Titanium BT20 vs Grade 16
Titanium · grade comparison
Titanium BT20 and Grade 16 are both titanium grades. BT20 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Grade 16, about 132% more; tensile strength follows at 990 MPa (144 ksi) vs 485 MPa (70.3 ksi). In exchange, Grade 16 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for BT20, and BT20 is harder (300 HB vs 150 HB). BT20 is stiffer (118 GPa vs 105 GPa) and BT20 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 315°C continuous). On the shop floor, Grade 16 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and Grade 16 welds better (excellent vs very good).
BT20Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Grade 16Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
BT20 vs Grade 16: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all titanium grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all titanium grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 8.6 µm/m·K4.8 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every titanium grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | BT20 | Grade 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 1 finish: Plasma Spray.
BT20 vs Grade 16 — frequently asked
Is BT20 stronger than Grade 16?
Yes. BT20 has a typical yield strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Grade 16 — about 132% more. Tensile strength is 990 MPa (144 ksi) vs 485 MPa (70.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, BT20 or Grade 16?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, BT20 or Grade 16?
Grade 16. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (18/100) for BT20; for welding the order is Grade 16 first (excellent, 88/100) then BT20 (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BT20 and Grade 16 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.