1. Core Definition & Standard Compliance

1.1 Fundamental Overview & Nomenclature

TA1 and TA2 are classified as "commercial pure titanium" (CP Ti), meaning they contain ≥99.0% titanium with trace alloying elements (primarily oxygen, iron, and carbon). Their naming and classification follow global standards:

• Nomenclature Logic:

• "TA": Abbreviation for "Titanium Alloy" in Chinese industrial standards (GB/T);

• Numerical Suffix (1/2): Indicates purity grade—lower numbers denote higher purity (lower oxygen/impurity content);

• ASTM Equivalents: TA1 = ASTM Grade 1 (Gr1), TA2 = ASTM Grade 2 (Gr2);

• Other Equivalents: TA1/Gr1 ≡ EN 3.7025, JIS H4600 Class 1; TA2/Gr2 ≡ EN 3.7035, JIS H4600 Class 2.

• Key Distinction: The primary difference lies in oxygen content—TA1 (Gr1) has the lowest oxygen content among CP Ti grades, while TA2 (Gr2) has a slightly higher oxygen content, resulting in enhanced strength but marginally reduced ductility.

1.2 Core Standards

• Primary Standards: ASTM B265 (titanium sheet/plate), GB/T 3621 (Chinese CP Ti standard), EN 10204, JIS H4600;

• Quality Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (medical grade), AS9100 (aerospace), and third-party certifications (SGS, BV, TÜV);

• Purity Requirements: Ti content ≥99.5% (TA1) and ≥99.4% (TA2), with strict limits on oxygen, iron, and carbon (critical for performance).

2. Chemical Composition

The defining difference between TA1 and TA2 is oxygen content, which directly impacts mechanical properties. Below is their standardized chemical composition (mass fraction, %; per ASTM B265/GB/T 3621):

Key Alloy Advantage

• TA1: Ultra-low oxygen content preserves maximum ductility, weldability, and corrosion resistance—ideal for precision forming and harsh environments;

• TA2: Balanced oxygen content offers a cost-effective trade-off between strength and ductility, suitable for most industrial applications.

3. Mechanical & Physical Properties

Oxygen content drives the mechanical performance gap between TA1 and TA2. Below are typical values for 1–6mm thick sheet (annealed temper, 650–700°C for 1–2 hours):

3.1 Physical Properties (Shared & Minor Differences)

• Density: 4.51 g/cm³ (both grades—1/2 the density of steel, 1.6x denser than aluminum);

• Melting Point: 1668°C (TA1) vs. 1665°C (TA2) (negligible difference);

• Thermal Conductivity: 17 W/m·K (TA1) vs. 16.5 W/m·K (TA2) (both low, suitable for thermal insulation);

• Electrical Conductivity: 3.8% IACS (TA1) vs. 3.7% IACS (TA2) (poor conductors, ideal for electrical shielding);

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent for both—resists seawater, acids (HCl, H₂SO₄), and chlorides; TA1’s higher purity offers marginally better resistance to pitting corrosion in extreme environments.

4. Production Process & Quality Control

TA1 and TA2 share similar production workflows, but TA1 requires stricter process control to minimize oxygen and impurity uptake:

1. Raw Material Smelting:

• TA1: High-purity titanium sponge (Grade 00) melted via vacuum arc remelting (VAR) or electron beam melting (EBM) to ensure ultra-low oxygen content;

• TA2: Titanium sponge (Grade 0) melted via VAR (single or double melt) for cost-effectiveness.

2. Ingot Casting: Continuous casting into billets; homogenization annealing (700–750°C) to eliminate segregation.

3. Hot Rolling: Billets heated to 850–950°C (below β-transus temperature ~882°C) to maintain α-phase structure;

4. Cold Rolling: 3–5 passes of precision rolling to target thickness (1–6mm); TA1 requires slower rolling speeds to avoid oxygen absorption.

5. Annealing: Continuous annealing at 650–700°C for 1–2 hours to restore ductility and relieve residual stress.

6. Surface Treatment: Pickling (HF-HNO₃ solution) to remove oxide scale; passivation to enhance corrosion resistance.

7. Quality Inspection:

• Chemical Testing: Spectrometric analysis (ASTM E1086) to verify oxygen/impurity content;

• Mechanical Testing: Tensile, bend, and hardness tests for each batch;

• Corrosion Testing: Salt spray test (ASTM B117) and pitting corrosion test (ASTM G48) for critical applications;

• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Ultrasonic testing (UT) for internal defects; eddy current testing (ECT) for surface flaws;

• Oxygen Content Testing: Inert gas fusion (IGF) to confirm compliance (≤0.18% for TA1, ≤0.25% for TA2).

5. Core Applications: When to Choose TA1 vs. TA2

The choice between TA1 and TA2 hinges on ductility requirements, environmental severity, and cost:

5.1 TA1 

• Precision Forming: Deep-drawn components (e.g., medical implants, thin-walled tubes), complex bending, and welding-intensive assemblies (low oxygen content prevents brittle welds);

• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, dental implants, and prosthetics (biocompatibility + high purity avoids tissue irritation);

(ASTM Gr1): Ideal For…Aerospace: Lightweight structural parts, fuel lines, and thermal shields (toughness + corrosion resistance);

• Extreme Environments: Chemical processing equipment (high-purity acids), marine deep-sea components (resistance to pitting corrosion);

• Low-Temperature Applications: Cryogenic storage tanks (maintains toughness at -250°C).

5.2 TA2 (ASTM Gr2): Ideal For…

• General Industrial Use: Chemical tanks, pipelines, and valves (balanced strength + corrosion resistance);

• Marine Engineering: Ship hulls, propeller shafts, and offshore platforms (cost-effective seawater resistance);

• Automotive: Exhaust systems, lightweight brackets, and electric vehicle components (strength-to-weight ratio);

• Architecture: Decorative panels and structural fittings (corrosion resistance + aesthetic appeal);

• Consumer Goods: Sports equipment (golf clubs, bicycle frames) and high-end watch cases (durability + lightweight).

6. Key Comparison Summary

7. Cost & Pricing Considerations (2025 Q4 Data)

TA1’s higher purity and stricter production controls result in a premium over TA2:

7.1 Cost Optimization Strategies

• Choose TA2 for Non-Critical Applications: Saves 10–20% vs. TA1 without sacrificing core corrosion resistance;

• Bulk Purchasing: Orders ≥500kg unlock 15–20% discounts from manufacturers;

• Standard Sizes: Opt for common dimensions (1220×2440mm, 1000×2000mm) to avoid custom cutting premiums (10–15%);

• Domestic Sourcing: Chinese-manufactured TA1/TA2 offers 30–40% cost savings vs. Western suppliers with comparable quality.

8. Supply Chain & Value-Added Services

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 10kg (TA1, medical grade); 50kg (TA2, industrial grade);

• Delivery Lead Time: 15–25 days (stock TA2); 25–40 days (stock TA1); 40–60 days (custom sizes/medical grade);

• Packaging: Vacuum-sealed plastic + wooden crates (to prevent oxygen absorption); medical-grade products double-packaged in sterile environments;

• Value-Added Services: Precision cutting (laser/waterjet), bending, welding, passivation, and third-party medical/aerospace certification (additional 10–25% cost);

• Global Supply Hubs: Core production bases in China (Baoji, Shanghai), USA (Pennsylvania, Ohio), and Europe (Germany, Italy).

9. Conclusion

Titanium TA1 (ASTM Gr1) and TA2 (ASTM Gr2) represent the foundation of commercial pure titanium, offering unparalleled corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and lightweight performance. TA1 excels in high-purity, high-ductility applications—such as medical implants, aerospace components, and extreme chemical environments—where its ultra-low oxygen content delivers superior formability and reliability. TA2, by contrast, is the workhorse of industrial titanium, balancing enhanced strength and cost-effectiveness for general use cases like chemical equipment, marine parts, and automotive components.

When selecting between the two, prioritize ductility and purity for TA1, and strength and cost for TA2. Both grades outperform steel and aluminum in corrosion-prone and weight-sensitive applications, making them indispensable across high-value industries. Backed by global standards, strict quality control, and a flexible supply chain, TA1 and TA2 remain the top choices for engineers and buyers seeking the unique benefits of pure titanium.