Welding Tips and Tricks

So a few months back I had gotten an itch to try to learn to weld titanium. I looked around for filler rod pricing (since it is usually very expensive), and found a couple places willing to do business on relatively small orders, with chinese-produced Ti 6AL-4V ELI.

Shipping from USA: I'm looking for people who are willing to spit out around ~$275 shipping-included, for a 5-lb chunk (0.035", or 0.045", or 1/16").

• ERTi-5/Gr.5 - 0.035” - $45/lb (Chinese)
• ERTi-5 ELI/Gr.23 - 0.045” - $52.95/lb (Chinese)
• ERTi-5 ELI/Gr.23 - 1/16” - $51.40/lb (Chinese) (they also have a 5.5 lbs-open package, made in USA from chinese billet, not subject to M.O.Q.)

FYI:

• 5-lb of 0.035" Ti = Qty: ~902 x 36" long pieces
• 5-lb of 0.045" Ti = Qty: ~546 x 36" long pieces
• 5-lb of 0.0625" Ti = Qty: ~283 x 36" long pieces

They also offer ERTi-5 ELI/Gr.23 in 0.030" diameter in 10-15 lb spools @ $30/lb.

FYI:

• 10 lbs of 0.030" Ti = 7,368 ft = Equivalent Qty: 2,456 @ 36" long pieces.

Shipping from China, here $250 would get you approx. ~2.5 kg/5.5 lbs ERTi-5 ELI/Gr.23 0.045", I've already factored in the shipping costs.
Slightly more for 0.035", slightly less for 1/16".

5 kg (~11 lbs) = $45.55/lb (~$500 for 11 lbs, shipped)
10 kg (~22 lbs) = $43.56/lb (~$958 for 22 lbs shipped)


So......who's in? Everywhere else is $75+ per pound. If you buy 10-sticks at a time on Ebay or where-ever, you're paying the equivalent of ~$150+ per pound(!).

I would jump in with you on this Oscar, but I really don't ever weld Ti.

Sorry bud.

I don't support Chinese, sorry... Every consider the actual people behing your discount? Doesn't USA require a certification/contract in supplying Ti?

GG47 wrote:I don't support Chinese, sorry... Every consider the actual people behing your discount? Doesn't USA require a certification/contract in supplying Ti?

Let's get some facts straight here. China, Japan, and Russia are 3 of the biggest exporters of Titanium in no particular order. The United States imports primarily from Kazakhstan and Japan for most of its Titanium products (as a whole, not just for welding) and then uses a few different processes to refine it.

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Alright Fact Cutter-
I still don't support China, Japan or Russia on anything, flat out-
I, Myself am not part of the poison.

GG47 wrote:Alright Fact Cutter-
I still don't support China, Japan or Russia on anything, flat out-
I, Myself am not part of the poison.

This is a list of countries by titanium production in 2010–2013 based on USGS figures.[1][2] The production figures are for titanium sponge, units are in metric tons.
Rank Country/Region 2010 2011 2012 2013
World 137,000 186,000 200,000 222,000
1 China China 57,800 60,000 80,000 100,000
2 Russia Russia 25,800 40,000 44,000 45,000
3 Japan Japan 31,600 56,000 40,000 40,000
4 Kazakhstan Kazakhstan 14,500 20,700 25,000 27,000
5 Ukraine Ukraine 7,400 9,000 10,000 10,000
6 India India 00 00 00 500

This GG47 was a xenophobic dick, no? That's twice in the last 4 posts I looked at that he had something ridiculous to say about other countries lol

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GT
who let him in.. i hope not me.........
craig

A friend of mine works at the US Geological Survey- titanium is considered a "strategic" mineral, or has some designation like that. He gave me a book on the topic, i'll have to see what's the deal. I'll report back with any good info.

Note: USA not on list
This is a list of countries by titanium production in 2010–2013 based on USGS figures.[1][2] The production figures are for titanium sponge, units are in metric tons.
Rank Country/Region 2010 2011 2012 2013
World 137,000 186,000 200,000 222,000
1 China China 57,800 60,000 80,000 100,000
2 Russia Russia 25,800 40,000 44,000 45,000
3 Japan Japan 31,600 56,000 40,000 40,000
4 Kazakhstan Kazakhstan 14,500 20,700 25,000 27,000
5 Ukraine Ukraine 7,400 9,000 10,000 10,000
6 India India 00 00 00 500

Holy thread revival, lol.

I just bought 1/2 lb of Grade 1.5mm Ticon titanium filler rod. I'm only going to need about 1 rod and it looks like I'll have about 26 left over. Anyone need any? If you're in AZ it's an easy exchange. Not lookin for profit just recovery of cost