Titanium Hardness Guide: Grade 2 vs. Grade 5 (HRC, Rockwell & More)

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Wondering how hard Grade 2 titanium is? Compare titanium grade 2 hardness HRC, Rockwell hardness, and strength vs. Grade 5 titanium. Get expert data for engineers & buyers.

corrosion resistant titanium pipe


How Hard is Grade 2 Titanium?

Grade 2 titanium (Ti Gr2) is a commercially pure (CP) titanium with moderate hardness, making it easier to machine and form than high-strength alloys like Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V).

Key Hardness Properties of Grade 2 Titanium

Hardness Scale Grade 2 Titanium Comparison
Rockwell B (HRB) 80-100 HRB Softer than steel
Brinell (HB) ~120 HB Similar to annealed copper
Vickers (HV) 140-170 HV More ductile than Grade 5

Why It Matters:
✔ Easier to machine, bend, and weld than harder metals.
✔ Resists galling (cold welding) in threaded fasteners.
✔ Ideal for corrosion-resistant applications (chemical, marine).


How Hard is Titanium HRC?

Titanium rarely uses Rockwell C (HRC) because most grades are too soft. Instead, Rockwell B (HRB) is standard for CP titanium.

HRC vs. HRB for Titanium

Material HRC (Rockwell C) HRB (Rockwell B)
Grade 2 Ti Not applicable (too soft) 80-100 HRB
Grade 5 Ti 30-36 HRC 95-105 HRB
Hardened Steel 50+ HRC Not applicable

Key Insight:


What is the hardness of titanium Grade 2 vs Grade 5?

Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is 3x harder than Grade 2 due to its aluminum & vanadium alloying.

Hardness Comparison Table

Property Grade 2 Titanium Grade 5 Titanium
Rockwell B (HRB) 80-100 95-105
Rockwell C (HRC) N/A 30-36
Brinell (HB) ~120 ~334
Vickers (HV) 140-170 310-350

Which Should You Choose?

  • Grade 2 = Better formability, corrosion resistance.

  • Grade 5 = Higher strength (aerospace, medical implants).


What is the HRC of TI Grade 2?

Grade 2 titanium does not have an HRC value because it’s too soft for the Rockwell C scale. Instead, it’s measured in:

  • HRB (Rockwell B): 80-100

  • Brinell (HB): ~120

Why No HRC?

  • HRC requires hardened metals (e.g., heat-treated steel).

  • CP titanium (Gr2) is softer and more ductile.


What is the Rockwell Hardness of Titanium?

Titanium hardness varies by grade:

Titanium Grade Rockwell Scale Hardness Value
Grade 1 (CP Ti) HRB 70-90
Grade 2 (CP Ti) HRB 80-100
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) HRC 30-36
Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) HRC 28-34

Takeaway:

  • Pure titanium (Gr1/Gr2) = HRB (softer, more formable).

  • Alloyed titanium (Gr5/Gr23) = HRC (stronger, harder).


Who Needs This Data? 

1. Engineers

  • Select Grade 2 for corrosion resistance (chemical tanks, heat exchangers).

  • Use Grade 5 for high-strength applications (aircraft components).

2. Procurement Managers

  • Compare cost vs. hardness (Gr2 = cheaper, Gr5 = stronger).

  • Verify material certs (MTCs) for hardness specs.

3. Manufacturers

  • Optimize machining speeds (Gr2 cuts easier than Gr5).

  • Avoid tool wear with proper feeds & speeds.

4. DIY & Metalworkers

  • Choose Grade 2 for custom fabrication (bike frames, jewelry).

  • Grade 5 for high-stress parts (knives, automotive).


FAQs About Titanium Hardness

Q: Can you increase the titanium grade 2 hardness HRC?
A: Yes—cold working (e.g., rolling, forging) can harden CP titanium slightly.

Q: Is Grade 2 titanium harder than stainless steel?
A: No 304 stainless (~215 HB) is harder than Gr2 (~120 HB).

Q: What’s the hardest titanium grade?
A: Grade 38 (Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Fe-2Mo) reaches ~40 HRC.

Q: Where can I buy certified titanium?
A: [Your Company] supplies ASTM-certified Grade 2 & Grade 5 titanium—[Request a Quote].


Conclusion: Choosing the Right Titanium Grade 2 hardness HRC

  • Grade 2 (CP Ti) = Best for corrosion resistance & formability (HRB 80-100).

  • Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) = Best for high strength (HRC 30-36).

Need titanium with certified hardness values? Contact Us for technical specs & pricing.

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Email: linhui@lhtitanium.com

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