Titanium is an extremely diverse and durable metal. You can find titanium in everything from medical devices to mountain bikes.

Purchasing titanium isn't always a straightforward process. This unique metal comes in several different grades, with each grade having distinct characteristics that affect its suitability for some uses.

Use these tips to ensure that you are selecting the right titanium grade for your project when visiting a titanium supplier in the future.

1. Consider Moldability

Titanium, like most metals, must go through a fabrication process in order to be transformed into a usable product. One of the fabrication processes commonly used across multiple industries is molding.

Molding metal requires that the base metal be soft and pliable enough to take on the shape of the mold. If a high level of moldability is needed for your project, you will want to invest in grade 1 titanium. This is the softest and most pure form of the metal, and you will be able to mold grade 1 titanium with ease.

2. Consider Tensile Strength

It's important that you consider how your titanium product will be used after fabrication if you want to select the right grade for your project. Many products require a high tensile strength that allows them to retain their shape and form during repeated use.

Grade 4 titanium is the best option for projects where tensile strength is a primary concern.

Grade 4 titanium is the toughest pure-grade titanium available on the market. Because of its toughness, grade 4 titanium doesn't do well in molding applications. This type of titanium must be fabrication using welding or cold forming techniques instead.

3. Think About Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion can be extremely detrimental to any metal component. For titanium projects where corrosion is a concern, grade 3 titanium is a good option.

Grade 3 titanium is harder and stronger than both grade 1 and grade 2 titanium. This added strength gives grade 3 titanium the ability to withstand corrosion when exposed to the elements over time.

You won't have to worry about your titanium components being compromised by rust or other types of corrosion when you start with grade 3 titanium as a base.

The varying grades of titanium available on the market today allow manufacturers to select the metal that best meets their needs. Consider the characteristics you want in a base metal before selecting a titanium grade for your next project. Contact a titanium supplier near you to learn more.