Grade 5 vs Grade 2 titanium: which do you need?
What is the difference between Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V and Grade 2 titanium? Compare strength, weight, formability and applications.
Grade 2 and Grade 5 are both titanium, but technically they are very different materials. Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium. Grade 5 is an alloy containing approximately 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium, which is why it is also known as Ti-6Al-4V.
Grade 5 vs Grade 2 at a glance
| Property | Grade 5 titanium | Grade 2 titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ti-6Al-4V alloy | Commercially pure titanium |
| Density | Approx. 4.43 g/cm³ | Approx. 4.51 g/cm³ |
| Minimum tensile strength, typical material standard | Approx. 895 MPa | Approx. 345 MPa |
| Minimum 0.2% proof stress, typical material standard | Approx. 830 MPa | Approx. 275 MPa |
| Formability | Lower | Higher |
| Corrosion resistance | Very good | Very good |
| Typical application | High-performance structural components and fasteners | Formed parts, chemical applications and corrosion-resistant components |
What is Grade 5 titanium?
Grade 5, Ti-6Al-4V, is the best-known high-strength titanium alloy. Aluminium and vanadium substantially increase mechanical strength compared with commercially pure titanium. Grade 5 is therefore popular for aerospace parts, premium automotive components, motorsport and fasteners.
For bolts, nuts and many washers, Grade 5 is usually the logical choice when low weight, high strength and corrosion resistance are required together.
What is Grade 2 titanium?
Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium. It is considerably less strong than Grade 5, but offers good formability, weldability and excellent corrosion resistance. This makes it useful for parts that need to be formed or bent and where extreme tensile strength is not the main priority.
One example in the TiHex range is a formed product such as a titanium hose clamp, where Grade 2 properties can suit the product type.
Is Grade 5 always better?
No. Grade 5 is much stronger, but that does not automatically make it the best material for every component. Material selection depends on loads as well as how the part is manufactured and used.
A bolt may need high tensile strength and proof stress. A thin formed component may benefit more from formability and corrosion resistance. Extra strength is useful only when the application requires it.
Why does TiHex mainly use Grade 5 for hardware?
Premium automotive hardware needs a good strength-to-weight ratio. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V is therefore the starting point for many of our bolts, nuts and washers.
- Low density compared with steel;
- High mechanical strength;
- Good corrosion resistance;
- Suitable for premium surface finishing;
- Widely used in performance and technical applications.
What about anodising?
Both Grade 2 and Grade 5 can be anodised. The final colour is determined by oxide-layer thickness, which is closely related to the applied voltage during decorative anodising.
The exact shade can vary slightly with alloy, surface finish and batch. Learn more in our titanium colours guide.
Which grade do you need?
For a customer, the main question is usually not “which titanium grade is best?”, but “which component was designed for this application?”.
For a bolted joint, check at least:
- Thread size;
- Thread pitch;
- Length;
- Head shape;
- Load level;
- The material into which the bolt is installed;
- Specified tightening torque and installation conditions.
Conclusion
Grade 5 is the stronger titanium alloy and is well suited to premium fasteners and load-bearing components. Grade 2 is less strong but more formable and highly corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for other product forms.
Explore our Grade 5 titanium bolts, titanium nuts and titanium washers.
Technical note: Mechanical properties depend on product form, heat treatment and the applicable material or product standard. General material values do not replace an engineering calculation or OEM specification.