Titanium has become a go-to material across many heavy industrial sectors, including chemical processing, oil & gas, marine, and mining — and for good reason. Its superior corrosion resistance, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and high-temperature durability make it a top performer in challenging environments.

But not all titanium is created equal.

Choosing the right grade of titanium for your application can impact everything from lifespan and safety to compliance and cost. Below, we’ll break down the most common titanium grades, their key properties, and which industries benefit most from each.

Why Titanium? A Material Built for Harsh Environments

Titanium’s appeal in industrial applications comes down to a few standout characteristics:

• Exceptional corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater, acids, and chlorides
• High strength with low weight, ideal for reducing structural load
• Excellent temperature resistance, suitable for high-heat environments
• Weldability and formability, depending on grade
• Long-term cost savings due to reduced downtime and equipment failure

According to the International Titanium Association, over 95% of industrial titanium use falls into Grades 1, 2, 7, and 12 due to their chemical and corrosion-resistant profiles.

Common Titanium Grades and Their Properties

Here are the most widely used titanium grades in commercial and industrial settings:

Grade	Type	Key Properties	Common Applications
Grade 1	Commercially Pure	Softest, highest ductility, excellent corrosion resistance, easy to form and weld	Heat exchangers, marine parts, architectural
Grade 2	Commercially Pure	Most widely used grade, balanced strength and corrosion resistance, great weldability	Pressure vessels, pipelines, pulp & paper plants
Grade 5	Ti-6Al-4V (alloyed)	High strength, heat resistance, less corrosion resistant than CP grades	Aerospace, subsea, high-stress components
Grade 7	CP titanium + palladium	Like Grade 2, but with improved resistance to crevice and reducing acid corrosion	Chlorine production, chemical processing plants
Grade 12	Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni (alloyed)	Excellent weldability, moderate strength, great resistance to hot acids and brines	Heat exchangers, marine vessels, refineries

Source: ASTM B265 Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate.

Titanium Grades by Industry: Quick Reference Table

We’ve mapped out which grades are most suited to PM International’s core industries:

Industry	Recommended Grades	Why It Works
Marine/Shipbuilding	Grade 2, Grade 12	Outstanding saltwater corrosion resistance; weldable and reliable under variable conditions
Chemical Processing	Grade 7, Grade 12	Handles chlorides, nitric and sulfuric acids; meets NORSOK and ASTM specs
Oil & Gas	Grade 5, Grade 12	Withstands pressure, temperature, and hydrogen sulfide exposure
Mining	Grade 2, Grade 12	Long service life in slurry systems and corrosive media
Power Generation	Grade 2, Grade 7	Reliable in heat exchangers, condensers, and steam-side systems
Pulp & Paper	Grade 2, Grade 12	Resistant to bleach chemicals and chlorides in processing systems

Key Factors When Selecting a Grade

When choosing the right titanium grade, consider the following:

• Corrosive media (e.g., acids, chlorides, seawater)
• Operating temperature
• Required strength and pressure ratings
• Weldability or machinability
• Applicable codes: ASTM, NORSOK, ASME
• Availability and delivery timelines

If your project involves heat exchangers or pressurized vessels in highly corrosive environments, Grade 12 might provide better ROI than more common CP grades.

Real-World Example: Avoiding Downtime in a Chemical Plant

One of PM International’s Gulf Coast customers — a chemical processing plant — faced frequent failures using lower-grade alloys in their heat exchanger systems. After switching to Grade 12 titanium fittings, sourced directly from PM International’s in-stock inventory, they eliminated unplanned shutdowns and avoided over $500,000 in lost productivity over two years.

Why PM International?

At PM International (pmfirst.com), we specialize in stocking and sourcing titanium grades 2 and 12 — both widely used in critical operations. Our clients trust us for:

✅ Fast lead times and global shipping
✅ In-house expertise on spec and compliance
✅ Valve, flange, tubing, and fitting availability
✅ Technical guidance for sourcing and applications

Talk to a Titanium Specialist Today

If you’re not sure which titanium grade is best for your next industrial or marine project, PM International is here to help. We can walk you through the specifications, compliance requirements, and even offer custom quotes.

👉 Request a Quote or call us directly to get started.