Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is the most widely used titanium alloy worldwide, accounting for nearly 50% of all titanium consumption.
It delivers an outstanding combination of high strength, low weight, corrosion resistance, fatigue performance, and heat-treatability, making it the global benchmark for high-performance titanium applications.
Alloy Identification
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | R56400 |
| ASTM | B265, B348, B381 |
| AMS | 4911, 4928 |
| Alloy Type | Alpha-Beta Titanium Alloy |
| Strength Level | High |
| Key Feature | Best strength-to-weight ratio |
Metallurgical Behavior & Strengthening
Titanium Grade 5 is heat-treatable and strengthened by:
✔ Solution treatment and aging (STA)
✔ Alpha-beta phase transformation
✔ Solid-solution strengthening
Metallurgical characteristics include:
✔ Fine and stable microstructure
✔ Excellent fatigue resistance
✔ Good fracture toughness
✔ Sensitivity to oxygen contamination during processing
Corrosion Resistance
Titanium Grade 5 provides corrosion resistance comparable to CP titanium in many environments.
Resistant to:
✔ Seawater and marine atmospheres
✔ Chloride solutions
✔ Oxidizing acids
✔ Industrial atmospheres
⚠ Slightly less resistant than CP grades in strong reducing acids.
Fabrication & Processing
✔ Good weldability (TIG, EBW) with inert gas shielding
✔ Post-weld heat treatment recommended for critical components
✔ Difficult machinability – requires low speeds, high-pressure coolant, sharp tools
✔ Moderate formability – hot forming preferred for complex shapes
Applications of Titanium Grade 5
✈ Aerospace – structural components, engine parts, landing gear, fasteners
🏥 Medical – orthopedic implants, bone plates, prosthetics
🌊 Marine – propulsion components, marine fasteners, offshore parts
🛢 Oil & Gas – downhole tools, valves, pressure components
🚗 Automotive – racing components, exhaust systems, performance fasteners
Limitations
⚠ Higher cost than CP titanium
⚠ More difficult to machine and form
⚠ Reduced resistance in strong reducing acids vs Grades 7 & 12
Comparison – Popular Titanium Grades
| Grade | Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP Grade 2 | Medium | Excellent | Industrial |
| Grade 9 | Medium-High | Excellent | Tubing |
| Grade 5 | High | Very Good | Structural |
| Grade 23 | High | Excellent | Medical |
Why Choose Titanium Grade 5?
✔ Maximum strength-to-weight ratio
✔ Structural integrity under cyclic loading
✔ Heat-treatable alloy for demanding applications
✔ Aerospace and medical standard compliance
✔ CP titanium grades are insufficient
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) remains the global standard for high-performance titanium applications across aerospace, medical, marine, energy, and advanced engineering industries.