Titanium Grade 2 vs Titanium Grade 5
Dec 10, 2025
Titanium 's reputation as a "subtle metal" stems from its unique combination of strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance. However, not all titanium is created equal. Titanium Grade 2 (pure titanium) and Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V alloy) are two of the most widely used titanium grades, but their properties and applications vary drastically.
Titanium Grade 2 vs Grade 5
Titanium Grade 2 (UNS R50400)
Type : Commercially pure (CP) titanium (α-phase structure).
Composition : ≥99.2% titanium, with oxygen (≤0.25%), iron (≤0.30%) and carbon (≤0.08%) as primary impurities.
Standards : ASTM B265 (sheet/plate), ASTM B338 (pipe).
Titanium Grade 5 (UNS R56400)
Type : Alpha-beta titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).
Composition : 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium.
Standards : ASTM B348 (rods/bars), AMS 4928 (aviation).
Key Differences: Titanium Grade 2 vs Grade 5
Chemical composition
| The element | Grade 2 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium (Ti) | ≥ 99.2% | 90% |
| Aluminum (Al) | - | 6% |
| Vanadium (V) | - | 4% |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤0.25% | ≤0.20% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.30% | ≤0.40% |
Mechanical properties
| Real estate | Grade 2 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 345–550 MPa (50–80 ksi) | 895–930 MPa (130–135 ksi) |
| Stretch limit | 275–483 MPa (40–70 ksi) | 828–869 MPa (120–126 ksi) |
| Extension at break | 20-30% | 10-15% |
| Fatigue strength | 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) | 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) |
| Hardness | 80–90 HRK | 36-41HRC |
| Crime resistance | 70 MPa√m | 55 MPa√m |
Corrosion resistance
Grade 2 : Exceptional resistance to chlorides, acids (e.g. nitric, acetic) and seawater. Ideal for chemical processing and marine environments.
Grade 5 : Slightly reduced corrosion resistance due to alloying elements but still outperforms stainless steel. Avoid reducing acids (e.g. HCl).
Temperature performance
Grade 2 : Loses strength above 300°C (572°F). Maximum operating temperature: 400°C (752°F).
Grade 5 : Retains 80% of room temperature strength at 450°C (842°F). Used in jet engines and high temperature exhaust systems.
Machinability and weldability
| Treat | Grade 2 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| workability | Simple (similar to 304 stainless steel) | Difficult (requires carbide tools, coolant) |
| weldability | Excellent (TIG, plasma, laser) | Good (post-weld heat treatment needed) |
| Moldability | High (ductile) | Limited (prone to running back) |
Cost comparison
Grade 2 : 20-40 per kg (lower raw material and processing costs).
Grade 5 : 80-150 per kg (costly alloy, heat treatments and machining).
Industrial Applications - Titanium Grade 2 vs Grade 5
Titanium Grade 2 Use Cases
Chemical Processing : Reactor vessels, heat exchangers (resistant to sulfuric acid and nitric acid).
Marine technology : Ship hulls, offshore rig components, desalination plants.
Architecture : Roofing, facades (lightweight and corrosion resistant).
Healthcare : Non-load-bearing implants (e.g. cranial plates, dental spacers).
Titanium Grade 5 Use Cases
Aerospace : Jet engine fan blades (Boeing 787), fuselage mounts, landing gear.
biomedical : Load-bearing implants (hip stems, spinal rods) with Grade 5 ELI (Extra Low Interstitial).
Car : Connecting rods (Porsche 911 GT3), high-performance exhaust system.
Energy : Turbine blades for geothermal and nuclear power plants.
How to choose between grade 2 and grade 5
| Claim | Choose grade 2 if... | Choose grade 5 if... |
|---|---|---|
| High strength | - | ✓ (Critical for structural loads) |
| Corrosion resistance | ✓ (Aggressive chemical environments) | ✓ (moderate environments) |
| budget | ✓ (Cost-sensitive projects) | - |
| High temperature service | - | ✓ (applications >300°C) |
| biocompatibility | ✓ (Non-load-bearing implants) | ✓ (Load-bearing ELI variants) |
why choose us
We provide a comprehensive range of titanium materials and fabricated parts, including:
Titanium Tubes & Pipe: Seamless and welded tubing in commercial and aerospace grades (Gr1, Gr2, Gr5, Gr7, Gr9, Gr12), suitable for heat exchangers, condenser tubes, and piping systems.
Titanium Bars & Rods: Round bars, hex bars, and square bars in hot-rolled, forged, and cold-drawn conditions, available in various diameters and lengths.
Titanium Plate & Sheet: Plates, sheets, and strips in standard and custom dimensions, ideal for pressure vessels, chemical processing, and marine applications.
Titanium Wire & Foil: Fine wire for welding, fasteners, and medical applications, alongside ultra-thin foil for specialized industrial uses.
Precision Titanium CNC Machining Parts: Custom-engineered components, fittings, flanges, fasteners, and intricate parts machined from titanium billets, bars, or plates with tight tolerances.
For quotes, technical specifications, or to discuss your project requirements for titanium tubes, bars, plates, sheets, wire, foil, or custom CNC machined components, please contact our team.
Email us at: info@gneemetal.com
