Titanium Fastener Grades: A Comprehensive Guide
In this guide we unravel the nuances of different titanium grades. We’ll also delve into the varied landscape of titanium alloys and explore their unique characteristics and applications.
This guide highlights the critical importance of selecting the appropriate titanium grades tailored to specific scenarios. The following sections include:
Titanium Grades Explained
Titanium offers a diverse array of grades, each with its own unique composition and characteristics. Each grade contains a varying amount of alloying elements with the higher grades being stronger than the lower grades. Alloying materials must not be mistaken as a coating on the metals. It is embedded within the metal itself.
Titanium can also exist in two main phases: alpha and beta. The alpha phase is characterised by a close-packed hexagonal structure, while the beta phase has a body-centred cubic structure.
The alpha-phase alloys of titanium often exhibit good strength, corrosion resistance, and formability, making them suitable for various applications in industries such as aerospace and biomedical engineering. Titanium grades 1 – 4 are considered predominantly alpha-phase alloys. Grade 5 titanium is considered alpha-beta.
Let’s take a closer look at these titanium grades, shedding light on their distinctions and applications. Please note, our titanium fasteners are available in Grades 2 and 5.
Titanium Grade 1:
- Titanium grade 1 stands as the embodiment of purity in the titanium world
- Composed primarily of titanium and void of alloying elements, it boasts exceptional corrosion resistance and formability
- Commonly used in chemical processing and marine applications, grade 1 is the go-to choice where corrosion resilience is paramount
Titanium Grade 2:
- Titanium grade 2 is one of the most common types of titanium
- With a balance of strength and weldability, titanium grade 2 emerges as one of the most popular options due to its 99% titanium purity
- This commercially pure grade finds its place in chemical processing, architecture, and medical implants
- Its moderate strength, coupled with excellent corrosion resistance, makes it a formidable contender in various fields
- It is also suitable for components needing strength up to 204°C and exhibiting resistance to oxidation up to 315°C
Titanium Grade 3:
- Titanium grade 3 emerges as a versatile and reliable option
- Often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts, grade 3, with its distinct composition, finds its niche in various industrial applications, such as chemical processing, marine engineering, and medical implants
- It finds applications in components that need strength capabilities reaching 204°C and resilience against oxidation of up to 315°C
Titanium Grade 4:
- Titanium grade 4 stands out as the purest form of unalloyed titanium, distinguished by elevated oxygen content and exceptional strength
- It strikes a delicate balance between strength and ductility, alloyed with small amounts of palladium
- Grade 4 excels in applications requiring both robustness and malleability and is suitable for components demanding strength levels reaching 204°C, exhibiting oxidation resistance up to 315°C
- This makes grade 4 a sought-after choice in the marine and chemical industries
Titanium Grade 5:
- Grade 5 titanium (6Al-4V) surpasses the strength of commercially pure titanium alloys
- With 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium, this heat-treatable alloy boasts a compelling blend of strength, weldability, and formability
- This makes it indispensable for applications where a high strength-to-weight ratio is crucial
- Grade 5 titanium maintains the same corrosion properties as titanium grade 2, making it very suitable for environments involving chemical processing, architecture, aerospace, and transport
Titanium Grades Chart
This titanium grades chart illustrates the various grades of titanium alongside their elemental compositions, including corresponding tensile strength values, O2 levels and other alloyed metals.
| Grade | UTS (MPA) | 0.2% (MPA) | %EL | O2 %WT | C %WT | N %WT | H %WT | FE %WT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 240 | 138 | 24 | 0.18 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.015 | 0.20 |
| 2 | 345 | 275 | 20 | 0.25 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.015 | 0.30 |
| 3 | 450 | 380 | 18 | 0.35 | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.30 |
| 4 | 550 | 483 | 15 | 0.40 | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.50 |
| 5 | 950 | 880 | 15 | 0.20 | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.40 |
Types of Titanium Fasteners
Below are the types of titanium fasteners we offer. You can learn more by clicking on the links.
In precision engineering, titanium screws are used daily. Their corrosion resistance, coupled with impressive tensile strength, makes them ideal for critical applications in electronics, medical devices, and marine environments.
Titanium Washers
Often overlooked, titanium washers are unsung heroes in fastening assemblies. Providing a barrier against corrosion and ensuring even distribution of loads, these small components contribute significantly to the reliability of the overall structure.
Our range includes washers in both titanium grade 2 and titanium grade 5. There are also options for stainless steel or steel with a zinc coating. Our captive washers have a very shallow thread on them, which enables them to be screwed on, and once past the threads they do not separate from the captive screw or bolt.
To learn more about Choosing the Right Captive Screws, please read our guide.
Ball Lock Pins
Ball lock pins, also known as quick-release pins, are mechanical fasteners designed for rapid and secure assembly and disassembly in various applications. They consist of a cylindrical body with a spring-loaded ball at one end and a push-button or handle at the other. Our range of ball lock pins are built as a single piece design, which means there is no danger of parts coming away from the pin. Suitable for frequently repeated connections, they have a temperature resistance of up to 400°C.
Maintenance Requirements for Titanium Fasteners
The corrosion resistance of titanium translates into an extended lifespan for fasteners. Whether bolts securing critical aerospace components, screws in delicate medical devices, or washers supporting structural stability, titanium's durability ensures prolonged functionality, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
It’s also cost-effective with less need for frequent inspections and replacements. Industries benefit from lower maintenance costs and operational disruptions, ultimately enhancing overall efficiency.
Browse our selection of Titanium Fasteners.
Corrosion Resistance Properties
The corrosion resistance of titanium is due to a stable, protective and strongly adherent oxide layer on its surface. This layer forms instantly when the fresh surface is exposed to air or moisture. The growth of the layer is accelerated under strongly oxidised conditions, such as heating the air.
Below is a list of the key properties of titanium fasteners.
Chemical Inertness:
Titanium is durable in many corrosive environments, including exposure to seawater, acids, and various chemicals. This durability is a result of the protective oxide layer, which remains stable under a wide range of corrosive conditions.
Resistance to Pitting Corrosion:
Titanium's resistance to pitting corrosion, a form of corrosion that can lead to small pits or holes in the material, is remarkable. This property is crucial in applications where the fasteners are exposed to harsh conditions, such as in marine environments or chemical processing.
High Temperature Corrosion Resistance:
Titanium retains its corrosion resistance even at elevated temperatures, some up to 315°C, making it suitable for applications where fasteners are exposed to high heat, such as in aerospace and industrial settings.
Galvanic Corrosion Resistance:
Titanium grade metals are excellent at resisting galvanic corrosion, a type of corrosion that occurs when two conductive metals are in contact with an electric current created through chemical action. This makes titanium fasteners compatible for use in assemblies with different metals, without significant risk of corrosion.
Biocompatibility:
In medical applications, where titanium fasteners may be used in implants, anatomical structures or surgical instruments, the biocompatibility of titanium is a crucial aspect. The corrosion resistance of titanium ensures the longevity and safety of these medical devices within the human body.
In summary, the corrosion resistance properties of titanium fasteners stem from the formation of a protective oxide layer, making them reliable and durable components in environments that pose a threat to other metals.
Mechanical Properties of Titanium Fasteners
Titanium distinguishes itself as a versatile material for a range of engineering applications due to its distinctive blend of strength, ductility, and other mechanical characteristics. It is often the superior choice for high-stress applications where weight is a concern.
Their key mechanical properties make titanium fasteners indispensable in the world of modern construction and manufacturing. Below is a list of their key properties and why they should be considered in certain applications.
Tensile Strength:
High tensile materials are typically used for high-stress fastening applications. It’s why stainless steel is the one of the most widely used products in the world but its main disadvantage is that it doesn’t have a naturally protective coating or alloy like titanium and so therefore, is more prone to corrosion. This begs the question, Is titanium stronger than steel? Yes, titanium is stronger than steel. Not to mention that titanium is 45% lighter than steel with the same, if not higher, tensile strength.
Titanium fasteners, including bolts, screws, and washers, boast impressive tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to the material's ability to withstand axial loads without permanent deformation. Titanium's high tensile strength makes it suitable for applications where structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities are crucial.
If you want to compare titanium vs stainless steel then please read our Guide to Stainless Steel Grades.
Yield Strength:
Yield strength is the amount of stress a material can endure without deforming. Titanium fasteners exhibit a notable yield strength, contributing to their reliability in applications where maintaining shape and structural integrity is essential.
Fatigue Resistance:
Titanium fasteners display excellent fatigue resistance, enabling them to endure repeated loading and unloading cycles without failure. This characteristic is particularly important in applications such as aerospace, where components are subjected to cyclic stresses during operation.
Impact Resistance:
The impact resistance of titanium-grade material makes it suitable in applications where fasteners may experience sudden or repeated impacts. This property is valuable in industries ranging from automotive engineering to construction, where fasteners must withstand harsh and direct forces.
Hardness:
Titanium possesses sufficient hardness to resist wear and abrasion. This makes titanium fasteners durable and long-lasting in applications where contact or friction with other materials is common.
Applications of Titanium Fasteners
Our titanium fasteners are available in grades 2 and 5. For your convenience, we’ve put together this table to show you the applications that all titanium grades are typically associated with:
| Applications | Titanium Grade 1 | Titanium Grade 2 | Titanium Grade 3 | Titanium Grade 4 | Titanium Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Processing (Equipment) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical (Surgical equipment and implants) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aerospace (Aircraft components) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Marine (Ships and sea structures) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automotive (High performance car parts) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Construction (Buildings, roofing and bridges) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Electronics (Electronic components) | ✔ | ||||
| Oil and Gas (Drilling equipment) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Renewable Energy (Wind turbines) | ✔ | ||||
| Environmental (Water treatment equipment) | ✔ |
Note: A ✔ indicates the titanium grade is commonly associated with the respective application.
The listed applications above are general and may vary based on specific properties and requirements, such as corrosion resistance, of each grade of titanium. Additionally, advancements in technology and material science may introduce new applications for titanium alloys.
Questions?
We’re always happy to help. If you need advice about our range of Titanium Fasteners, email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.