Titanium Grade 5

It's a strong alloy with a two-phase structure (α+β) where aluminum stabilizes the alpha phase, and vanadium stabilizes the beta phase. This alloy suits various conditions, including cryogenic temperatures up to 800°F (427°C). When machining Grade 5 titanium, it shares similarities with austenitic stainless steels. Titanium has low thermal conductivity and tends to absorb heat during machining. Therefore, we use cutting tools with proper heat resistance, like carbide tools with a high-speed steel or ceramic coating. Titanium Grade 5 requires lower cutting speeds than other metals, and we ensure the right balance between cutting speed and feed rate for efficient machining. This material is commonly welded using gas tungsten arc welding, but gas metal arc welding is suitable for thicker sections. Other welding methods, such as plasma arc welding, spot welding, electron beam, laser beam, resistance welding, and diffusion welding, can also be used.

To enhance its properties, titanium grade 5 can undergo various treatments, including mill annealing, solution treatment, and aging. Stress relieving is applied to formed and welded parts, while beta annealing improves the alloy's strength. Anodizing, specifically sulfuric anodizing, can enhance strength by increasing the oxide layer thickness and also change the metal's color. These treatments provide additional options for improving the performance and appearance of titanium components. Use titanium only when its unique properties, like strength per unit mass, are important. Be aware that machining small pockets in titanium can be costly due to the need for specialized tools, and cooling clearance is essential to prevent tool overheating. We follow the guideline of using a tool up to 70% of the pocket diameter.