What is GR1 titanium?
GR1 titanium (Grade 1 titanium) , also known as titanium CP1 or commercially pure titanium Grade 1, is the softest and most ductile grade among all titanium materials. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, high impact toughness, and superior formability, making it the ideal choice for gr1 titanium pipe and tube applications requiring deep drawing, bending, or flaring.
Chemical Composition of Grade 1 Titanium
| Element | Composition (Max %) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.03 | Prevents brittleness |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 | Maintains structural integrity |
| Hydrogen (H) | 0.015 | Prevents hydrogen embrittlement |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.20 | Controlled impurity level |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.18 | Key differentiator from GR2 |
| Titanium (Ti) | Balance | Base metal |
The low oxygen content (0.18%) directly affects gr1 titanium yield strength and elongation. Grade 1 titanium composition is the purest among all commercial titanium grades.
Mechanical Properties of Titanium Grade 1
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | 240 | MPa |
| Gr1 Titanium Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 138 – 275 | MPa |
| Elongation (min) | 24% | % |
| Grade 1 Titanium Hardness (HRB) | 70 – 80 | Rockwell B |
| Titanium Grade 1 Density | 4.51 | g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 103 | GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.34 | – |
24% minimum elongation makes gr1 titanium for deep drawing the preferred choice over GR2 or GR5.
Equivalent Grades & Standards of GR1 Titanium Alloy
| Standard | Grade / Equivalent | Application Field |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM B338 | Grade 1 | Seamless/welded tubing for condensers & heat exchangers |
| ASTM B861 | Grade 1 | Seamless pipe for general corrosion service |
| ASTM B862 | Gr1 | Welded tubing |
| ASTM F67 | Grade 1 | Medical grade 1 titanium – implants & surgical instruments |
| ISO 5832-2 | Grade 1 | Surgical implant applications |
| JIS H4600 | Class 1 | Japanese industrial standard |
| GB/T 3620-2007 | TA1 | Chinese equivalent |
| DIN 17850 | 3.7025 | German standard |
GR1 Titanium Pipe Dimensions & Tolerances
For procurement accuracy, below are the standard dimensional tolerances for titanium alloy gr.1 tube. Customized gr1 titanium tube tolerances are available upon request.
Outer Diameter (OD) Tolerances
| OD Range (mm) | Tolerance (± mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 – 10 | ± 0.10 |
| 10 – 30 | ± 0.15 |
| 30 – 50 | ± 0.20 |
| 50 – 80 | ± 0.25 |
| 80 – 100 | ± 0.30 |
| 100 – 150 | ± 0.40 |
Wall Thickness (WT) Tolerances
| WT Range (mm) | Tolerance (± %) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 – 1.0 | ± 15% |
| 1.0 – 2.0 | ± 12% |
| 2.0 – 3.0 | ± 10% |
| 3.0 – 5.0 | ± 10% |
| 5.0 – 10.0 | ± 8% |
Length Tolerances
| Length Type | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Random Length | 3,000 – 6,000 mm |
| Fixed Length | ± 3 mm |
| Custom Length | As per drawing |
For gr1 titanium tube requiring precision tolerances (e.g., heat exchanger bundles), we can supply to ASTM B338 grade 1 specifications with tighter controls.
Welding Parameter Table for GR1 Titanium Tube
Proper welding procedures are critical for how to weld gr1 titanium. Below is the standard welding parameter table for gr1 titanium tube using GTAW (TIG) method.
| Parameter | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Shielding Gas | Argon (99.995% pure) |
| Gas Flow Rate (Torch) | 10 – 20 L/min |
| Gas Flow Rate (Trailing Shield) | 15 – 25 L/min |
| Root Purge Gas | Argon |
| Root Purge Flow Rate | 5 – 10 L/min |
| Voltage | 10 – 15 V |
| Amperage | 50 – 150 A (depending on thickness) |
| Tungsten Electrode | 1.6 – 2.4 mm (2% ceriated) |
| Filler Metal | GR1 titanium filler rod |
| Interpass Temperature | ≤ 150°C |
| Maximum Oxygen Contamination | < 100 ppm (backside) |
How to weld gr1 titanium successfully requires absolute exclusion of oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Use trailing shields and purge gas for every weld pass on gr1 titanium pipe.
Machinability, Forming & Bending
Gr1 Titanium Machinability
Gr1 titanium machinability is challenging due to its low thermal conductivity and tendency to gall. Recommended practices:
Use sharp carbide tools (C2 or C5 grade)
Slow speeds (30-60 SFM) with high feed rates
Flood coolant (chlorine-free) is mandatory
Avoid dwell time to prevent work hardening
Expected tool life is 30-40% shorter than when machining steel
Gr1 Titanium Forming & Bending
Gr1 titanium forming/bending is easier than any other titanium grade due to its high elongation (24%).
Minimum bend radius: 2 – 3 x OD
Springback: 15-20% more than steel – compensate in tooling
Lubrication: Required for deep drawing operations
Maximum bend angle per pass: 90°
GR1 Titanium vs GR2 – What's the Difference?
Many buyers ask about titanium grade 1 vs grade 2, titanium grade 1 vs grade2, titanium grade 1 vs 2, and titanium grade 1 vs grade 3. Here is a quick comparison of difference between pure titanium gr1 and gr2.
| Property | Grade 1 (GR1) | Grade 2 (GR2) | Grade 3 (GR3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Content (max) | 0.18% | 0.25% | 0.35% |
| Yield Strength (min) | 138 MPa | 275 MPa | 380 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 240 MPa | 345 MPa | 450 MPa |
| Elongation (min) | 24% | 20% | 18% |
| Hardness (HRB) | 70-80 | 80-85 | 85-90 |
| Formability | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best For | Deep drawing, heat exchangers | Structural pipes, pressure vessels | High-strength pure titanium applications |
Choose gr1 titanium for forming/bending. Choose GR2 for higher strength requirements. Both offer similar corrosion resistance. Titanium grade 1 vs grade 3 – GR3 offers higher strength but lower ductility.
Applications of GR1 Titanium Tube
Chemical Processing
Gr1 titanium heat exchanger – Excellent resistance to chlorides, acids, and seawater. Used extensively in desalination plants.
Gr1 titanium reactor – Purity maintained, no contamination of process fluids.
Electrochemical Applications
Grade 1 titanium anode/cathode – Used as substrate for gr1 titanium MMO anode (mixed metal oxide coating)
Plating industry, cathodic protection systems, and chlorine production
Medical & Pharmaceutical
Medical grade 1 titanium per ASTM F67 grade 1 – Surgical instruments, bone plates, dental devices, and pacemaker casings
Biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-magnetic
Deep Drawing & Forming
Cookware, gr1 titanium cutting board, and complex-shaped components
Gr1 titanium for deep drawing – automotive fuel cells, chemical pump diaphragms
Why gr1 titanium heat exchanger is preferred: Unlike stainless steel or copper alloys, gr1 titanium pipe offers virtually unlimited service life in seawater without corrosion allowance.
GR1 Titanium Tube Stock & Delivery
| Size (OD x WT) | Length | Stock Status |
|---|---|---|
| 12.7mm x 0.9mm | 6,000mm | Gr1 titanium tube in stock |
| 19.05mm x 1.2mm | 6,000mm | Gr1 titanium tube in stock |
| 25.4mm x 1.5mm | 6,000mm | Gr1 titanium tube for sale |
| 38.1mm x 2.0mm | 6,000mm | Gr1 titanium tube for sale |
| 50.8mm x 2.5mm | 6,000mm | Available – 15 days |
| 76.2mm x 3.0mm | 6,000mm | Available – 15 days |
For standard sizes listed above, gr1 titanium ready to ship within 48 hours. For customized gr1 titanium tube, lead time is 7-15 days.
Current GR1 Titanium Price
| Order Type | Gr1 Titanium Price Per kg (USD) |
|---|---|
| Sample / Small quantity (<50kg) | $45 – 65 |
| Standard order (50-500kg) | $30 – 45 |
| Wholesale grade 1 titanium (500-2000kg) | $25 – 35 |
| Buy gr1 titanium in bulk (2000kg+) | $22 – 30 |
| Medical grade 1 titanium (ASTM F67) | $40 – 60 |
Current gr1 titanium price fluctuates with titanium sponge market. Contact us for titanium cp grade 1 price and grade 1 titanium price per kg based on real-time costs.
Inspection Module
| Test | Standard / Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Analysis | Optical emission spectrometer (OES) | Per heat |
| Mechanical Testing | Tensile, yield, elongation per ASTM E8 | Per heat |
| Grade 1 Titanium Hardness | Rockwell B scale | Per heat |
| Hydrostatic Test | ASTM B338 / B861 | 100% of pipes |
| Eddy Current Test (ECT) | Per ASTM E215 | 100% of tubes |
| Ultrasonic Test (UT) | Per ASTM E213 | Optional |
| Dimensional Inspection | OD, WT, length with laser mic | 100% |
| Visual Inspection | 10x magnification | 100% |
| Intergranular Corrosion Test | Per ASTM G28 | Upon request |
| Flattening Test | Per ASTM B338 | Per batch |
| Flaring Test | Per ASTM B338 | Per batch |
Packaging
| Step | Packaging Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plastic end caps on both pipe ends | Prevent edge damage and debris ingress |
| 2 | Bubble wrap or kraft paper wrapping | Surface scratch protection |
| 3 | Individual poly bag for medical grade tubes | Prevent contamination |
| 4 | Wooden crates or plywood boxes | Structural protection during shipping |
| 5 | Steel strapping to secure bundles | Prevent movement inside crate |
| 6 | Color-coded labels with grade, heat number, size, quantity | Easy identification |
| 7 | Waterproof plastic lining inside each crate | Moisture protection |
| 8 | ISPM-15 fumigation stamp on wooden crates | Export compliance |
Factory & Equipment
| Equipment | Quantity | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Pilger Mills | 8 units | Precision reduction of OD and wall thickness |
| Annealing Furnaces (vacuum) | 4 units | Stress relief for gr1 titanium – oxygen-free atmosphere |
| Straightening Machines | 5 units | Ensures straightness tolerance within 0.5mm/m |
| Ultrasonic Testing Line | 2 units | Automated flaw detection |
| Eddy Current Tester | 3 units | Surface and subsurface defect detection |
| CNC Cutting Machines | 6 units | Precision length cutting ±1mm |
| Polishing & Pickling Lines | 2 lines | Surface finish improvement (Ra ≤ 0.8μm) |
| Optical Emission Spectrometer | 2 units | In-house grade 1 titanium composition verification |
| Universal Testing Machine | 2 units | Gr1 titanium yield strength and tensile testing |
| Hardness Tester | 2 units | Grade 1 titanium hardness verification |
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between ASTM B338 Grade 1 and ASTM B861 Grade 1 for titanium pipe?
A: ASTM B338 Grade 1 covers seamless and welded tubing for condensers and heat exchangers, with specific requirements for flattening and flaring tests. ASTM B861 Grade 1 covers seamless pipe for general corrosion-resistant service with different dimensional tolerances. Both have identical gr1 titanium chemical composition ( oxygen 0.18% max ). For gr1 titanium heat exchanger applications, ASTM B338 Grade 1 is the correct specification.
Q2: What is the Chinese equivalent grade for GR1 titanium pipe?
A: The Chinese equivalent for GR1 titanium pipe is TA1 per GB/T 3620-2007 standard. TA1 has the same oxygen limit (0.18%) and mechanical property requirements as ASTM Grade 1. Some Chinese standards also refer to TA1-G for high-purity applications. When sourcing from gr1 titanium tube manufacturers in China, always specify "TA1 or ASTM Grade 1 equivalent."
Q3: What is the current price per kg for GR1 titanium tube in bulk purchase?
A: Gr1 titanium price per kg varies based on order quantity, size, and certification. For wholesale grade 1 titanium or buy gr1 titanium in bulk (500kg+) , prices range 22 to 35 USD/kg FOB China. For medical grade 1 titanium per ASTM F67 Grade 1, price ranges 40 to 60 USD/kg. Contact us for current gr1 titanium price based on real-time titanium sponge cost.
Q4: Can ASTM F67 Grade 1 medical titanium be used for GR1 titanium heat exchanger tubes?
A: ASTM F67 Grade 1 is specifically designed for medical grade 1 titanium implants (biocompatibility certified). While its chemistry is identical to commercial gr1 titanium heat exchanger grade, ASTM F67 requires additional testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization, pyrogenicity) that adds 15-25% cost. For standard heat exchanger applications, ASTM B338 Grade 1 is the cost-effective choice.
Q5: How do you weld GR1 titanium pipe to prevent oxidation?
A: How to weld gr1 titanium successfully requires: (1) 100% argon shielding for torch, trailing shield, and back purge; (2) Oxygen content in purge gas less than 100 ppm; (3) Interpass temperature below 150°C; (4) Use GR1 titanium filler rod only. Any blue, purple, or gray discoloration indicates oxidation and requires rework. For gr1 titanium tube, back purging is mandatory for root passes.
Q6: What is the minimum bend radius for GR1 titanium tube?
A: For gr1 titanium tube, due to its 24% elongation, the minimum recommended bend radius is 2 to 3 x OD for mandrel bending. For gr1 titanium for deep drawing applications, even tighter radii ( 1.5 x thickness ) are possible with proper lubrication. Gr1 titanium forming/bending outperforms GR2 and GR3 due to lower gr1 titanium yield strength.
Q7: Is GR1 titanium suitable for MMO anode substrates?
A: Yes. Grade 1 titanium anode/cathode applications use GR1 as the base material for gr1 titanium MMO anode (mixed metal oxide coating). Grade 1 titanium provides the ideal surface oxide layer for coating adhesion. For chlorine production, gr1 titanium MMO anode is the industry standard.
Q8: What is the yield strength of GR1 titanium at elevated temperatures?
A: Gr1 titanium yield strength decreases above 300°C. Room temperature: 138-275 MPa. At 200°C: approximately 100 MPa. At 300°C: approximately 60 MPa. For gr1 titanium heat exchanger operating below 150°C, mechanical properties remain stable. Grade 1 titanium is NOT recommended for service above 400°C due to oxidation and strength loss.
Q9: Can I use GR1 titanium tube for seawater cooling systems?
A: Absolutely. Gr1 titanium heat exchanger tubes are ideal for seawater cooling due to titanium's exceptional resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking and pitting. Unlike stainless steel (which fails in seawater), gr1 titanium pipe offers virtually unlimited service life in marine environments. Major desalination plants worldwide use ASTM B338 Grade 1 tubing for seawater applications.
Q10: What is the difference between pure titanium GR1 and GR2 for reactor vessels?
A: Difference between pure titanium gr1 and gr2 for gr1 titanium reactor applications: GR1 has lower gr1 titanium yield strength ( 138 MPa vs 275 MPa for GR2 ) but higher elongation ( 24% vs 20% ). For forming complex reactor heads, gr1 titanium for deep drawing is easier. For higher pressure ratings, GR2 is preferred. Both offer identical corrosion resistance for chemical processing.
Q11: How does grade 1 titanium hardness compare to grade 2 titanium?
A: Grade 1 titanium hardness (Rockwell B) ranges 70-80 HRB, while Grade 2 ranges 80-85 HRB. The lower hardness of GR1 makes gr1 titanium machinability slightly better than GR2 (less tool wear). However, both require sharp carbide tools and flood coolant due to titanium's low thermal conductivity. Grade 1 titanium hardness is the lowest among all titanium grades.
Q12: Do you have ASTM B862 Gr1 welded titanium tube in stock for fast delivery?
A: Yes. We maintain large inventory of ASTM B862 Gr1 welded and seamless tube. Gr1 titanium tube in stock includes sizes from 6mm OD to 219mm OD. Gr1 titanium tube for sale includes both welded (ASTM B862) and seamless (ASTM B338/B861) options. Fast delivery gr1 titanium ( 7-15 days for standard sizes ). Gr1 titanium ready to ship for urgent projects. Contact us for gr1 titanium tube suppliers direct factory pricing.
