Titanium-Grade 1 (3.7025), R50250
May 14, 2026
What Is Titanium Gr 1 Pipe?
GR1 titanium pipe is one of the most commonly used among all available titanium alloys. GR1 titanium tube is one of the most widely utilized alloys worldwide.
The annealing temperature of GR1 titanium pipe ranges from 700-785°C. Titanium CP1 has very good tensile properties at ambient temperature, advantageous for creep resistance up to 300°C. Titanium grade 1 pipe accounts for over half of all titanium sponge used worldwide. GR1 titanium pipe has very good strength, good corrosion resistance, and is heat treatable for use up to 400°C.
Grade Comparison: GR1 vs GR2 vs GR5
| Property | GR1 Titanium Pipe | GR2 | GR5 (Ti-6Al-4V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength (MPa) | 170 | 275 | 827 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 240 | 345 | 896 |
| Elongation (%) | 24 | 20 | 10 |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Formability | Best | Good | Poor |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Relative cost | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
Difference between pure titanium GR1 and GR2: GR1 has lower oxygen content (0.18% vs 0.25%), resulting in higher ductility and lower strength. Titanium grade 1 vs grade 2 selection depends on whether formability or strength is the priority.
Equivalent Standards for GR1 Titanium Tube
| Standard System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | R50250 |
| Werkstoff NR. | 3.7025 |
| ASTM Pipe | B338 Grade 1 |
| ASTM Seamless Tube | B861 Grade 1 |
| ASTM Welded Tube | B862 GR1 |
| Medical | ASTM F67 Grade 1 |
GR1 Titanium Chemical Composition
| Element | C | Fe | H | N | O | Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| wt% (max) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.015 | 0.03 | 0.18 | Balance (99.5 min) |
GR1 titanium chemical composition is 99.5% pure titanium minimum. The low oxygen content (0.18% max) is the key difference from GR2 (0.25% max).
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 240 MPa (min) |
| GR1 titanium yield strength | 170 MPa (min) |
| Elongation | 24% (min) |
| Grade 1 titanium hardness | ~70 HRB |
| Titanium grade 1 density | 4.51 g/cm³ |
Applications of GR1 Titanium Tube
| Industry | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Petrochemical | GR1 titanium for chemical processing – piping systems |
| Oil & Gas | Seawater and chemical injection lines |
| Chemical | GR1 titanium reactor components, distillation columns |
| Power Plant | GR1 titanium heat exchanger tubes, condensers |
| Pharmaceuticals | Medical grade 1 titanium – ASTM F67 grade 1 |
| Aerospace | Airframe and engine accessories |
| Marine | Seawater cooling piping |
| Food Processing | Sanitary tubing |
| Pulp & Paper | Bleach plant piping |
Available Forms and Finishes
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| GR1 titanium pipe | Seamless (ASTM B338) |
| GR1 titanium tube | Seamless (ASTM B861) or welded (ASTM B862) |
| GR1 titanium tube in stock | Standard sizes ready for shipment |
| Customized GR1 titanium tube | Non-standard diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths |
Surface finishes: Hot rolled, cold rolled, 2B, 2D, BA, NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, 8K mirror, embossed, hair line, sand blast, brush, satin.
Welding and Forming
How to weld GR1 titanium:
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Process | GTAW (TIG) |
| Filler metal | ERTi-1 |
| Argon shielding | Required on both sides |
| Preheat | Not required |
| Post-weld heat treatment | Not required |
GR1 titanium machinability: Use sharp carbide tools, low speeds, high feed rates, and abundant coolant.
GR1 titanium forming/bending: Excellent cold formability due to 24% elongation. GR1 titanium for deep drawing is the standard choice for complex formed parts.
FAQ
Q1: What is the UNS number for ASTM B338 grade 1 titanium pipe?
A: The UNS number for ASTM B338 grade 1 titanium pipe is R50250. This UNS designation is required on mill test certificates. GR1 titanium tube to ASTM B861 also uses UNS R50250.
Q2: What is the annealing temperature range for GR1 titanium tube?
A: The annealing temperature range for GR1 titanium tube is 700-785°C. This heat treatment relieves residual stresses from cold pilgering or drawing. Proper annealing restores the 24% minimum elongation required for GR1 titanium.
Q3: What is the difference between GR1 and GR2 titanium pipe?
A: The difference between pure titanium GR1 and GR2 is oxygen content. GR1 titanium pipe has 0.18% oxygen max, while GR2 has 0.25% oxygen max. This makes GR1 titanium softer and more ductile (24% vs 20% elongation), but with lower yield strength (170 MPa vs 275 MPa).
Q4: Can GR1 titanium pipe be used up to 400°C?
A: Yes, GR1 titanium pipe can be used up to 400°C for some applications. The article states GR1 titanium is heat treatable and used to temperatures up to 400°C. However, creep resistance is best below 300°C.
Q5: What filler metal is required for welding GR1 titanium tube?
A: How to weld GR1 titanium tube requires ERTi-1 filler metal. ERTi-2 is also acceptable but will produce slightly higher strength welds. Pure argon shielding must be used on both the root and cover sides of the weld.
Q6: Is GR1 titanium suitable for deep drawing applications?
A: Yes, GR1 titanium for deep drawing is the preferred grade due to 24% minimum elongation and low yield strength (170 MPa). GR1 titanium forming/bending operations can achieve tight radii without cracking. GR2 or GR5 are not recommended for deep drawing.
Q7: What is the density of titanium grade 1 pipe compared to steel?
A: Titanium grade 1 density is 4.51 g/cm³. Carbon steel density is 7.85 g/cm³. GR1 titanium pipe weighs approximately 43% less than same-dimension steel pipe. This weight savings is critical in aerospace and marine applications.
Q8: What forms of GR1 titanium tube are available from GR1 titanium tube suppliers?
A: GR1 titanium tube suppliers offer seamless tube (ASTM B861), welded tube (ASTM B862), and pipe (ASTM B338). GR1 titanium tube in stock includes standard imperial and metric sizes. Customized GR1 titanium tube with non-standard dimensions is available from GR1 titanium tube manufacturers.
Q9: What is the current GR1 titanium price per kg?
A: GR1 titanium price per kg varies by origin, quantity, and form. Wholesale grade 1 titanium bulk purchases (500 kg+) typically receive quantity discounts. Contact GR1 titanium tube suppliers for current GR1 titanium price and fast delivery GR1 titanium options.
Q10: Is medical grade 1 titanium the same as commercial GR1 titanium pipe?
A: Medical grade 1 titanium conforms to ASTM F67 grade 1, while commercial GR1 titanium pipe conforms to ASTM B338. The chemical composition and mechanical property requirements are nearly identical. However, ASTM F67 grade 1 has stricter surface quality and biocompatibility testing for surgical implant applications.
Q11: What is the maximum operating temperature for GR1 titanium heat exchanger tubes?
A: GR1 titanium heat exchanger tubes can operate up to 300°C for continuous service. Creep resistance is beneficial up to 300°C. Short-term exposure to 400°C is acceptable for some applications, but oxidation accelerates above 400°C.
Inspection and Testing
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chemical analysis | Verify GR1 titanium chemical composition |
| Tensile testing | Confirm GR1 titanium yield strength and elongation |
| Ultrasonic testing | Detect internal flaws in GR1 titanium pipe |
| Pitting corrosion test | Verify chloride resistance |
| Radiography | Inspect weld quality on welded tube |
| Hydrostatic test | Pressure integrity |
| Eddy current | Surface defect detection on GR1 titanium tube |
Packaging
Plastic end caps on both ends of each GR1 titanium tube
Bundled with steel straps
Wooden crates or pallets for export
Labeled with grade, standard, heat number, dimensions
Factory Equipment
VAR furnace for ingot melting
Extrusion press for pipe hollows
Cold pilger mill for tube reduction
Annealing furnace (700-785°C)
Pickling line for oxide removal
Ultrasonic and eddy current testers
Hydrostatic tester
