When to Use Titanium Bolts, Screws, Nuts & Washers

Titanium fasteners, such as bolts, screws, nuts, and washers, are known for their unique combination of strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance.

You should consider titanium fasteners when working in industries like aerospace, medical, marine, automotive, chemical processing, and military, where weight savings, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility are crucial. For example, in aerospace, they help reduce aircraft weight while maintaining strength, and in medical applications, their biocompatibility makes them suitable for implants.

What Is Titanium?

Titanium is a transition metal (atomic number 22, symbol Ti) known for its low density, high tensile strength, and excellent corrosion resistance. In its commercially pure form (e.g., Grade 2), titanium exhibits strength comparable to some steels but at roughly 60% of the density. Titanium forms a stable oxide layer when exposed to air, providing a protective barrier against many corrosive environments. Titanium alloys, especially Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5), combine titanium with elements such as aluminum and vanadium to further boost strength-to-weight ratio and maintain corrosion resistance.

Advantages of Titanium Fasteners

Lightweight with High Strength
Titanium fasteners achieve strength levels similar to certain steels while reducing weight by up to 40–50%. This advantage directly benefits industries where weight savings improve performance, fuel efficiency, or ease of handling.
Superior Corrosion Resistance
The protective oxide film resists pitting and crevice corrosion in marine, chemical, and biomedical environments. Titanium fasteners often outlast stainless steel in chloride-rich conditions, reducing maintenance and replacement costs over service life.
Fatigue Resistance
Many titanium alloys exhibit good fatigue strength, making them suitable for cyclic-load components such as aerospace and motorsport applications where repeated stresses occur.
Non-Magnetic & Biocompatible
Essential for medical implants, surgical instruments, and equipment in magnetic-field-sensitive environments.
Temperature Capability
Retains mechanical properties at moderately elevated temperatures. Although not as heat-resistant as nickel superalloys, titanium fasteners can perform well up to ~400°C.
Aesthetic Appeal
Titanium’s silvery-grey luster and resistance to tarnish suit visible or architectural applications where appearance matters.

Titanium Fasteners

Common Applications for Titanium Fasteners

Aerospace & Aviation: Structural airframe components, engine assemblies, landing gear attachments, and fastenings where weight reduction is critical. Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) is widely used due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance at altitude and variable temperatures.
Marine & Offshore: Fasteners on ships, offshore platforms, and subsea equipment that face continuous saltwater exposure. Titanium’s long-term corrosion resistance reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
Medical & Biomedical Devices: Orthopedic implants, surgical tools, and medical fixture components. Biocompatibility and non-magnetic properties ensure safety inside the human body and in diagnostic environments.
Motorsport & Automotive: High-performance vehicles and racing applications use titanium fasteners in suspension, engine covers, and exhaust systems where reduced mass yields improved acceleration, braking, and handling.
Chemical Processing: Equipment and piping fastenings in chemical plants resistant to corrosive fluids (with attention to specific media compatibility).
High-End Consumer Goods & Electronics: Specialty bicycles, sports equipment, or electronic enclosures where strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance provide premium performance.

When to Avoid Titanium Fasteners

Aggressive Reducing Chemicals: Environments containing dry chlorine, hydrochloric or sulfuric acids in anhydrous form, or other reducing agents that can compromise titanium’s protective oxide layer.
High Thermal Conductivity Requirements: If fasteners are part of a heat-dissipation path, titanium’s low thermal conductivity may be a drawback.
Extremely High Temperatures: Continuous service above ~400°C under load may necessitate nickel-based alloys or other high-temperature materials.
Cost-Sensitive, Non-Critical Applications: Titanium is relatively expensive due to raw material and manufacturing costs. For general-purpose fastening where weight and extreme corrosion resistance are not critical, stainless steel or coated fasteners often suffice.
Electrical Conductivity Needs: Titanium’s lower electrical conductivity limits use in applications requiring electrical continuity through fastened joints.

Choosing the Correct Grade of Titanium

Grade 2 (Commercially Pure): Over 99% titanium; excellent corrosion resistance, ductility, and formability. Strength is roughly double that of A4 stainless steel. Common in marine and chemical environments where the highest corrosion resistance is needed but extreme strength is not the top priority.
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V): The “workhorse” titanium alloy with ~6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. Approximately 30–40% stronger than Grade 2, with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. Widely specified for aerospace, medical, and high-performance applications.
Grade 7: Similar to Grade 2 but with palladium additions for enhanced corrosion resistance in highly aggressive chemical environments.
Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI): Similar composition to Grade 5 but with lower impurity levels, providing greater ductility and fracture toughness. Preferred for critical medical implants.
Other Specialty Grades: Higher-alloyed or beta-phase titanium alloys for specific high-strength or temperature applications—selected after evaluating mechanical requirements, corrosion profile, and cost.

When specifying, collaborate with fastener manufacturers to confirm mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield, fatigue), coating or passivation options (if needed), and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, AMS).

Make an Enquiry About Titanium Fasteners

At HQ Factory, we understand that every project has its demands, especially when it comes to exotic materials like titanium. If you require bespoke fasteners or non-standard sizes and grades, our team is here to guide you from initial inquiry through to delivery. Here’s how we ensure your titanium fastener needs are met with precision and reliability:

Full Material Certification & Traceability
We provide comprehensive documentation for every batch of titanium fasteners. You’ll receive certificates detailing alloy composition, mechanical test results, and any heat-treatment history. Our traceability system ensures you can track each fastener back to its origin, giving you confidence in performance and compliance.
Precision Manufacturing Processes
Whether your design calls for CNC machining or cold forging, HQ Factory’s advanced equipment and experienced engineers deliver to tight tolerances. We verify dimensions and mechanical properties at each stage, so your custom titanium bolts, screws, nuts, or washers fit perfectly and perform as intended.
Specialized Surface Finishes
Titanium’s unique properties require appropriate passivation or coating choices. Our experts recommend and apply surface treatments—such as electropolishing, passivation solutions, or compatible coatings—to enhance wear resistance, reduce galling, or improve lubricity, depending on your application.
Clear MOQ & Lead Time Guidance
Working with exotic materials often involves specific minimum order quantities. We’ll explain our MOQ policies up front and discuss batch production or custom run options tailored to your volume needs. Our streamlined processes aim to minimize lead times without compromising quality.
Dedicated Technical Support
From selecting the optimal titanium grade to advising on thread engagement in titanium-tapped holes, our team offers hands-on guidance. We review your drawings, load requirements, and environmental conditions to recommend the best solutions. Inspection protocols and torque guidance are provided so you can integrate fasteners confidently.
Standards Compliance & Quality Assurance
HQ Factory produces titanium fasteners by relevant industry standards (ASTM, ISO, AMS, etc.). Every component undergoes rigorous inspection—dimensional checks, hardness tests, and any required non-destructive examinations—to ensure full compliance and consistent performance.

Ready to discuss your titanium fastener requirements? Provide us with your technical drawings, material specifications, and application details, and we’ll prepare a tailored proposal including timelines, pricing, and certification information. At HQ Factory, precision and transparency drive our service—reach out today to start your enquiry and discover how our titanium fastener expertise can support your next project.