Titanium Sheets: Sourcing, Types, and Applications for Industrial Buyers
Titanium sheets are essential in industries requiring lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-strength materials. From aerospace to medical applications, these sheets offer unmatched durability. This guide covers how to source them, their types, features, and buying considerations.
How to Find Reliable Titanium Sheets from China in 2025
China remains a top supplier of titanium sheets, offering competitive pricing and quality. To find reliable manufacturers:
- Check certifications like ISO 9001 and ASTM standards
- Review supplier history and customer feedback on platforms like Alibaba
- Request material test reports (MTRs) for quality verification
- Consider suppliers with in-house testing facilities
Leading Chinese manufacturers like Baoji Titanium Industry and Western Metal Materials are known for consistent quality.
What Buyers Should Know Before Buying Titanium Sheets from China
When importing titanium sheets from China:
- Understand import duties and shipping costs
- Verify minimum order quantities (MOQs)
- Confirm lead times (typically 15-30 days)
- Ensure proper packaging for international shipping
- Clarify payment terms (30% deposit is common)
Always request samples before large orders to verify material properties.
Types of Titanium Sheets
Common titanium sheet varieties include:
| Type | Grade | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Commercially Pure | Grade 1-4 | Excellent corrosion resistance, formability |
| Alloy Sheets | Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | High strength-to-weight ratio |
| Medical Grade | Grade 23 | Biocompatible, used in implants |
| Industrial Grade | Grade 12 | Superior weldability and strength |
Functions and features of Titanium Sheets
Key advantages of titanium sheets:
- Corrosion resistance: Withstands saltwater, chemicals, and acidic environments
- Strength-to-weight ratio: 45% lighter than steel with comparable strength
- Temperature tolerance: Performs from -250°C to 600°C
- Biocompatibility: Non-toxic and accepted by human body
- Non-magnetic: Ideal for sensitive electronic applications
Scenarios of Titanium Sheets
Primary applications:
- Aerospace: Aircraft skins, engine components (Boeing 787 uses 15% titanium)
- Medical: Surgical implants, dental devices
- Chemical processing: Heat exchangers, reactor vessels
- Marine: Ship hulls, offshore platforms
- Architecture: Decorative cladding (e.g., Guggenheim Museum Bilbao)
How to Choose Titanium Sheets
Selection criteria:
- Determine required grade based on application
- Choose thickness (0.5mm to 50mm typically available)
- Select surface finish (polished, brushed, or mill finish)
- Consider forming requirements (some grades bend easier)
- Verify certification requirements
For structural applications, Grade 5 is most common, while Grade 2 suits chemical environments.
Titanium Sheets Q & A
Q: What's the price range for titanium sheets?
A: Prices vary from $30/kg for Grade 2 to $120/kg for medical-grade sheets (2024 prices).
Q: Can titanium sheets be welded?
A: Yes, but requires specialized techniques like TIG welding with argon shielding.
Q: How does titanium compare to stainless steel?
A: Titanium is 45% lighter, more corrosion-resistant, but costs 5-10x more than 316 stainless.
Q: What's the lead time for custom sizes?
A: Typically 3-6 weeks for non-standard dimensions from Chinese suppliers.
Q: How to prevent galvanic corrosion?
A: Use insulating materials when joining titanium to dissimilar metals like aluminum.
