Titanium C-9 vs VT20L
Titanium · grade comparison
Titanium C-9 and VT20L are both titanium grades. VT20L is the stronger of the two: yield strength 860 MPa (125 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for C-9, about 56% more; tensile strength follows at 940 MPa (136 ksi) vs 690 MPa (100 ksi). In exchange, C-9 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 9% for VT20L, and VT20L is harder (296 HB vs 240 HB). VT20L is stiffer (112 GPa vs 100 GPa) and VT20L runs hotter in service (500°C vs 300°C continuous).
C-9Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
VT20LChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C-9 vs VT20L: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Reduction in Area 20%
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 365 J/g157 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 35%
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 | C-9 | VT20L |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 1 finish: Plasma Spray.
C-9 vs VT20L — frequently asked
Is VT20L stronger than C-9?
Yes. VT20L has a typical yield strength of 860 MPa (125 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for C-9 — about 56% more. Tensile strength is 940 MPa (136 ksi) vs 690 MPa (100 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C-9 or VT20L?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C-9 or VT20L?
C-9, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for VT20L; for welding the order is C-9 first (very good, 80/100) then VT20L (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-9 and VT20L 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.