Pure Titanium Wire (Ti-6Al-4V) Weld Wire:
The Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 23) is a titanium alloy commonly used in
various applications, including the production of medical implants,
surgical instruments, and micro surgical tools. This specific
alloy, known for its high strength, corrosion resistance, and
biocompatibility, is particularly valued in the medical field.
Key Properties of Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 23) Alloy:
Composition: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 23) consists of 90% titanium (Ti), 6%
aluminum (Al), and 4% vanadium (V). The "ELI" designation refers to
the Extra Low Interstitial version of this alloy, which offers
improved toughness and lower levels of impurities, making it
especially suitable for medical applications.
High Strength: Ti-6Al-4V is stronger than commercially pure
titanium grades, which makes it ideal for load-bearing applications
in the body, such as bone and joint replacements. It has a yield
strength of approximately 900 MPa and ultimate tensile strength
around 950 MPa.
Biocompatibility: The alloy’s biocompatibility makes it suitable
for surgical implants. It integrates well with human tissues,
reducing the likelihood of rejection. Its resistance to corrosion,
especially in bodily fluids, ensures the longevity of implants.
Corrosion Resistance: Titanium alloys, including Ti-6Al-4V, exhibit
excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly in environments
with high acidity or saline conditions, making them ideal for
long-term implantation.
Formability: While Ti-6Al-4V is strong, it is also sufficiently
formable, especially after annealing. This allows for the creation
of complex shapes used in medical implants, prosthetics, and
instruments.
Moderate Wear Resistance: Titanium alloys offer moderate wear
resistance, which is critical for medical devices that endure
friction over extended periods, such as joint replacements.
Toughness: The alloy has high toughness, which is crucial for
surgical applications where the material needs to withstand dynamic
loading and stress.
Medical Applications:
Due to the unique combination of properties, Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 23)
is extensively used in medical applications:
Orthopedic Implants: Used in devices like hip and knee
replacements, spinal implants, and fracture fixation devices.
Dental Implants: Titanium alloys are highly preferred for dental
implants due to their biocompatibility and ability to fuse with
bone (osseointegration).
Surgical Instruments: The alloy is used for microsurgical
instruments, dental tools, and neurosurgical devices. It is also
combined with stainless steel for specific applications requiring a
balance of properties.
Cardiovascular and Stent Implants: Ti-6Al-4V alloys are used in the
production of vascular stents and other cardiovascular implants.
Annealing Process:
Annealing is a heat treatment process used to soften the titanium
alloy, making it easier to form and shape, and increasing its
toughness. The typical process involves heating the titanium to a
high temperature and then cooling it at a controlled rate. This
treatment:
- Improves formability.
- Relieves internal stresses created during shaping or welding.
- Increases toughness, which is important for minimizing the risk of
brittleness in the final product, particularly in medical implants
where toughness is a key property.
Medical ASTM Specifications: ASTM F136/F1341
ASTM F136: This specification refers to implantable titanium alloys
used for surgical implants, ensuring high purity and precise
composition.
ASTM F1341: It specifically covers the requirements for wrought
titanium alloys (like Ti-6Al-4V ELI) used for the fabrication of
medical devices, ensuring that the material meets stringent
mechanical and biological compatibility standards.
Benefits of Ti-6Al-4V for Medical Use:
- Long-term Durability: With its combination of high strength and
excellent corrosion resistance, Ti-6Al-4V provides long-lasting
performance in the human body.
- Lightweight: Titanium alloys have a low density, which helps to
reduce the weight of implants and surgical tools, enhancing patient
comfort.
- Biointegration: Titanium’s ability to bond with bone
(osseointegration) is crucial for orthopedic and dental implants.
Applications in Various Medical Disciplines:
- General Surgery: Titanium implants and tools are used in many
surgical procedures due to their strength and versatility.
- Stomatology (Dentistry): Titanium is used in dental implants due to
its ability to fuse with bone tissue.
- Neurosurgery: In neurosurgical instruments, titanium alloys provide
the necessary strength and precision while maintaining a minimal
weight for delicate procedures.
- Otolaryngology (ENT): Titanium is used in implants or devices for
ear and sinus surgeries due to its non-reactivity and corrosion
resistance.
- Ophthalmology: Titanium alloys are used in eye surgeries for their
lightweight and durable properties.
Lead Time and Availability
Stock Sizes:
- Some sizes of ErTi5 welding wire are available in stock, ready for
quick delivery.
Custom Production:
- If the required size is not available in stock, the wire can be
made to order with a production lead time of 10 working days
depending on the quantity.
Flexible Sizing:
- The wire is available in 0.6mm, 0.8mm, and 1mm diameters, but other
sizes may also be produced upon request, ensuring flexibility for
various welding applications.
Comparison: TIG vs. MIG for Titanium
When welding titanium (or other sensitive materials), TIG welding
is typically the preferred method because:
Precision and Control: TIG welding provides superior control over
the heat input and weld pool, essential when working with materials
like titanium, which can be sensitive to contamination and
oxidation at high temperatures.
No Spatter: TIG produces less spatter compared to MIG, which is
especially important when welding materials that require clean and
cosmetic welds, such as in aerospace or medical applications.
Cleaner Welds: Since the tungsten electrode is non-consumable, the
process tends to produce cleaner, high-quality welds, which is
crucial for industries like aerospace, marine, and medical
implants, where weld strength and appearance are critical.
Summary of Key Differences:
| Feature | TIG Welding | MIG Welding |
|---|
| Electrode Type | Non-consumable tungsten electrode | Consumable wire |
| Filler Metal | Optional (can be added with rods) | Filler metal supplied by the wire |
| Arc Control | More precise, better for thin materials | Less precise, faster for thick materials |
| Spatter | Minimal spatter | More spatter |
| Weld Quality | High-quality, clean welds | Fast but may have more defects |
| Applications | Aerospace, medical, thin materials | Automotive, general fabrication |
| Speed | Slower, but more accurate | Faster, suitable for larger materials |
| AWS | CHEMICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
| AWS A5.16 | UNS | C | O | N | H | I | Al | V | Pd |
| Number | | | | | | | | |
| ERTi 1 | R50100 | 0.03 | 0.03-0.10 | 0.012 | 0.005 | 0.08 | - | - | - |
| ERTi 2 | R50120 | 0.03 | 0.08-0.16 | 0.015 | 0.008 | 0.12 | - | - | - |
| ERTi 4 | R50130 | 0.03 | 0.08-0.32 | 0.025 | 0.008 | 0.25 | - | - | - |
| ERTi 5 | R56400 | 0.05 | 0.12-0.20 | 0.03 | 0.015 | 0.22 | 5.5-6.7 | 3.5-4.5 | - |
| ERTi 7 | R52401 | 0.03 | 0.08-0.16 | 0.015 | 0.008 | 0.12 | - | - | 0.12-0.25
|
