage to using GR3 in a heat exchanger.
12. What is the difference between GR2 and GR3?
GR3 has higher oxygen (0.35 percent vs 0.25 percent). This gives GR3 slightly higher tensile strength (380 MPa vs 345 MPa) and slightly lower elongation (18 percent vs 20 percent). The difference is small. Most applications cannot tell the difference.
13. Does GR3 require different machining parameters than GR1?
Yes. GR3 is harder and less gummy. Use slightly lower surface speeds than GR1. Tool wear will be higher. Use sharp carbide tools and plenty of coolant. GR3 chips better than GR1 (less stringy).
14. Is GR3 approved for medical implants?
No. Medical grade pure titanium is ASTM F67 Grade 1 (GR1) or Grade 2 (GR2). GR3 is not typically used for implants. For higher strength medical applications, GR5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is used, not GR3.
