How titanium grades are organised
There are two families behind the grade numbers, and knowing which one you are looking at solves most of the confusion.
- Commercially pure (CP) grades — Grade 1 to Grade 4. Unalloyed titanium with controlled oxygen and iron. As the grade number rises, oxygen content and strength rise and ductility falls. Gr1 is the softest and most formable; Gr4 is the strongest CP grade.
- Alloy grades — Grade 5 and above. Titanium with deliberate alloying additions. Gr5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is an alpha-beta alloy with roughly twice the strength of Gr2. Gr7 and Gr12 are CP titanium with small palladium or molybdenum-nickel additions for corrosion service. Gr9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) sits between CP and Gr5 in strength with good weldability. Gr23 is the extra-low-interstitial (ELI) version of Gr5.
Grade comparison table
| Grade | UNS | Chinese equivalent | Nominal composition | Min. tensile strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | R50250 | TA1 | CP Ti, low O | 240 MPa |
| Grade 2 | R50400 | TA2 | CP Ti, standard O | 345 MPa |
| Grade 3 | R50550 | TA3 | CP Ti, higher O | 450 MPa |
| Grade 4 | R50700 | TA4 | CP Ti, highest O | 550 MPa |
| Grade 5 | R56400 | TC4 | Ti-6Al-4V | 895 MPa |
| Grade 7 | R52400 | TA9 | Ti-0.15Pd | 345 MPa |
| Grade 9 | R56320 | TC2 | Ti-3Al-2.5V | 620 MPa |
| Grade 12 | R53400 | TA10 (Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) | Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni | 483 MPa |
| Grade 23 | R56401 | TC4 ELI | Ti-6Al-4V ELI | 860 MPa |
Values are the minimum requirements published in the relevant ASTM specifications (B265, B338, B348, B381, B863) and are reproduced here as standard values, not as our own test results or as a guaranteed supply specification. Always confirm against the revision called up in your own purchase specification.
Per-grade pages
Grade 1
Softest, most formable CP grade. Deep drawing and low-strength corrosion service.
Grade 1 →
Grade 2
The industry default — most industrial titanium is Grade 2.
Grade 2 →
Grade 4
Strongest CP grade at min. 550 MPa; also the grade used for dental mill blanks.
Grade 4 →
Grade 5
Ti-6Al-4V, the most used titanium alloy worldwide.
Grade 5 →
Grade 7
Ti-0.15Pd for reducing acids and aggressive chlorides.
Grade 7 →
Grade 9
Ti-3Al-2.5V, medium strength with excellent weldability.
Grade 9 →
Grade 12
Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni for hot seawater and brine.
Grade 12 →
Grade 23
Ti-6Al-4V ELI with controlled interstitials.
Grade 23 →
The two grades most often used
In industrial practice most demand concentrates on two grades. Grade 2 is one of the most widely specified commercially pure titanium grades for plates, tubes, flanges and general fabrication, because it is corrosion resistant, weldable, formable and usually the most economical option that does the job. Grade 5 is specified where strength or weight matters: machined components, fasteners, motorsport and structural parts.
The other grades are specified for a reason. If you are looking at Gr7, Gr9, Gr12 or Gr23, there is normally a defined service condition behind it — a reducing acid, a hot brine circuit, a drawn tube application, or a controlled-interstitial requirement.
Quick selection rules
- Seawater, chlorides, general chemical service at moderate temperature → Grade 2.
- Hot seawater, brine or a crevice-corrosion risk → Grade 12 (or Grade 7 where reducing acids are also present).
- Reducing acids, hydrochloric or sulphuric media → Grade 7.
- Strength, machined components, fasteners → Grade 5, with Grade 23 where toughness or interstitial control is specified.
- Deep drawing and maximum formability → Grade 1.
- Strength in a commercially pure grade → Grade 4.
- Drawn or welded tube where Gr5 is too strong to form → Grade 9.
The longer version of this reasoning, including cost logic and the cases where buyers over-specify, is in the titanium grade selection guide.
Tell us the medium, the temperature and the strength requirement and we will tell you which grades are normally specified for that duty.
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