Grade 2 vs Grade 4 Titanium Wire: Strength, Forming and RFQ Guide
Grade 2 and Grade 4 are both commercially pure titanium wire grades, but they are not interchangeable purchasing descriptions. Under ASTM B863, Grade 2 is UNS R50400 and Grade 4 is UNS R50700. Grade 4 provides the higher specified strength; Grade 2 generally provides more forming latitude. The correct choice depends on the drawing, forming route, finished-part loads, service conditions and the exact specification edition.
Grade 2 vs Grade 4 Titanium Wire at a Glance
| Selection point | Grade 2 / UNS R50400 | Grade 4 / UNS R50700 |
|---|---|---|
| Material family | Commercially pure titanium | Commercially pure titanium |
| Primary selection emphasis | Balance of corrosion resistance, ductility and general fabrication | Higher specified strength within the common commercially pure grades |
| Forming consideration | Generally offers more forming latitude | Higher strength may require closer review of bend, heading or forming operations |
| Purchase identity | ASTM B863, Grade 2, UNS R50400 | ASTM B863, Grade 4, UNS R50700 |
| Substitution | Requires engineering approval against chemistry, mechanical properties, dimensions, condition and the finished component requirement | |
Strength and Ductility: What the Buyer Should Compare
The grade number alone does not prove that wire will perform in a forming or load-bearing operation. Compare the certified tensile requirements for the ordered diameter and condition, then review minimum bend radius, cold reduction, straightening, heading, winding and the final component geometry. Grade 4 is selected when the design requires the higher CP-titanium strength range; it should not be selected only because a higher grade number appears preferable.
For parts requiring extensive bending, coiling or cold forming, Grade 2 may offer a more practical process window if its strength satisfies the design. For components where Grade 2 does not meet the approved strength requirement, Grade 4 can be evaluated before moving to an alloy grade such as Grade 5. This is an engineering decision, not a price-only substitution.
ASTM B863 Is the Starting Point, Not the Complete RFQ
ASTM B863 covers titanium and titanium-alloy wire, but a quotation still needs the exact edition, grade, diameter, tolerance, condition and delivery form. A request such as “Grade 4 titanium wire, one ton” leaves critical production and packaging questions unanswered.
| RFQ field | Why it affects supply and price |
|---|---|
| Diameter and tolerance | Controls drawing route, inspection, yield and available mill input. |
| Condition | Annealed or cold-worked requirements affect mechanical properties and downstream forming. |
| Coil, spool or straight length | Determines handling, winding, straightening and packing. |
| Unit weight and package geometry | Coil ID/OD, spool size and maximum unit weight must match customer equipment. |
| Surface and cleanliness | Bright, pickled or application-specific surface requirements can require separate processing. |
| Tests and documents | MTC, dimensional inspection, tensile tests, heat/lot traceability and additional agreed tests affect cost and lead time. |
Wire Is Not Automatically Welding Filler
ASTM B863 wrought wire should not automatically be described or accepted as welding filler wire. Welding consumables require the applicable AWS or ISO classification and a qualified welding procedure. If the intended use is welding, state the filler classification, diameter, spool type, cast and helix, surface cleanliness and procedure requirements rather than relying on a Grade 2 or Grade 4 base-metal name.
Bulk Purchasing and Lower-Cost Alternatives
For wholesale enquiries, price and minimum order basis depend on grade, diameter, tolerance, condition, package form, total weight, testing and production route. If a Grade 4 quotation is above the target, the responsible review is not an automatic downgrade. Ask whether Grade 2 is permitted by the drawing and design, whether a mill-standard diameter or coil weight is acceptable, and whether unnecessary tolerances or tests can be removed with written approval.
Compare Grade 4 titanium wire, Grade 2 titanium wire and the complete ASTM B863 titanium wire range. The titanium wire category provides additional grades and product routes.
Bulk RFQ Checklist
- ASTM B863 edition, titanium grade and UNS number
- Nominal diameter and tolerance
- Annealed or other required condition
- Coil, spool or straight-length delivery
- Coil ID/OD, spool dimensions, unit weight and winding requirements
- Surface, cleanliness, cast, helix and straightness where applicable
- Total quantity or total weight and acceptable shipment lots
- MTC, tensile, dimensional, surface and traceability requirements
- End use, destination and requested delivery schedule
FAQ
Is Grade 4 titanium wire always better than Grade 2?
No. Grade 4 has higher specified strength, while Grade 2 generally offers more forming latitude. The approved component design and manufacturing process determine which is suitable.
Can Grade 2 replace Grade 4 to reduce cost?
Only with engineering approval. The two grades have different chemistry and mechanical requirements. Any alternative must still satisfy the drawing, service and finished-part requirements.
What information is most important for a wire quotation?
Start with specification edition, grade, diameter and tolerance, condition, coil/spool or straight form, unit weight, total quantity, surface, tests, documents and destination.
Request Grade 2 or Grade 4 Wire Pricing
Send the drawing or ASTM B863 requirement, diameter, condition, package form, total weight, tests and destination. SAKY ALLOY will review the specified grade and any technically permitted alternative.