Titanium Grade 1 Sheets and Plates for Chemical Industry
Nov 26, 2025
Grade 1 Titanium: The Most Formable CP Grade
Titanium Grade 1 (UNS R50250, W.Nr. 3.7025) is a commercially pure titanium grade, not an alloy. With a minimum titanium content of 99.5 percent and the lowest permitted oxygen and iron among the CP grades, it offers the highest ductility and formability of all titanium grades while retaining the excellent corrosion resistance that characterizes titanium in chemical media.
Chemical Composition per ASTM B265
| Element | Maximum (wt %) |
|---|---|
| Titanium (Ti) | Balance, ≥ 99.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.20 |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.18 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.03 |
| Hydrogen (H) | 0.015 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Minimum Value (ASTM B265) |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 240 MPa (35 ksi) |
| Yield strength, 0.2% offset | 170 MPa (25 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm | 24 % |
Density is 4.51 g/cm³ and melting point is about 1668 °C. Annealing of Grade 1 sheet is typically performed in the range 650–760 °C, which restores ductility after cold working.
Corrosion Resistance in Chemical Service
The self-healing oxide film on Grade 1 titanium resists oxidizing media, chlorides, seawater, wet chlorine, and many organic and inorganic acids. Grade 1 is particularly valued in reducing and mildly corrosive environments where its higher purity gives it a small edge over Grade 2, and it is immune to the chloride stress corrosion cracking that can affect stainless steels.
Applications in the Chemical Industry
Reactor linings and vessel cladding for corrosive processes
Heat exchanger plates and tube sheets
Chlor-alkali plant components
Piping and ducting for wet chlorine and brine services
Pharmaceutical and fine chemical equipment
Desalination and seawater handling systems
Beyond chemicals, Grade 1 sheet and plate are used in architectural cladding, marine hardware, medical instrumentation and food processing equipment where formability and cleanability matter.
Fabrication Notes
Grade 1 can be cold formed by deep drawing, bending and spinning without cracking, and it welds readily by TIG, MIG, plasma or resistance methods with inert gas shielding on both sides. Because titanium is chemically reactive above about 500 °C, grinding swarf and weld areas must be kept free of oil, grease and iron contamination, and cutting tools should be sharp and rigid to avoid work hardening.
FAQ
Is Grade 1 titanium an alloy?
No. Grade 1 is a commercially pure (CP) titanium grade with a minimum titanium content of 99.5 percent. The term "alloy" is sometimes misused; true titanium alloys contain deliberate additions such as aluminum, vanadium or molybdenum.
Which standard covers Grade 1 sheet and plate?
ASTM B265 and its ASME equivalent SB-265 specify sheet, strip and plate for commercially pure and alloyed titanium. Bars and billets are covered by ASTM B348, and implant-grade material by ASTM F67.
How does Grade 1 differ from Grade 2?
Grade 2 has slightly higher oxygen (0.25 max) and iron (0.30 max), raising tensile strength to 345 MPa minimum while reducing ductility. Grade 1 is chosen when formability and maximum corrosion margin matter; Grade 2 when a modest strength increase is needed at similar cost.
What thickness range is available?
Sheet is generally supplied from about 0.4 mm up to 4.75 mm, and plate from 4.75 mm upward, commonly to 100 mm, with widths up to about 3000 mm and lengths to 6000 mm depending on mill capability.
Can Grade 1 titanium sheets be used at elevated temperatures?
CP titanium grades are suitable for continuous service up to about 300–400 °C in oxidizing atmospheres. Above this range, oxidation and creep resistance decline, and alloyed grades such as Grade 5 or Grade 9 should be considered.
Why choose Grade 1 over stainless steel in chemical plant?
Grade 1 resists chloride pitting, crevice attack and stress corrosion cracking that can limit stainless steels in chloride service, and it eliminates contamination of pharmaceutical and fine chemical products.
