Gr2 (commercially pure Ti) and Gr5 (Ti-6Al-4V) are the two dominant titanium grades — together covering 95% of titanium applications. Gr2 is soft, ductile, corrosion-resistant, easy to form, used in chemical processing and some medical. Gr5 is stronger than most steels per gram, harder to work with, used for aerospace structure and implants. This guide covers the specific decision between them.
| Element | Grade 2 (CP-Ti) | Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | 99% min | Balance (~90%) |
| Aluminum | — | 5.5-6.75% |
| Vanadium | — | 3.5-4.5% |
| Iron (max) | 0.30% | 0.30% |
| Oxygen (max) | 0.25% | 0.20% |
| Microstructure | Alpha (α) phase | Alpha + beta (α+β) phase |
Gr2 is essentially pure titanium with trace elements. Gr5 is the alpha-beta alloy with aluminum (α-stabilizer) and vanadium (β-stabilizer), giving it a dual-phase microstructure that enables heat treatment and far higher strength.
| Property | Grade 2 | Grade 5 (annealed) | Grade 5 (aged) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 345 MPa | 950 MPa | 1,170 MPa |
| Yield strength | 275 MPa | 880 MPa | 1,100 MPa |
| Elongation | 20% | 14% | 10% |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | 80 HRB | 36 HRC | 41 HRC |
| Density | 4.51 g/cm³ | 4.43 g/cm³ | 4.43 g/cm³ |
| Formability | Excellent | Poor | Very poor |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good (requires inert atmosphere) | Fair (HAZ cracking risk) |
| Machinability | Moderate (30% rating) | Poor (22% rating) | Very poor (18%) |
Gr5 is 3× the strength of Gr2 — a massive difference. But Gr2 is easier to form, easier to machine, easier to weld. For applications where strength isn't critical, Gr2 saves money and manufacturing time.
Heat exchangers, reaction vessels, pipes handling aggressive chemicals (chlorine, wet chlorine gas, chlorinated hydrocarbons). Gr2's excellent corrosion resistance + formability for tank and pipe fabrication makes it the industry default.
Piping, heat exchangers in offshore production platforms. Gr2 resists seawater better than any common stainless grade. Used where strength margins are adequate.
Surgical instruments, non-load-bearing medical equipment. Biocompatible, non-magnetic, easy to sterilize.
Decorative exterior panels, sculpture, architectural details. Takes beautiful anodized and colored finishes.
Tubes and tubing bundles in desalination plants. Serviceable for 30+ years with minimal corrosion.
Airframe parts, engine mounts, landing gear. The strength-to-weight ratio is the whole point — Gr5 competes with high-strength steel on strength but weighs 45% less.
Hip stems, dental implants, bone screws. Gr5 and its ELI variant (Gr23) are the standards for long-term implant structural components. Strength + biocompatibility + fatigue resistance.
Mountain bike frames, racing bicycle parts, high-end tennis rackets. Premium positioning; buyers pay for the combination of strength, weight, and prestige.
Where Gr2 corrosion resistance is needed AND structural strength is required. Submarine parts, offshore platform structural elements.
Aerospace fasteners, high-performance automotive bolts. Grade 5 bolts weigh half as much as steel equivalents at similar strength.
Both Gr2 and Gr5 resist:
Key difference: Gr2 resists reducing acids (e.g., hydrochloric) better than Gr5 at elevated temperatures. For some process chemistry at high temperature, Gr2 is specified specifically for this reason.
Neither resists: hydrofluoric acid (strongest titanium attacker), concentrated sulfuric acid above 10%, or concentrated sodium hydroxide.
| Form | Grade 2 ($/kg) | Grade 5 ($/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet (commercial) | $35-50 | $55-80 |
| Bar (commercial) | $40-55 | $60-85 |
| Plate | $45-60 | $70-95 |
| AMS-certified aerospace | $70-100 | $110-160 |
For machining, the cost difference gets amplified because Gr5 is harder to machine (22% rating vs 30% for Gr2). A similar part in Gr5 can cost 2-2.5× the Gr2 equivalent when finished.
Both grades are stocked at major titanium distributors. AMS-certified material adds 50-70% premium + 2-3 week lead time. Commercial grades typically ship same-day from stock.
Email [email protected] with your service conditions. For chemical/marine work, we often suggest Gr2 (saves money). For structural/implant work, Gr5 is typically required. We'll confirm the right grade and certification level.
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