Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) Titanium
Comprehensive technical guide to Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) titanium alloy — the most widely used titanium alloy in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. Properties, machining guidelines, standards, and specifications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 4.43 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 950 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 880 MPa |
| Hardness | 36 HRC |
| Max Temp | 400°C |
TLDR
Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) is the workhorse titanium alloy, accounting for approximately 50% of all titanium used globally. It offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, making it the default choice for aerospace structures, medical implants, and high-performance industrial components.
Quick Answer
What is Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) titanium?
Ti-6Al-4V is an alpha-beta titanium alloy containing 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. It is the most commonly specified titanium alloy for CNC machining, offering a balanced combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
Key Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 4.43 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 950 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength | 880 MPa (min) |
| Elongation | 14% |
| Hardness | 36 HRC |
| Max Service Temperature | 400°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 114 GPa |
Machining Characteristics
Grade 5 titanium requires careful consideration during machining due to its low thermal conductivity and work-hardening characteristics. Recommended feeds and speeds vary by operation.
Recommended Cutting Parameters
| Operation | Speed (SFM) | Feed (IPT) | DOC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Milling | 150-250 | 0.004-0.008 | 0.100-0.200 |
| Finish Milling | 200-300 | 0.003-0.005 | 0.010-0.050 |
| Turning | 200-350 | 0.005-0.012 | 0.050-0.150 |
Applications
- Aerospace: Airframe structures, landing gear components, engine parts
- Medical: Orthopedic implants, surgical instruments
- Semiconductor: Vacuum chamber components, wafer handling equipment
- Automotive: Connecting rods, valves, exhaust systems
- Marine: Propeller shafts, seawater piping systems
Related Standards
- ASTM B265 — Titanium and Titanium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
- ASTM B348 — Titanium and Titanium Alloy Bars and Billets
- ASTM F136 — Wrought Titanium-6Al-4V ELI for Medical Implants
FAQ
Is Grade 5 titanium difficult to machine?
Grade 5 is more challenging than steel or aluminum but readily machinable with proper tooling and parameters. Use sharp carbide tools, rigid setups, and adequate coolant.
What is the difference between Grade 5 and Grade 23 titanium?
Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is an extra-low interstitial version with improved fracture toughness, primarily used for medical implants requiring enhanced fatigue life.
Can Grade 5 titanium be welded?
Yes, Ti-6Al-4V is weldable using TIG, MIG, and laser welding processes. Proper shielding gas and pre-weld cleaning are essential.