New Titanium Alloy – ATI 425

Posted in Industry News on 19th August 2011

William Rowland are a leading supplier of Titanium.

Allegheny Technologies (ATI) has developed a new titanium alloy using less vanadium, which most standard grade titanium alloys rely on for strength. ATI have been working to promote this new alloy, known to industry by its trademark name ATI 425. The development of ATI 425 has brought its usage of vanadium down by 3.7% and a third less aluminium than the 6-4 titanium alloy that is more commonly used.

The aim of the new alloy was to meet the specifications of 6-4 titanium, containing 4% vanadium and 6% aluminium. However, development of the alloy has brought down its contents to 2.5% vanadium, 4% aluminium and 1.5% iron. These qualities make the new titanium alloy, ATI 425 the most cost effective substitute on the market for particular applications. In some ways ATI 425 is similar to another titanium alloy, ATI Grade 9 that contains the same quantities of vanadium and 3% aluminium.

The new alloy offers strength and workability, which are ideal properties for a material developed for ballistic armour applications. This was the initial purpose of ATI 425, however it is also suitable for aerospace and industrial applications.

ATI 425 can be used in many different forms including cold-rolled sheet, coil, strip, precision rolled strip, foil, plate, seamless tube, shapes, rectangles and castings. As the alloy can be cold-rolled, it allows the material in coil form to offer a longer length product, allowing continuous fabrications e.g. in production of items with fewer joints.

ATI 425 is already on the market and in use in various applications. Military helicopter belly armour and space based applications are the first of many uses for the new titanium alloy, and is expected to cover applications usually applying 6-4 titanium alloy products. Figures are already indicating a significant increase in titanium and specialty alloy shipments with sales growing 28% each year to $1.35 billion. The alloy can also be used in aerospace, defence and medical applications where high-strength and lightweight materials are needed. The new alloy also has good resistance to corrosion from saltwater making it useful in marine-related applications.

William Rowland Ltd are ferro alloy suppliers, and if you would like to find out how we can meet your requirements, please contact us using the Quick Enquiry Form on the right-hand side of this website.

Tags: Metal Powders News, Titanium News