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Titanium C-4 vs VT5L

Titanium · grade comparison

Titanium C-4 and VT5L are both titanium grades. VT5L is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) for C-4, about 23% more; tensile strength follows at 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, C-4 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for VT5L. VT5L is stiffer (112 GPa vs 104 GPa) and VT5L runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).

C-4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

VT5LChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

C-4 vs VT5L: properties

C-4VT5L

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

104 GPa15.1 Msi
112 GPa16.2 Msi

Shear Modulus

45 GPa6.5 Msi
42 GPa6.1 Msi

Bulk Modulus

110 GPa16 Msi
105 GPa15.2 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.34
0.32

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
750 MPa109 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

530 MPa76.9 ksi
650 MPa94.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
8%

Reduction in Area

20%
16%

Compressive Strength

560 MPa81.2 ksi
800 MPa116 ksi

Shear Strength

430 MPa62.4 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
58 MPa·√m52.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

14 J10.3 ft·lbf
22 J16.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

265 HB
270 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

26 HRC
27 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

280 HV
285 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

4.51 g/cm³0.16 lb/in³
4.42 g/cm³0.16 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,660°C3,020 °F
1,600°C2,912 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,670°C3,038 °F
1,660°C3,020 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

17.2 W/m·K9.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
8.4 W/m·K4.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

544 J/kg·K0.13 BTU/lb·°F
540 J/kg·K0.13 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

8.6 µm/m·K4.8 µin/in·°F
8.8 µm/m·K4.9 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

320 J/g138 BTU/lb
390 J/g168 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

300°C572 °F
400°C752 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.9 % IACS
1.2 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
1.45×10⁻⁶ Ω·m57.1 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

92 / 100
90 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

30 / 100
22 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

35%
22%

Weldability

85 / 100
80 / 100

Castability

60 / 100
78 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

40 / 100
45 / 100

Polishability

75 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Formability (cold) 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

650 MJ/kg279,450 BTU/lb
640 MJ/kg275,151 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

39 kg CO₂/kg
40 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

25%
30%

Same in both: Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

137 kN·m/kg
170 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

23.1 MN·m/kg
25.3 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,350 kJ/m³
1,886 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

7 mm²/s
3.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
6

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.

3005007001,0004.555.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC-4VT5L

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC-4VT5L
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 1 finish: Plasma Spray.

C-4 vs VT5L — frequently asked

Is VT5L stronger than C-4?

Yes. VT5L has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) for C-4 — about 23% more. Tensile strength is 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C-4 or VT5L?

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, C-4 or VT5L?

C-4, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 22/100 for VT5L; for welding the order is C-4 first (excellent, 85/100) then VT5L (very good, 80/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-4 and VT5L 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.