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The OnlineMetals Guide to Titanium Most of us know and love Titanium for the positive impact it has had on our golf games. When titanium became available as a material for drivers and 3-woods, many of us rushed out to buy the latest incarnation of Big Bertha. The light weight (especially compared to stainless steel) and high strength of titanium makes it an ideal choice for lots of applications. Sadly, we don't sell the type of titanium that would allow us to cast our own driver heads. Titanium is known almost universally as a high-strength, low-weight material (approximately 60% of steel), but it has other very desirable properties as well, most notably high corrosion resistance, and good electrical conductivity. Additionally, in its pure forms (like Grade 2), it is very ductile and easy to work.
Grade 2 Titanium Grade 2 titanium, in its annealed state, is a ductile metal with the approximate strength of 6061-T6 aluminum. It is used where corrosion resistance is an important criteria, or where operating temperatures preclude the use of aluminum.
6Al-4V (a/k/a Grade 5) Titanium This alloy of titanium shows a substantial strength improvement over aluminum, and is roughly twice as strong as 7075-T6 aluminum. It is also substantially harder to work and/or machine than Grade 2 titanium. Most machinists rate this material as slightly more difficult to machine than T-316L stainless steel, and recommend slow speeds and lots of lubrication.
6Al-4V ELI (extra low interstitial) Titanium The strength of this variant of 6Al-4V is slightly lower than its parent alloy, but it has improved fracture toughness and fatigue strength characteristics. It is also bio-compatible, and is often used in jewlery for body piercings.
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