Lower alloy content. Better weldability. Superior cold formability. TA18 delivers the properties engineers actually need - without the processing difficulty of Ti-6Al-4V.
What Is TA18?
TA18 - designated Grade 9 under ASTM standards - is a near-alpha titanium alloy with a nominal composition of Ti-3Al-2.5V. Because its aluminum and vanadium content is roughly half that of TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V), it is often called "half TC4" in the industry.
But "half" does not mean "lesser." It means different trade-offs optimized for specific applications.
How TA18 Differs from TC4
| Property | TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V) | TA18 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy content | 6% Al, 4% V | 3% Al, 2.5% V |
| Cold formability | Limited - requires warm working | Excellent - cold-rollable without preheating |
| Minimum wall thickness (tube) | ~1.0 mm | Down to 0.5 mm |
| Weld joint strength | 70–80% of base metal | 90%+ of base metal |
| Strength level | Higher | Moderate - sufficient for most applications |
| Processing difficulty | Higher | Significantly easier |
The reduced alloy content translates directly into better manufacturability - easier cold rolling, better weldability, and the ability to produce thin-wall tubing that TC4 cannot achieve.
Key Properties
Corrosion resistance
TA18 performs exceptionally in seawater, salt spray, and chloride environments - with corrosion rates far below stainless steel. The secret is a dual-layer oxide film: an outer TiO₂ layer and an inner Al₂O₃ layer that together create a dense barrier against corrosive media.
Temperature stability
- Stable mechanical properties and oxidation resistance up to 315°C for continuous service
- Retains useful strength at 600°C for short-duration exposure
Weldability
TA18 is one of the most weldable titanium alloys. Welded joints retain 90%+ of base metal strength - a critical advantage for tubular products, piping systems, and fabricated assemblies where weld integrity determines system reliability.
TA18 vs. Other Common Titanium Grades
| Factor | Gr1/Gr2 (CP) | TA18/Gr9 | TC4/Gr5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Low–moderate | Moderate | High |
| Cold formability | Excellent | Excellent | Limited |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent - best among alloys | Moderate |
| Thin-wall tubing | Possible (CP) | Best option - down to 0.5mm | Difficult |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Higher |
When to choose TA18: You need better strength than CP titanium, better weldability and formability than TC4, and the ability to produce thin-wall welded tubing. TA18 sits in the sweet spot.
Baoji Yibaite New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech titanium processing company in Baoji, Shaanxi Province - China's Titanium Valley.
We stock and manufacture TA18 (Grade 9) across our full product range
| Product | Applications |
|---|---|
| Titanium tubes - seamless and welded | Hydraulic lines, fuel lines, heat exchangers, desalination piping, marine exhaust |
| Titanium plates and sheets | Structural panels, formed components, pressure vessel parts |
| Titanium bars and rods | Machined fittings, flanges, fasteners |
| Titanium wires | Welding wire, springs, precision assemblies |
| Titanium strips | Thin-wall tube forming, precision components |
Also available:
Gr1, Gr2, Gr5 (Ti-6Al-4V), TC4, TA15, TC21, and other standard or custom specifications.
All products ship with full mill test certificates and can be produced to your required dimensions, tolerances, and mechanical properties.
Whether you are a tube manufacturer sourcing TA18 strip for welded tube production, an aerospace company specifying hydraulic line material, or a marine engineering firm evaluating titanium for seawater systems - we are ready to discuss your requirements.
Baoji Yibaite New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. China's Titanium Valley - Your Trusted Titanium Partner.