Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and Biocompatibility
Titanium and its alloys occupy a specific niche in structural materials selection: low density (4.43–4.51 g/cm³), high specific strength, corrosion resistance across a broad chemical range, and compatibility with both cryogenic service and continuous use to approximately 600°C. They are non-magnetic in all conditions and biocompatible in commercially pure and ELI forms.
Corrosion resistance is intrinsic rather than applied. A stable TiO₂ passive layer forms spontaneously on exposure to air or moisture and regenerates after mechanical damage, machining, or welding. This distinguishes titanium from most corrosion-resistant alloys, where surface protection is a processing step rather than a bulk material property.
Goodfellow supplies a great number of titanium grades: commercially pure Grades 1–4, palladium-enhanced Grades 7 and 11, Ni-Mo alloy Grade 12, Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9), Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5), Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23), and Beta 3. Product forms include foil, rod, wire, spherical powder, plain weave gauze, sputtering targets and more. Many of our titanium grades are supplied to specific ASTM standards with a Certificate of Analysis as standard.
Titanium Grade Families — Technical Overview
Grades are grouped by microstructure and alloying system. Within each family, the primary selection variables are strength level, corrosion environment, and required product form.
High-purity titanium is produced to purities up to 99.999%, with total metallic impurity content controlled below the levels permitted in ASTM commercial purity grades. Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and iron are minimised to concentrations not achievable through standard ingot metallurgy routes. Used in spectroscopy reference standards, thin film deposition, electrochemistry, corrosion studies, and any application where trace metallic contaminants would interfere with results. Non-graded forms include unclassified foil, rod, wire, sputtering target, plain weave gauze, and powder where ASTM grade designation is not required.
Unalloyed titanium with no intentional metallic additions. Interstitial content — principally oxygen — varies from ≤0.18% (Grade 1) to ≤0.40% (Grade 4), driving the tensile strength range from 240 MPa to 550 MPa. Corrosion resistance is equivalent across all four grades; the TiO₂ passive layer is equally effective regardless of oxygen content. Grade selection within this group is a strength-versus-formability decision. Grade 2 is the most widely specified CP grade for general industrial use. Grade 1 is preferred for complex forming, deep drawing, or thin-wall fabrication. Grades 3 and 4 provide higher load-bearing capacity without alloying. All four grades are readily weldable by GTAW and cold-formable using standard methods. Supplied to ASTM B265 (foil/sheet) and ASTM B348 (rod).
Commercially pure titanium base with a controlled 0.12–0.25 wt% palladium addition. Palladium acts as a cathodic depolariser, shifting the open-circuit potential into the passive region in reducing acid environments where standard CP grades corrode actively. Provides significantly improved resistance to crevice corrosion and attack by HCl, H₂SO₄, and H₃PO₄ at elevated concentrations and temperatures — conditions where Grades 1–4 are not reliably passive. Grade 7 has mechanical properties equivalent to Grade 2 (345 MPa UTS, 20% elongation); Grade 11 is equivalent to Grade 1 (240 MPa UTS, 24% elongation). Corrosion protection is identical between the two grades; selection is determined by required strength and formability. Both grades supplied to ASTM B265 (foil) and ASTM B348 (rod).
Near-commercially-pure titanium (UNS R53400) alloyed with 0.6–0.9% nickel and 0.2–0.4% molybdenum. The Ni/Mo additions increase tensile strength to 483 MPa — above the CP range — and improve crevice corrosion resistance in chloride-containing media and mildly reducing conditions through a different mechanism to the palladium grades. Preferred over Grades 7 and 11 where higher mechanical strength is required alongside chloride and seawater resistance, particularly for heavy-wall components or geometries prone to crevice conditions under gaskets and fasteners. Not hardenable by heat treatment; annealing at 650–760°C, followed by air cooling, restores ductility after cold working. Supplied to ASTM B265 (foil) and ASTM B348 (rod).
Two-phase microstructure with aluminium stabilising the α-phase and vanadium (or lower quantities in Grade 9) retaining β-phase at room temperature. Provides significantly higher strength than CP or near-CP grades at the cost of reduced cold formability. Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V, UNS R56400) is heat-treatable and accounts for approximately 50% of global titanium consumption; the standard alloy for aerospace structures, engine components, and high-stress industrial applications. Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V, UNS R56320) provides intermediate strength with better cold formability than Grade 5 and is the standard alloy for aerospace hydraulic tubing and thin-wall structural tube. Grade 23 ELI (Ti-6Al-4V Extra-Low Interstitial, UNS R56401) has the same nominal chemistry as Grade 5 but with tighter maximum limits on oxygen (≤0.13%), nitrogen, iron, and carbon; the reduced interstitial content improves fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth resistance, and it is the grade specified in ISO 5832-3 for load-bearing surgical implants. Supplied to ASTM B265 (foil/sheet) and ASTM B348 (rod).
Ion implantation introduces nitrogen or other species into the near-surface region of commercially pure titanium to a controlled depth, typically 0.1–1 μm, without altering bulk geometry or bulk mechanical properties. The process modifies surface hardness, wear resistance, and friction coefficient while the substrate retains its dimensional tolerances and underlying material properties. Used in tribology research, implant surface characterisation, fretting fatigue studies, and comparative biocompatibility testing between unmodified and surface-treated titanium substrates. Available as disc and foil.
Grade Comparison — Find the Right Grade for Your Project
| Property | CP TitaniumGrade 1R50250View products | CP TitaniumGrade 2R50400View products | CP TitaniumGrade 3R50550View products | CP TitaniumGrade 4R50700View products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | ||||
| Key alloying | — | — | — | — |
| O max (%) | 0.18 | 0.25 | 0.35 | 0.40 |
| Mechanical properties | ||||
| UTS (MPa) | 240 | 345 | 450 | 550 |
| Yield 0.2% (MPa) | 170 | 275 | 380 | 483 |
| Elongation (%) | 24 | 20 | 18 | 15 |
| Physical properties | ||||
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.51 | 4.51 | 4.51 | 4.51 |
| E-modulus (GPa) | 102 | 103 | 105 | 105 |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | ~21.9 | ~21.9 | ~21.9 | ~21.9 |
| Specific strength (kN·m/kg) | 53 | 77 | 100 | 122 |
| Characteristics | ||||
| Key trait | Softest CPLowest O content; maximum cold formability; preferred for deep-drawn or complex-geometry components | Industry StandardMost widely specified CP grade; optimal balance of strength, formability, and weldability | Higher-Strength CPStep up in strength over Grade 2 with identical CP corrosion behaviour | Strongest CPMaximum load-bearing capacity without alloying additions |
| Corrosion resistance | TiO2 PassiveAll four CP grades offer equivalent corrosion resistance — excellent in oxidising media, seawater, mild chlorides, and dilute acids. Grade selection within this family is a strength-versus-formability decision. | |||
| Property | Pd-Enhanced CPGrade 7R52400View products | Pd-Enhanced CPGrade 11R52250View products |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | ||
| Key alloying | Pd 0.12–0.25% | Pd 0.12–0.25% |
| O max (%) | 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Mechanical properties | ||
| UTS (MPa) | 345 | 240 |
| Yield 0.2% (MPa) | 275 | 138 |
| Elongation (%) | 20 | 24 |
| Physical properties | ||
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.51 | 4.51 |
| E-modulus (GPa) | 105 | 105 |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | ~21.9 | ~21.9 |
| Specific strength (kN·m/kg) | 77 | 53 |
| Characteristics | ||
| Key trait | Pd-EnhancedGrade 2 equivalent strength and formability; select over Grade 2 where reducing acids or crevice conditions are present | Pd + Max DuctilityGrade 1 equivalent strength; maximum ductility within the Pd-enhanced family; preferred for deep forming in reducing acid service |
| Corrosion resistance | Pd-EnhancedBoth grades offer identical Pd corrosion protection. Palladium extends the passive range into reducing acid environments (HCl, H2SO4, H3PO4) where Grades 1–4 corrode actively. Also excellent in crevice corrosion environments and seawater. | |
| Property | Ni-Mo AlloyGrade 12R53400View products |
|---|---|
| Composition | |
| Key alloying | Ni 0.60–0.90%, Mo 0.20–0.40% |
| O max (%) | 0.25 |
| Mechanical properties | |
| UTS (MPa) | 483 |
| Yield 0.2% (MPa) | 345 |
| Elongation (%) | 18 |
| Physical properties | |
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.51 |
| E-modulus (GPa) | 105 |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | ~21 |
| Specific strength (kN·m/kg) | 107 |
| Characteristics | |
| Key trait | Ni-Mo AlloyHigher strength than any CP grade; use where Grade 2 or Grade 7 strength is insufficient. Ni/Mo additions improve crevice corrosion resistance in seawater and chloride-containing media through a different mechanism to the palladium grades. |
| Corrosion resistance | Ni-Mo EnhancedExcellent in seawater, chloride-containing media, and crevice environments. Not as effective as Grades 7/11 in reducing acids (HCl, H2SO4). Preferred over Pd grades where higher mechanical strength is required alongside chloride resistance. |
| Property | Alpha-Beta AlloyGrade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)R56400View products | Alpha-Beta AlloyGrade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V)R56320View products | Alpha-Beta ELIGrade 23 ELI (Ti-6Al-4V)R56401View products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | |||
| Key alloying | Al 6%, V 4% | Al 3%, V 2.5% | Al 6%, V 4%, low O/N/Fe |
| O max (%) | 0.20 | 0.15 | 0.13 |
| Mechanical properties | |||
| UTS (MPa) | 950 | 620 | 830 |
| Yield 0.2% (MPa) | 880 | 520 | 760 |
| Elongation (%) | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Physical properties | |||
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.43 | 4.46 | 4.43 |
| E-modulus (GPa) | 114 | 104 | 114 |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | ~7 | ~9 | ~7 |
| Specific strength (kN·m/kg) | 214 | 139 | 187 |
| Characteristics | |||
| Key trait | Most Widely Used~50% of all Ti consumed globally; heat-treatable to >1100 MPa; aerospace, medical, motorsport | Mid-Range AlloyBetter cold formability than Grade 5; aerospace hydraulic tubing standard; thin-wall structural applications | Implant GradeExtra-low interstitials vs Grade 5; superior fracture toughness; ISO 5832-3 for load-bearing surgical implants |
| Corrosion resistance | TiO2 PassiveAll three grades are passive in oxidising media and moderate chloride environments. Thermal conductivity is substantially lower than CP grades (~7–9 vs ~22 W/m·K) — a key factor in machining heat management. Grade 23 ELI is specified in ISO 10993 for implantable devices. | ||
| Property | Beta AlloyBeta 3Ti-77.5/Mo-12/Zr-6/Sn-4.5View products |
|---|---|
| Composition | |
| Key alloying | Mo 12%, Zr 6%, Sn 4.5% |
| O max (%) | — |
| Mechanical properties | |
| UTS (MPa) | ~800 § |
| Yield 0.2% (MPa) | ~700 § |
| Elongation (%) | ~18 ¶ |
| Physical properties | |
| Density (g/cm³) | ~5.0 † |
| E-modulus (GPa) | ~83 † |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | ~8 † |
| Specific strength (kN·m/kg) | ~160 § |
| Characteristics | |
| Key trait | Precipitation-HardenableTi-Mo-Zr-Sn beta alloy. Cold-workable in the solution-treated condition before ageing. Mo stabilises the BCC β-phase. Highest fatigue strength in the Goodfellow titanium range when aged. Low E-modulus (83 GPa) is characteristic of the BCC beta microstructure. |
| Corrosion resistance | TiO2 PassiveGood in oxidising media. Density (~5.0 g/cm³) is higher than CP and alpha-beta grades due to the high Mo content (Mo density 10.28 g/cm³). |
| Property | SpecialtyIon ImplantedCP Ti baseView products | High PurityNon-Graded & High-PurityUp to 99.999%View products |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | ||
| Key alloying | N ion-implanted surface, ~0.1–1 μm depth | — |
| O max (%) | — | Varies |
| Mechanical properties | ||
| UTS (MPa) | 345 † | — |
| Yield 0.2% (MPa) | 275 † | — |
| Elongation (%) | 20 † | — |
| Physical properties | ||
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.51 † | 4.51 |
| E-modulus (GPa) | ~105 † | ~102–105 |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | ~21.9 † | ~21.9 |
| Specific strength (kN·m/kg) | 77 † | Varies |
| Characteristics | ||
| Key trait | Surface ModifiedBulk mechanical and physical properties identical to CP base. N ion-implantation enhances surface hardness and wear resistance to a controlled depth without altering geometry or bulk properties. | High PurityNo ASTM grade designation; purity up to 99.999%; mechanical properties confirmed per lot. Includes sputtering target for PVD/thin film deposition and plain weave gauze for electrochemical and filtration research. |
| Corrosion resistance | TiO2 PassiveBulk corrosion behaviour identical to CP base; surface hardness enhanced by ion implantation | TiO2 PassivePhysical properties equivalent to CP grades; performance is purity-dependent |
Mechanical properties: typical minimum values, annealed condition, ASTM B265 (foil/sheet) and ASTM B348 (rod) unless stated. O max: maximum allowable limit per ASTM B265. Physical properties at room temperature (20 °C). Specific strength = UTS ÷ density (kN·m/kg) based on minimum annealed UTS. † Bulk CP base properties; surface modified by ion implantation. § Aged condition (indicative; final values depend on ageing cycle). ¶ Solution-treated condition. † Density derived via rule of mixtures (~5.0 g/cm³); E-modulus typical for beta-phase Ti alloys (published range 74–90 GPa). Refer to relevant ASTM standards and individual material certificates supplied with each order.
Available in Every Form Your Process Requires
- Bars
- Rods
- Tubes
- Coils
- Discs
- Foils & Light-Tight Foils
- Balls/Spheres
- Pellets
- Powders
- Wires
- Gauzes/Meshes
- Sputtering Targets
- Custom-cut shapes - on request
Titanium Across Critical Industries
Marine & Offshore
Seawater systems expose materials to chlorides, crevice conditions, biofouling, and continuous corrosion loading. Titanium maintains a stable passive oxide layer in seawater environments where stainless steels are susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion under restricted oxygen conditions. Grade 2 is widely used for heat exchangers, desalination systems, offshore pipework, and seawater cooling systems, while Grade 12 provides improved resistance in higher-strength assemblies and geometrically creviced components.
Chemical Processing
Titanium provides outstanding resistance to oxidising acids, chlorides, and aggressive chemical process environments where stainless steels can rapidly corrode. Grade 2 is widely used for vessels, piping, agitators, and heat exchangers handling oxidising media, while Grades 7 and 11 improve resistance in reducing acid environments through palladium additions. Grade 12 is selected for higher-strength components operating in concentrated chloride streams and process systems requiring both corrosion resistance and mechanical reliability.
Aerospace & Defense
Titanium is a primary aerospace structural metal due to its high specific strength, fatigue resistance, and elevated temperature performance. Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is extensively used for airframes, fasteners, and engine components where lightweight mechanical strength is critical. Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) is preferred for hydraulic tubing and formed aerospace structures requiring weldability and cold formability, while Beta 3 alloy supports development of springs, clips, and other high-fatigue aerospace components.
Medical Devices
Titanium’s TiO₂ passive layer provides biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and osseointegration in physiological environments. Grade 23 ELI is the standard alloy for load-bearing implants including orthopedic, dental, and spinal systems due to its fracture toughness and fatigue crack resistance under cyclic loading. Grades 2 and 4 are widely used for surgical instruments, dental implants, and medical housings where corrosion resistance and biocompatibility are required without the higher strength of Grade 23.
Oil & Gas
Oil and gas systems combine chloride brines, H₂S, CO₂, elevated temperatures, and high operating pressures in highly corrosive service conditions. Titanium alloys provide corrosion resistance across these environments without the hydrogen embrittlement risks associated with many high-strength steels under cathodic protection. Grade 2 is used for heat exchangers, riser systems, and flexible pipe components, Grade 12 for higher-strength corrosion-critical hardware, and Grade 5 for high-pressure valve, pump, and subsea mechanical systems.
Research & Development
Research environments require titanium in specialist forms, small quantities, and high-purity grades not typically available through commodity suppliers. Goodfellow supplies titanium foil, rod, powder, sputtering targets, gauze, and ion implanted materials for additive manufacturing, thin film deposition, electrochemistry, catalysis, and surface engineering research. Titanium sputtering targets are widely used in PVD and magnetron sputtering processes for semiconductor R&D, adhesion layers, diffusion barriers, and functional coating development.
From Raw Material to Finished Component
Once you’ve identified the right titanium grade, our microfabrication team can take your material to a finished component — specializing in laser microfabrication, precision cutting, and micro-scale processing.
- Laser-cut foil and sheet components
- Precision stencils and filters
- Microfluidic components
- Custom-geometry samples for testing and characterization
- Prototype medical device components
Verify your material against specification before it goes into service. Our Suisse TP laboratory provides comprehensive testing and characterization for all titanium grades.
- Mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, impact, creep)
- Chemical composition analysis (OES, ICP)
- Corrosion testing (salt spray, pitting, intergranular)
- Microstructural analysis (SEM/EDX, optical metallography)
- Full certificate of conformity and material traceability reports
Tell us what you need and we’ll supply it — from a single research sample to a scaled production run, with no minimum order at any stage.
- Custom sheet and foil dimensions
- Non-standard rod diameters and lengths
- Tight-tolerance wire diameters
- Specific surface finish requirements
- High-volume supply for scale-up from prototype
Order your titanium grade, have it precision-cut by Goodfellow Microfabrication, and validated by Suisse TP — all through a single Goodfellow relationship.
Why Goodfellow Titanium
- Specialist Grades: Non-commodity titanium grades available in stock
- Precision Manufacturing: Over 75 years of expertise in material processing
- Customization: Products tailored to your exact specifications
- Technical Support: Expert advice on grade selection and application
- Quality Assurance: Full certification and traceability
- No Minimum Order: Flexibility to meet your needs, whether large or small
- Free Delivery Worldwide: Shipping within 48-72 hours and custom clearance
Popular Titanium Products
- Grade 1 Titanium Foil Highly ductile Grade 1 Ti discs for precision electrochemical electrodes, corrosion studies & surface testing. Superior formability & stable oxide layer.each
Starting at £140.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesHighly ductile Grade 1 Ti discs for precision electrochemical electrodes, corrosion studies & surface testing. Superior formability & stable oxide layer. - Grade 1 Titanium Rod Grade 1 titanium rod with high ductility and corrosion resistance for marine, chemical processing and biomedical applications.each
Starting at £199.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 1 titanium rod with high ductility and corrosion resistance for marine, chemical processing and biomedical applications. - Grade 23 ELI Titanium/Aluminium/Vanadium Alloy Foil (Ti90/Al6/V4) Grade 23 titanium alloy foil with high fatigue strength and biocompatibility for R&D and surface engineering.each
Starting at £196.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 23 titanium alloy foil with high fatigue strength and biocompatibility for R&D and surface engineering. - Grade 4 Titanium Foil Robust Grade 4 Ti discs for mechanical testing, industrial use & harsh chemical environments. High strength with superior corrosion resistance.each
Starting at £193.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesRobust Grade 4 Ti discs for mechanical testing, industrial use & harsh chemical environments. High strength with superior corrosion resistance. - Grade 4 Titanium Spooled Wire Grade 4 titanium wire with high strength and corrosion resistance for aerospace, chemical and research applications.each
Starting at £193.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 4 titanium wire with high strength and corrosion resistance for aerospace, chemical and research applications. - Grade 9 Titanium/Aluminium/Vanadium Alloy Foil (Ti94.5/Al3/V2.5) Grade 9 titanium foil with corrosion resistance and formability for aerospace, marine and energy systems.each
Starting at £195.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 9 titanium foil with corrosion resistance and formability for aerospace, marine and energy systems. - Ion Implanted Titanium Foil Ion-implanted titanium foil with improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance for advanced R&D applications.each
Starting at £200.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesIon-implanted titanium foil with improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance for advanced R&D applications. - Titanium Bar Titanium bar with high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance for structural, marine and aerospace applications.each
Starting at £97.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesTitanium bar with high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance for structural, marine and aerospace applications. - Titanium Foil Titanium foil with high purity, strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility for lightweight structures, sensors, implants, shielding, and precision coatings.each
Starting at £124.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesTitanium foil with high purity, strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility for lightweight structures, sensors, implants, shielding, and precision coatings. - Titanium Pellets Titanium pellets for alloying and deposition processes offering purity, corrosion resistance and consistency.each
Starting at £82.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesTitanium pellets for alloying and deposition processes offering purity, corrosion resistance and consistency. - Titanium Plain Weave Gauze Titanium plain weave gauze with corrosion resistance and strength for filtration, catalyst supports, marine systems, composite reinforcement, and biomedical meshes.each
Starting at £423.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesTitanium plain weave gauze with corrosion resistance and strength for filtration, catalyst supports, marine systems, composite reinforcement, and biomedical meshes. - Titanium Rod Titanium rod with corrosion resistance, lightweight strength and thermal stability for marine, chemical and industrial use.each
Starting at £167.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesTitanium rod with corrosion resistance, lightweight strength and thermal stability for marine, chemical and industrial use. - Titanium Sputtering Target Titanium sputtering target for PVD processes delivering uniform coatings with strong adhesion and corrosion resistance.each
Starting at £154.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesTitanium sputtering target for PVD processes delivering uniform coatings with strong adhesion and corrosion resistance. - Grade 12 Titanium Foil Grade 12 titanium foil combining high strength and corrosion resistance for marine and chemical processing applications.each
Starting at £0.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 12 titanium foil combining high strength and corrosion resistance for marine and chemical processing applications. - Grade 3 Titanium Foil Grade 3 titanium foil with high strength and corrosion resistance for heat exchangers and marine structures.each
Starting at £0.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 3 titanium foil with high strength and corrosion resistance for heat exchangers and marine structures. - Grade 7 Titanium Foil Palladium-enhanced Grade 7 foil with superior corrosion resistance for chemical and marine environments.each
Starting at £0.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesPalladium-enhanced Grade 7 foil with superior corrosion resistance for chemical and marine environments. - Grade 11 Titanium Rod Palladium-enhanced Grade 11 titanium rod offering high ductility and corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.each
Starting at £0.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesPalladium-enhanced Grade 11 titanium rod offering high ductility and corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. - Grade 12 Titanium Rod Grade 12 titanium rod with high strength and corrosion resistance for marine and offshore structural components.each
Starting at £0.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 12 titanium rod with high strength and corrosion resistance for marine and offshore structural components. - Grade 7 Titanium Rod Grade 7 titanium rod with exceptional corrosion resistance for chemical processing and marine applications.each
Starting at £0.00
In stockDiscounts applied for volume purchasesGrade 7 titanium rod with exceptional corrosion resistance for chemical processing and marine applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a single piece of titanium?
Yes. There is no minimum order quantity on any Goodfellow titanium product. We supply single rods, individual foil sheets, and gram-weight powder samples as standard — at the same price and with the same full documentation as a bulk order. This applies to every grade and every form in the range.
Which titanium grades does Goodfellow stock?
Goodfellow stocks a comprehensive range of ASTM-designated titanium grades spanning all major grade families: commercially pure Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4; palladium-enhanced Grades 7 and 11; nickel-molybdenum alloy Grade 12; alpha-beta alloys Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V), and Grade 23 ELI (Ti-6Al-4V Extra-Low Interstitial); Beta 3 alloy (Ti-Mo-Zr-Sn); ion-implanted specialty grade; and non-graded / high-purity titanium up to 99.999%. Contact us to check availability on any specific grade and form.
What forms of titanium does Goodfellow supply?
We stock titanium across a comprehensive range of product forms to suit every research and engineering application: foil, light-tight foil, rod, bar, tube, coil, spooled wire, straight wire, disc, balls/spheres, pellets, powder (including spherical powder for additive manufacturing), plain weave gauze/mesh, and sputtering targets. Custom-cut shapes and non-standard dimensions are available on request. If a specific form or dimension is not listed, contact us — in most cases we can source or produce it.
What is the difference between CP titanium Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4?
All four are unalloyed commercially pure titanium with no intentional metallic additions. The distinguishing variable is oxygen content, which drives the strength–ductility trade-off:
- Grade 1 (O max 0.18%, UTS 240 MPa) has the lowest oxygen and the highest ductility, making it the preferred choice for deep drawing, complex forming, and thin-wall fabrication.
- Grade 2 (O max 0.25%, UTS 345 MPa) is the most widely specified CP grade for general industrial use, offering the best balance of strength, formability, and weldability.
- Grade 3 (O max 0.35%, UTS 450 MPa) provides a strength step-up over Grade 2 with identical corrosion behaviour, suited to heavy-wall vessels and high-pressure fittings.
- Grade 4 (O max 0.40%, UTS 550 MPa) is the strongest CP grade, used where Grades 2 or 3 strength is insufficient without the addition of alloying elements.
Corrosion resistance is equivalent across all four grades.
What are Grades 7 and 11, and when do I need them?
Grades 7 and 11 are commercially pure titanium with a controlled 0.12–0.25 wt% palladium addition. Palladium acts as a cathodic depolariser, shifting the open-circuit potential into the passive region in reducing acid environments where standard CP grades corrode actively. They provide significantly improved resistance to crevice corrosion and attack by HCl, H₂SO₄, and H₃PO₄ at elevated concentrations and temperatures — conditions under which Grades 1–4 are not reliably passive.
Grade 7 has mechanical properties equivalent to Grade 2 (UTS 345 MPa, 20% elongation); Grade 11 is equivalent to Grade 1 (UTS 240 MPa, 24% elongation). The corrosion protection is identical between the two; selection is determined purely by the required strength and formability.
What is Grade 12 and how does it differ from the palladium grades?
Grade 12 (UNS R53400) is alloyed with 0.6–0.9% nickel and 0.2–0.4% molybdenum. The Ni/Mo additions increase tensile strength to 483 MPa — above the CP and palladium-enhanced range — and improve crevice corrosion resistance in chloride-containing media and mildly reducing conditions through a different mechanism to the palladium grades. Grade 12 is preferred over Grades 7 and 11 where higher mechanical strength is required alongside chloride and seawater resistance, particularly for heavy-wall components or geometries prone to crevice conditions under gaskets and fasteners. It is not hardenable by heat treatment; annealing at 650–760 °C followed by air cooling restores ductility after cold working.
What is Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) and what is it used for?
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V, UNS R56400) is the most widely used titanium alloy globally — accounting for approximately 50% of all titanium consumed — and is the standard alloy for applications requiring the best available strength-to-weight ratio in titanium. It is an alpha-beta alloy containing 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium, heat-treatable to tensile strengths of 950 MPa and above, with good fatigue resistance and elevated temperature performance. Primary applications include aerospace airframes, fasteners, and engine components, medical implants and surgical instruments, motorsport components, and high-stress industrial hardware. Goodfellow supplies Grade 5 in coil, disc, foil, light-tight foil, rod, spherical powder, spooled wire, and balls.
What is the difference between Grade 5 and Grade 23 ELI?
Grade 23 ELI (Ti-6Al-4V Extra-Low Interstitial, UNS R56401) shares the same nominal 6% Al / 4% V chemistry as Grade 5 but is manufactured to tighter maximum limits on interstitial elements: oxygen is capped at 0.13 wt% (versus 0.20 wt% for Grade 5), with correspondingly lower limits on nitrogen, iron, and carbon. The reduced interstitial content improves fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth resistance, and lowers UTS slightly to approximately 830 MPa versus 950 MPa for Grade 5.
Grade 23 ELI is the grade specified in ISO 5832-3 for load-bearing surgical implants — orthopaedic, dental, and spinal systems — where fracture toughness under cyclic physiological loading is the critical design requirement. For non-implant aerospace and industrial applications, Grade 5 is the standard selection.
What is Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) and when is it preferred over Grade 5?
Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V, UNS R56320) is an alpha-beta alloy with lower aluminium (3%) and vanadium (2.5%) content than Grade 5, giving intermediate strength (UTS 620 MPa) with significantly better cold formability than Grade 5. It is the standard alloy for aerospace hydraulic tubing and thin-wall structural tube, where the ability to cold-form and weld without cracking is as important as the strength level. Specify Grade 9 over Grade 5 where tube bending, swaging, or cold reduction is required, or where a strength level between CP Grade 4 (550 MPa) and Grade 5 (950 MPa) is sufficient.
What is Beta 3 alloy and what makes it different from the alpha-beta grades?
Beta 3 (Ti-77.5/Mo-12/Zr-6/Sn-4.5) is a metastable beta alloy in which 12% molybdenum stabilises the body-centred cubic β-phase at room temperature. Unlike the alpha-beta alloys, Beta 3 can be cold-worked extensively in the solution-treated condition, making it suitable for springs, clips, and formed components requiring both high ductility during fabrication and high fatigue strength in service. Ageing after cold work raises strength substantially — indicative UTS approximately 800 MPa in the aged condition — with fatigue strength that exceeds the alpha-beta grades at equivalent stress levels. It is the correct selection for high-cycle fatigue aerospace and defence applications where the forming demands of the component geometry rule out Grade 5.
What is ion-implanted titanium and what is it used for?
Ion-implanted titanium is commercially pure titanium (Grade 2 base) that has been subjected to nitrogen ion implantation to a controlled depth of approximately 0.1–1 μm. The process modifies surface hardness, wear resistance, and friction coefficient without altering bulk geometry, dimensional tolerances, or underlying mechanical properties. It is not a coating — the implanted species become part of the near-surface lattice, so there is no adhesion failure or delamination risk. Applications include tribology research, fretting fatigue studies, implant surface characterisation, and comparative biocompatibility testing between unmodified and surface-treated titanium substrates. Goodfellow supplies ion-implanted titanium in disc and foil form.
Is titanium biocompatible? Which grade is correct for medical and implant applications?
Yes. Titanium's stable TiO₂ passive layer provides biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and osseointegration in physiological environments across all commercially pure and ELI grades. For load-bearing surgical implants — orthopaedic, dental, and spinal — Grade 23 ELI is the standard, specified in ISO 5832-3 for its superior fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth resistance under cyclic loading. Grades 2 and 4 are widely used for surgical instruments, dental implants, and medical housings where corrosion resistance and biocompatibility are required without the higher strength demands of structural implants. Contact us for guidance on which grade and form best suits your specific medical device application.
What is high-purity titanium and when is it required?
High-purity titanium is produced to purities up to 99.999%, with total metallic impurity content controlled below the levels permitted in ASTM commercial purity grades. Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and iron are minimised to concentrations not achievable through standard ingot metallurgy routes. It carries no ASTM grade designation — properties are confirmed per lot. It is used in spectroscopy reference standards, thin film deposition, electrochemistry, corrosion studies, and any application where trace metallic contaminants would interfere with results. Sputtering target grade titanium — widely used in PVD and magnetron sputtering for semiconductor R&D, adhesion layers, and diffusion barriers — is also available within the non-graded range.
Does titanium require a protective surface treatment for corrosion resistance?
No. Corrosion resistance in titanium is intrinsic rather than applied. A stable TiO₂ passive layer forms spontaneously on exposure to air or moisture and regenerates after mechanical damage, machining, or welding. This distinguishes titanium from most corrosion-resistant alloys, where surface protection is a processing step rather than a bulk material property. Standard CP and alloy grades provide excellent resistance to seawater, oxidising acids, and chloride environments in the as-supplied condition. Grades 7, 11, and 12 extend this resistance further into reducing acid and elevated-temperature service environments where the standard passive layer alone is insufficient.
What certifications come with the material?
All titanium products are supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS). ASTM-designated grades are supplied to the relevant standards — ASTM B265 for foil and sheet, ASTM B348 for rod — with full heat traceability. Goodfellow operates under an ISO 9001 quality management system. Additional documentation can be requested at time of order. Through Suisse TP, our Swiss Competence Center, comprehensive independent materials testing and characterization — including mechanical testing, chemical composition analysis, corrosion testing, and microstructural analysis — is available with full certificates of conformity and traceability reports.
What is the delivery time and cost?
Standard stocked grades dispatch within 48–72 hours. Delivery is free worldwide — no minimum order value required, and customs clearance is handled on your behalf.
Can you supply custom dimensions or process titanium to finished components?
Yes. Custom lengths, widths, thicknesses, diameters, and surface finishes are available on request through our Materials Customization service. We also offer in-house Cutting Services (including laser cutting), Machining Services, and Rolling and Metal Foil Production for non-standard thicknesses and tight-tolerance strip. Through our Microfabrication division, we provide high-precision laser micromachining of titanium foil and sheet, including:
- Laser-cut foil and sheet components to custom profiles
- Precision stencils and filters
- Microfluidic components
- Custom-geometry samples for testing and characterization
- Prototype medical device components
Submit your drawings or requirements to our Contact us and a specialist will respond within one working day.
Can Goodfellow support scale-up from R&D to production volumes?
Yes. Our supply model is designed to follow projects through their full lifecycle — from small, precisely characterised research quantities with no minimum order and full documentation, through to production scale supported by call-off orders, buffer stock holding, and fixed pricing to give you cost visibility. We can advise on grade suitability for increased volumes and flag any processing or tolerancing considerations that become relevant at production scale. We recommend discussing production planning early, even before your R&D phase is complete.
Can't find what you're looking for?
What's New
