When sourcing raw materials for aerospace, medical, chemical processing, or marine applications, titanium round bars are among the most requested semi-finished products. Their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance make them indispensable across industries.
However, buyers often face questions before placing an order:
- What sizes are available?
- Which grade of titanium should I choose?
- What standards (ASTM, AMS, ISO) must I specify?
- How long will delivery take?
This guide answers those questions and provides practical tips for engineers, procurement officers, and distributors. We will also highlight special requirements such as ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar, which is essential for medical applications.
What Is a Titanium Round Bar?
A titanium round bar is a forged or rolled product with a circular cross-section. Depending on the grade and processing, it can be supplied in hot-rolled, forged, or precision-ground conditions.
Applications include:
- Aerospace structures and fasteners
- Offshore and subsea equipment
- Automotive and motorsports components
- Medical implants and surgical devices
The most popular grades are:
- Grade 2: Commercially pure titanium, excellent corrosion resistance.
- Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V): High-strength alloy, widely used in aerospace.
- Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI): Also known as ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar, specifically designed for biomedical use
Common Sizes & Tolerances
Titanium round bars are available in a wide range of diameters, typically from 6 mm up to 300 mm or more. Standard lengths are 3,000 mm and 6,000 mm, but most suppliers provide cut-to-length service.
Typical tolerances (per ASTM B348):
- Diameter: ±0.5–1.0 mm depending on size range
- Roundness: within 0.3% of diameter
- Straightness: 1.0 mm per 300 mm length
For critical medical or aerospace orders, tighter tolerances may be applied. Buyers specifying ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar should ensure the supplier can meet not only dimensional tolerances but also the strict chemical and mechanical requirements mandated by the standard.
Titanium Grades: Which One Should You Choose?
Grade 2 (Commercially Pure Titanium)
- Oxygen content: ~0.25%
- Strength: ~350 MPa yield
- Excellent corrosion resistance in seawater and chemicals
- Applications: heat exchangers, desalination equipment, marine hardware
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
- Oxygen content: ~0.2%
- Strength: ~900 MPa yield
- Balance of strength and toughness
- Applications: aerospace fasteners, turbine parts, racing components
Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI, ASTM F136)
Grade 23 is the Extra Low Interstitial (ELI) version of Grade 5. The reduced oxygen and nitrogen levels give it superior fracture toughness and fatigue resistance.
This makes ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar the material of choice for:
- Bone screws and plates
- Hip and knee implants
- Dental implants and abutments
- Surgical instruments
In addition to mechanical performance, it meets biocompatibility requirements and is supplied with full traceability, MTR (Mill Test Report), and COA (Certificate of Analysis).
Cut-to-Length Services：
Most buyers do not require full 3m or 6m bars. Instead, cut-to-length (CTL) services are a practical solution:
- Reduces machining waste
- Lowers transportation cost
- Improves handling and storage efficiency
Typical cutting tolerance: ±1.0 mm. For medical-grade bars, additional surface finishing or ultrasonic inspection may be required after cutting. When requesting ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar, confirm whether the supplier can provide precision saw cutting with controlled tolerances.
Lead Time & Packaging：
Delivery time depends on grade, size, and certification:
- Commercial Grades (Gr2, Gr5): 1–2 weeks for stock sizes, 3–4 weeks for custom diameters.
- Medical Grade (Gr23, ASTM F136): 2–3 weeks if in stock, 4–6 weeks for special diameters or surface finishes.
Packaging is equally important:
- Vacuum-sealed plastic wrap for corrosion prevention
- Desiccant bags to control humidity
- Wooden crates for export shipping
Buyers should expect longer lead times for ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar, as additional testing and certification steps are required.
How to Request a Quote ?
To streamline your purchasing process, always provide:
1. Diameter and length (or cut-to-length requirement)
2. Grade (e.g., Grade 2, Grade 5, Grade 23)
3. Quantity (pcs or kg)
4. Standards required (ASTM B348, ASTM F136, AMS, ISO)
5. Certificate requirements (MTR, COA, third-party inspection if needed)
Example:
"We are looking for 50 pcs Ø20mm x 100mm, ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar, polished surface, with full COA and MTR."
Including these details upfront helps suppliers prepare accurate quotations and reduce back-and-forth communication.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between ASTM B348 and ASTM F136 titanium bars?
A1: ASTM B348 covers industrial-grade titanium bars, while ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar (Grade 23) specifies extra-low interstitial requirements for medical implants.
Q2: Can I order titanium round bars cut to specific lengths?
A2: Yes. Most suppliers offer cut-to-length service. Always specify the required tolerance.
Q3: Why is Grade 23 titanium used for medical implants?
A3: Because it has superior fracture toughness, fatigue resistance, and biocompatibility. ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar meets strict standards for surgical implants.
Q4: What's the typical lead time for ASTM F136 titanium bars?
A4: Stock sizes: 2–3 weeks. Custom diameters or surface finishes: 4–6 weeks.
Q5: Do titanium round bars come with mill test certificates (MTC)?
A5: Yes. MTC and COA are standard documents, especially for orders involving ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar.
Conclusion：
Titanium round bars are critical raw materials for industries requiring strength, corrosion resistance, and reliability. By understanding available sizes, tolerances, grades, and certification requirements, buyers can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Whether you need standard Grade 5 for aerospace fasteners or ASTM F136 Ti6Al4V ELI titanium bar for life-saving medical implants, working with a trusted supplier ensures product quality, compliance, and on-time delivery.
Contact Us：
Interested in learning more or placing an order? Feel free to contact us today at andy@ytitanium.com. We are here to provide professional support and the highest quality titanium products.