An enquiry for ‘titanium parts’ should identify more than the metal family. Grade, product form, condition, dimensions and inspection requirements all belong in the specification. Grade 2 and Grade 5 are common enquiry terms, but they should not be treated as interchangeable purchasing options.
Recognize the material distinction
TIMET identifies TIMETAL 50A, associated with Grade 2, as commercially pure titanium. Its TIMETAL 6-4 bulletin describes the titanium-aluminium-vanadium alpha-beta alloy associated with Grade 5. These are different material choices, not simply two quality levels of the same alloy. 50A datasheet · 6-4 datasheet.
Use the grade selected by the responsible engineer. If a different grade is proposed, request a documented review against the application requirements instead of assuming that a higher number makes it the better choice.
Specify the actual product form and condition
A plate, bar, wire and finished fastener can have different governing requirements. State whether the enquiry is for raw material, a standard fastener or a machined component. Include the applicable specification and edition, and identify the required supplied condition where relevant.
Manufacturer datasheets provide useful background, but typical properties are not test results for an order. Do not use a value for one product form or condition as a guaranteed acceptance value for another. Ask for the inspection evidence required by the specified product and project documents.
Build the drawing-based requirement
| Item | RFQ detail |
|---|---|
| Identity | Part number, revision, specified titanium grade and material standard. |
| Geometry | Dimensions, tolerances, thread designation, surface requirements and any model reference. |
| Condition | Required material or heat-treatment condition, as specified by the design. |
| Acceptance | Inspection scope, identification, traceability and document requirements. |
Review the mating components
For a fastener, provide the matching nut or tapped-part requirements and the approved assembly specification. Include any requirements for finish, lubrication or isolation from adjacent materials. Do not assume that a torque instruction used for a steel fastener applies unchanged to a titanium assembly.
For a custom part, flag critical fits and surfaces on the controlled drawing. If the 3D model and drawing disagree, identify the controlling document and resolve the discrepancy before manufacture. Leave unconfirmed design decisions visibly open during quotation.
Compare complete offers
Check that each quotation covers the same grade, form, condition, drawing revision, quantity and inspection scope. Ask the supplier to list deviations. State the requested schedule and destination so that commercial feasibility can be reviewed separately from technical compliance.
WISINE’s titanium and special metals and custom parts pages support enquiry preparation. A titanium grade designation does not by itself establish medical, aerospace or other application-specific approval; those requirements must be separately specified and confirmed.
Discuss Your Specification with WISINE
Send the product type, material requirement, dimensions, quantity and current drawing or specification for review.
Sources and Further Reading
This article supports procurement preparation. Use the approved drawing, applicable standard edition and project requirements for design and acceptance decisions.
