Titanium Blanks
Titanium blanks represent the pinnacle of performance metal, offering the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any structural metal combined with exceptional corrosion resistance and full biocompatibility. Our titanium blank selection covers the grades most demanded by aerospace, medical, marine, and chemical processing industries. Grade 2 commercially pure titanium provides outstanding corrosion resistance for chemical tanks, heat exchangers, and marine components. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V, the aerospace workhorse, delivers tensile strengths exceeding 130 ksi at roughly 60% the weight of steel. Grade 23 Ti-6Al-4V ELI meets the stringent purity requirements for surgical implants and medical devices. Titanium is challenging to machine but rewards proper technique with components that outlast steel and aluminum alternatives by orders of magnitude in corrosive and cyclic-load environments. Every blank ships with full material certification and heat lot traceability.
Available Forms
Grade Reference
| Grade | Type | Common Use | Typical Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 2 | CP Titanium | Chemical & marine | Sheet |
| Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Alpha-Beta Alloy | Aerospace & medical | Bar |
| Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | Medical Grade | Implants & surgical | Bar |
Detailed Specs by Grade & Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is titanium so expensive compared to steel?
Titanium's cost reflects its complex extraction and processing rather than raw scarcity. The Kroll process used to convert titanium ore into usable metal is energy-intensive and batch-oriented, unlike the continuous processes used for steel. Titanium also requires vacuum or inert atmosphere melting, specialized forging equipment, and carbide tooling for machining. The raw material cost is roughly 10-15 times that of steel, but the total part cost difference narrows when you factor in titanium's longer service life, lower maintenance requirements, and weight savings that reduce costs elsewhere in the system.
What is the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 5 titanium?
Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium with moderate strength around 50 ksi yield and exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly against reducing acids and chloride environments. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V is an alpha-beta alloy containing 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, boosting yield strength to approximately 120 ksi while maintaining good corrosion resistance. Choose Grade 2 when corrosion resistance is the primary concern and moderate strength is adequate, such as chemical process equipment. Choose Grade 5 when high strength-to-weight ratio is critical, as in aerospace structures and high-performance sporting goods.
Is titanium difficult to machine?
Titanium requires careful technique but is not as difficult as its reputation suggests. The main challenges are its low thermal conductivity, which concentrates heat at the cutting edge, and its tendency to gall and seize on tooling. Success requires sharp carbide or ceramic inserts with positive rake angles, lower cutting speeds of 100-200 SFM, aggressive chip loads to avoid work hardening, and abundant high-pressure coolant directed at the cutting zone. Climb milling is strongly preferred. With proper setup, titanium machines predictably and produces excellent surface finishes.
Can titanium blanks be welded?
Yes, titanium welds beautifully but requires complete shielding from atmospheric contamination. TIG welding with pure argon shielding is the standard process, and both the weld puddle and the back side of the joint must be protected with trailing shields and backing gas until the metal cools below approximately 800°F. Any blue, purple, or white discoloration indicates oxygen contamination that compromises joint integrity. Proper titanium welds appear bright silver. Grade 2 and Grade 5 are both readily weldable with matching filler wire, though Grade 5 joints should be stress-relieved after welding for optimal fatigue life.