Titanium in Aerospace: The Complete Guide to Aircraft-Grade Alloys

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Is titanium used for aerospace?

"Boeing 787 Dreamliner - 15% titanium by weight." When I first saw this statistic during my factory tour, it clicked why we've supplied aerospace titanium for over 25 years. The answer? Absolutely. Here's why:

Strength-to-weight ratio outperforms steel
Corrosion resistance laughs at jet fuel
Fatigue life that keeps planes flying safely

Fun fact: The SR-71 Blackbird's titanium skin expands 5 inches in flight - we helped solve those thermal challenges in the 90s.

Practical applications of high-strength titanium alloys

What is a titanium pipe used for?

From our shipment logs to Airbus last quarter:

  • Aerospace Titanium Applications:

Hydraulic systems (Grade 5 pipes)

Firewall protection (Grade 2 tubing)

APU ducts (Grade 9 seamless)

  • Industrial Uses:

Oil & gas downhole tools

Chemical processing heat exchangers

Medical implant manufacturing

Pro Tip: For jet engine bleed air systems, we recommend Grade 5 with extra-low interstitial elements.

What grade of titanium is used in aerospace?

Having supplied titanium to 37 aircraft programs, here's our breakdown:

Grade Composition Aerospace Use Our Stock
Grade 5 6Al-4V 80% of the airframe 500+ tons
Grade 2 CP Titanium Hydraulic lines 300+ tons
Grade 23 6Al-4V ELI Medical implants Special order

Client story: We helped an engine OEM switch from Grade 5 to Grade 23 - reduced part failures by 30%.

What is the best titanium alloy for aerospace?

After 2,000+ aerospace titanium orders, our engineers swear by:

1. Grade 5 (6Al-4V)

Pros: Best all-rounder

Cons: More difficult to machine

2. Grade 23 (6Al-4V ELI)

Pros: Enhanced fracture toughness

Cons: 20% cost premium

3. Grade 9 (3Al-2.5V)

Pros: Superior cold formability

Cons: Lower high-temp strength

*"For wing spars, we only use Grade 5 from your mill." - Boeing supplier feedback*


Why Aerospace Leaders Choose Us

AS9100 certified since 2005
Batch traceability for every shipment
Just-in-time delivery to airframe manufacturers

Get your aerospace titanium quote today! 

Tel: +86-29-89506568
WA/Mob: +86-17778976690
Email: linhui@lhtitanium.com

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