Medical device engineers in the Chicago area ask us this question regularly. Should they order Grade 5 vs Grade 23 titanium bar stock? Both grades come from the same Ti 6Al-4V alloy family. They look nearly identical on a spec sheet. But choosing the wrong one for a medical application can create serious problems later.
We have supplied precision-ground bar stock from our Arlington Heights facility since 1970. We carry both Grade 5 and Grade 23 titanium bar stock. Our goal here is simple. We want to help you pick the right grade before you place your order, so your parts perform the way your design requires them to.
The Core Difference Between Grade 5 and Grade 23 Titanium Bar Stock
Both grades share the same base alloy, Ti 6Al-4V. They offer the same high strength-to-weight ratio. They are both biocompatible and corrosion-resistant in saltwater. On the surface, they appear interchangeable. But one specific property separates them, and that property matters most when your titanium component is going inside a patient.
Grade 23 carries a lower level of interstitial elements compared to Grade 5. That reduction produces better fracture toughness. Fracture toughness controls how a material responds to cracking under repeated stress over time. For implant applications that endure years of cyclic loading inside the body, Grade 23 is the specification most engineers choose for that reason.
Grade 5 Titanium Bar Stock: Where It Performs Best
Grade 5, designated Ti 6Al-4V, is the most commercially available titanium grade we stock. Aerospace, marine, and medical manufacturers all use it regularly. It delivers high strength at low weight, resists corrosion in saltwater, and is biocompatible across a wide range of applications. These properties make it a reliable choice for many demanding programs.
For medical device work, Grade 5 fits well when the component is not subjected to long-term cyclic loading inside the body. External fixtures, housings, and instrument components are common examples. If your design needs strong, lightweight titanium and fracture performance under repeated internal stress is not the primary concern, Grade 5 is a practical and widely proven option.
Grade 23 Titanium Bar Stock: The Implant Grade Choice
Grade 23 carries the designation Ti 6Al-4V ELI. ELI means Extra Low Interstitial. The reduction in oxygen, nitrogen, and iron content is what produces the better fracture toughness compared to standard Grade 5. We specifically list Grade 23 for medical and aerospace applications, where that property is the deciding factor.
When a component goes into an orthopedic implant, a spinal device, or another structural position inside the body, it faces years of loading and unloading cycles. A material with better fracture toughness resists crack initiation and growth under that kind of repeated stress. That is exactly the performance advantage Grade 23 provides over Grade 5, and it is why implant engineers specify it.
How Precision Grinding Improves Your Titanium Bar Stock
Titanium is challenging to machine. Its high strength and low thermal conductivity mean heat builds up quickly at the cutting zone. The condition of your incoming bar stock directly affects how your machining cell performs. Tighter dimensional control at the bar stage reduces material removal and keeps tool wear more predictable across a production run.
At O’Hare Precision Metals, we hold tolerances as tight as .0001 inches on precision-ground bar. Our surface finish reaches 8 micro inches or better. Our centerless grinding capability handles diameters up to 9 inches and lengths up to 50 ft. We also run a Specialized Grinding Division covering up to 24 ft in length at up to 7 inches in diameter.
Complementary Services Available for Titanium Bar Orders
We offer saw cutting, polishing, and turning services that complement your titanium bar order. Our automated CNC saws cut up to 7 inches in diameter using cold saw blades. Cold sawing produces cleaner ends and tighter length tolerances than friction or bandsaw methods. Shorter cut lengths also reduce vibration in your machining cell during subsequent operations.
Our polishing equipment includes centerless polishing cells, bar and tube polishers, automated belt sanders, buffing cells, and linear pipe polishing cells. Polishing removes oxidation, inhibits corrosion, and delivers specific RA finishes. Turning services handle cylindrical surface work across short and long pieces at varied diameters. We also package bars in tubes and collar wraps, custom wood boxes, or paper-wrapped bundles.
Quality Standards and Other Materials We Supply
We are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Quality control inspections run at each phase of operation. For medical device procurement teams, that certification means your supplier operates under a documented quality management system. It supports traceability requirements across your supply chain without additional process burden on your side.
Beyond titanium, we carry medical-grade stainless steel, including grades 303, 304, and 316LVM. The 316LVM grade is the vacuum melt variant specifically used in implant applications. If your device program requires both titanium bar stock and medical-grade stainless, we can supply both from the same ISO certified facility in Arlington Heights.
Request a Quote From Our Arlington Heights Team Today
Both Grade 5 and Grade 23 titanium bar stock are available in diameters from 0.187 inches to 10.000 inches. We stock standard lengths of 10 ft and 20 ft. If you know your grade, diameter, and length requirements, we can move quickly on a quote. If you are still working through the specification, our team is glad to help you work through the grade decision before you commit.
Reach us through the Request A Quote form at ohareprecision.com. You can also call us at (847) 640-6050 or email sales@ohareprecision.com. Our team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CST. We have been supplying precision ground bar stock to manufacturers in the Chicago area since 1970, and we are ready to support your next medical device program.
FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between Grade 5 and Grade 23 titanium bar stock?
Grade 23 has lower interstitial elements than Grade 5, which produces better fracture toughness. Medical device engineers specify Grade 23 for implant applications that face long-term cyclic loading.
Q: What sizes are available for titanium bar stock at O’Hare Precision Metals?
We stock diameters from 0.187 inches to 10.000 inches in 10 ft and 20 ft lengths. Contact us or submit a Request A Quote for pricing.
Q: How does precision-ground bar stock help when machining titanium?
Titanium work hardens quickly. Bar stock held to .0001 inch tolerance and 8 micro inch surface finish reduces variation, giving your machining cell more consistent and predictable results.
Q: Does O’Hare Precision Metals carry other materials for medical device programs?
Yes. We supply medical-grade stainless steel, including 303, 304, and 316LVM. All material processing runs under our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.