Grade 2 Titanium vs. Grade 5 Titanium: How to Choose
Dec 10, 2025
Grade 2 Titanium: Commercially Pure Titanium
Grade 2 belongs to the "commercially pure" titanium family. Its composition is very pure, with over 99% titanium content. You can think of it as a highly pure form of titanium, which gives it its standout advantage: excellent corrosion resistance, especially in environments like seawater or chlorides. At the same time, its weldability and formability are very good, making it easy to fabricate into various shapes.
Grade 5 Titanium: The High-Performance "Alloy"
Grade 5's formal name is Ti-6Al-4V, and it is a titanium alloy. As the name suggests, it's titanium with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium added. The addition of these alloy elements significantly boosts its . In fact, Grade 5 is the most widely used titanium alloy. Its strength is nearly double that of pure titanium (like Grade 2), while still maintaining good corrosion resistance and low density.
| Grade 2 Titanium | Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) | |
|---|---|---|
| Good, but slightly less than Grade 2 | ||
| Low (similar to Grade 2, but much stronger) | ||
1. Strength and Weight
If your project needs to withstand high stress or loads-such as in aircraft structural parts, racing components, or high-performance sports equipment-then Grade 5 titanium is the clear choice. Its "strength-to-weight ratio" is its biggest advantage, meaning it provides far more structural support than Grade 2 at the same weight.
2. Corrosion Resistance
This is the absolute strong point of Grade 2 titanium. In applications like chemical processing equipment, marine engineering, desalination plants, or medical implants (which need to remain stable in the body's fluids for long periods), the "purity" of Grade 2 makes it almost immune to erosion. While Grade 5's corrosion resistance is also very good, in extremely aggressive environments, Grade 2 is the more reliable and durable option.
3. Fabrication and Cost
Grade 2 titanium is softer and therefore easier to cut, bend, and weld, which reduces fabrication difficulty and cost. Grade 5, due to its high strength and hardness, is more challenging to machine. It requires more specialized equipment and processes, which naturally leads to higher material and processing costs.
Typical Scenarios for Choosing Grade 2 Titanium:
Chemical Industry: Heat exchangers, piping, reaction vessels.
Marine Engineering: Ship propellers, seawater treatment equipment, offshore platform components.
Medical Field: Dental implants, surgical instruments.
Architecture: Roofing, exterior panels in coastal areas where resistance to salt air is crucial.
Typical Scenarios for Choosing Grade 5 Titanium:
Aerospace: Airframe structural components, engine parts, fasteners.
High-Performance Sports: Race car chassis, golf club heads, high-end bicycle frames.
Industrial Sector: Turbine blades, oil drilling equipment.
Military Applications: UAV components, armored vehicle parts.
If the answer is "maximum corrosion resistance" and "ease of fabrication," and the strength requirements are moderate, then Grade 2 titanium is a highly cost-effective choice.
If the answer is "the highest possible strength" and "lightweighting," and you are prepared for the higher cost, then Grade 5 titanium is the definitive option.
: Seamless and welded tubing in commercial and aerospace grades (Gr1, Gr2, Gr5, Gr7, Gr9, Gr12), suitable for heat exchangers, condenser tubes, and piping systems.
: Round bars, hex bars, and square bars in hot-rolled, forged, and cold-drawn conditions, available in various diameters and lengths.
: Plates, sheets, and strips in standard and custom dimensions, ideal for pressure vessels, chemical processing, and marine applications.
: Fine wire for welding, fasteners, and medical applications, alongside ultra-thin foil for specialized industrial uses.
: 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.
