Ti-15-3 Titanium
A cold-formable beta titanium alloy
Typical values for the temper in the title
Ti-15-3 contains 15% vanadium and 3% each of chromium, tin and aluminum. It is a "beta" alloy: solution treated it is soft and cold formable almost like pure titanium, and after aging it reaches very high strength (about 1240 MPa tensile).
This combination allows complex sheet parts to be made and hardened afterwards. It is used for aerospace sheet parts, springs and fasteners.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 1240 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 1175 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 10% | |
| Hardness | 370 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 96 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 4.76 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 30% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| V vanadium | about 15 (nominal) | beta stabilizer |
| Cr chromium | about 3 (nominal) | beta stabilizer |
| Sn tin | about 3 (nominal) | strengthening |
| Al aluminum | about 3 (nominal) | strengthening |
| Ti titanium | balance |
Nominal composition, as given in the alloy name. Exact ranges are defined in AMS and producer specifications.
Conditions and heat treatment
Beta alloys are supplied solution treated (soft) and hardened by aging after forming.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Solution treated | soft, cold formable | sheet forming |
| Aged | about 1240 MPa tensile (database value) | the finished part |
Applications
- Formed aerospace sheet parts
- Springs
- Fasteners
- Tubing and thin parts
- High-strength formed parts
Fabrication
Machining
Titanium conducts heat poorly, so heat stays at the tool edge. Use low cutting speed, adequate feed (do not "rub"), sharp tools and plenty of coolant. Fine chips can ignite.
Welding
Welds well by TIG, but only with full inert-gas shielding, including a trailing shield and backing gas. Oxygen and nitrogen from the air embrittle the weld. Weld color (silver, not blue or grey) indicates shielding quality.
Threads and contact
Titanium tends to gall in sliding contact. Use anti-seize compound on threads.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) | 950–1100 / 880 MPa | Good — ERTi-5 | an alpha-beta alloy, hard to cold form · material page |
| Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9) | 620–690 / 485–550 MPa | Excellent | forms well, weaker · material page |
| PH 15-7Mo | 860–1650 / 520–1520 MPa | Good | a PH stainless, with the same idea · material page |
Common mistakes
Forming after aging
The material is hard. Form in the solution-treated condition.
Looking for it as ASTM Grade 21
Grade 21 is a different alloy (Ti-15Mo-3Al-2.7Nb). Ti-15-3 is defined in AMS 4914.
Ignoring its higher density
Its density (about 4.76) is higher than Ti-6Al-4V.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| AMS | 4914 |
|---|---|
| Standards | AMS 4914 |
| Forms | plate · strip · springs |
| Producers | TIMET · ATI · Carpenter |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and the mill certificate. Sources: ASTM B265 (sheet and plate), ASTM F136, AMS specifications, producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026