TITANIUM WELDING GUIDE
Titanium Welding Wire, AWS A5.16 and ERTi Filler Metals
Titanium welding requires careful control of filler metal selection,
cleanliness and shielding. For many fabrication applications, titanium
welding wire is specified according to AWS A5.16 using ERTi filler metal
classifications. The correct filler wire should be selected according to
the base material, required weld properties, fabrication procedure and
applicable project specification.
AWS A5.16 Titanium Welding Wire
AWS A5.16 covers titanium and titanium-alloy welding electrodes and rods.
Common filler metal classifications include ERTi-1, ERTi-2, ERTi-3,
ERTi-5, ERTi-7, ERTi-9, ERTi-11, ERTi-12 and ERTi-23.
The required ERTi classification should be confirmed against the base
material and the approved welding procedure before ordering.
Common ERTi Filler Metal Classifications
Commercially pure titanium applications commonly use ERTi-1, ERTi-2
or ERTi-3 depending on the required chemistry and mechanical properties.
ERTi-5 is associated with Ti-6Al-4V applications, while other ERTi
classifications are used where alloy chemistry, corrosion resistance
or service requirements call for a different filler metal.
ASTM B863 Titanium Wire vs AWS A5.16 Welding Wire
ASTM B863 and AWS A5.16 should not be treated as interchangeable
specifications. ASTM B863 is a material specification for titanium and
titanium-alloy wire, while AWS A5.16 addresses titanium welding
electrodes and rods. A purchase request should therefore identify the
intended application and the required standard rather than specifying
only a titanium grade.
Diameter, Straight Wire, Coil and Spool Supply
Titanium wire may be supplied in straight lengths, coil or spool form
depending on diameter, welding process and customer requirements.
Diameter tolerance, straightness, surface condition, packaging and
quantity should be stated in the RFQ. For welding applications, the
required filler classification and base material should also be provided.
Cleanliness and Shielding During Titanium Welding
Titanium is sensitive to contamination at elevated temperature.
Welding surfaces and filler wire should be clean and free from oil,
moisture and other contamination. Adequate inert-gas shielding should
be maintained over the weld and heated areas according to the qualified
welding procedure.
Certification and Traceability
Where required by the purchase specification, material documentation
can include chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat or lot
identification and traceability information. Mill Test Report (MTR)
and certification requirements should be identified when requesting
a quote.
What to Include in a Titanium Welding Wire RFQ
For quotation, specify the AWS A5.16 ERTi classification or applicable
material standard, diameter, supply form, quantity, base material,
certification requirements and any special packaging or surface
requirements. Providing the welding procedure or drawing where relevant
helps confirm the correct supply condition.
TITANIUM WIRE SUPPLY
Have a Titanium Welding Wire Requirement?
Send the required ERTi classification, diameter, supply form,
quantity and certification requirements for technical review
and quotation.
REQUEST A QUOTE