TITANIUM MATERIAL STANDARDS
ASTM B348 vs ASTM B265: What Is the Difference?
ASTM B348 and ASTM B265 are both widely referenced titanium material
specifications, but they apply to different product forms. ASTM B348 is
used for titanium and titanium alloy bars and billets, while ASTM B265
applies to titanium and titanium alloy strip, sheet and plate.
The most important purchasing distinction is therefore the required
material form. A round bar or billet requirement is normally reviewed
against ASTM B348, while sheet or plate requirements are normally
reviewed against ASTM B265.
ASTM B348 for Titanium Bar and Rod
ASTM B348 covers titanium and titanium alloy bars and billets supplied in
grades applicable to commercial, industrial and engineering use.
Purchasers should identify the required grade, diameter or cross-section,
length, dimensional tolerance, quantity and any additional testing or
certification requirements.
Titanium bar and titanium rod are closely related purchasing terms.
Depending on project terminology and finished dimensions, buyers may use
either term when preparing an enquiry.
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ASTM B265 for Titanium Sheet and Plate
ASTM B265 covers titanium and titanium alloy strip, sheet and plate.
A complete material request should identify the titanium grade, thickness,
width, length, required surface condition, dimensional tolerance and
quantity.
The required form should be clearly stated because thickness, flatness,
surface and dimensional requirements can differ significantly from bar
products covered by ASTM B348.
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Common Titanium Grades Used with B348 and B265
Commercially pure Grade 2 titanium is commonly specified where corrosion
resistance, formability and general industrial performance are important.
Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V is used where higher strength is required.
Final grade selection should always follow the engineering drawing,
customer specification or applicable project standard rather than the
product form alone.
Grade 2 Titanium →
Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V →
Compare Titanium Grades →
Dimensions, Tolerances and Surface Requirements
ASTM B348 and ASTM B265 define requirements relevant to their respective
product forms, but the purchase order or RFQ should still specify the
required dimensions and any project-specific tolerances.
For bar products, this may include diameter, straightness, length or
machining allowance. For sheet and plate, the enquiry may include
thickness, width, length, flatness, cut size and surface condition.
Mill Test Report, Certification and Traceability
Where required, documentation can include a Mill Test Report (MTR),
material certificate, chemical composition, mechanical property results
and heat or lot traceability.
Certification requirements should be stated before quotation so that
the required inspection and documentation scope can be reviewed together
with the applicable ASTM specification.
How to Specify the Correct ASTM Standard
Start with the product form. Use ASTM B348 when the requirement is for
titanium bar or billet, and ASTM B265 when the requirement is for strip,
sheet or plate. Then confirm the titanium grade, dimensions, tolerances,
surface condition, quantity, inspection requirements and certification.
If the project drawing or specification already identifies an ASTM
standard, that requirement should be followed unless the purchaser or
engineer authorizes a change.
MATERIAL REVIEW
Have a Titanium Specification to Review?
Send the required product form, titanium grade, ASTM standard,
dimensions, quantity and certification requirements for technical
review and quotation.
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