ASTM F136 — Standard Specification for Wrought Titanium-6Aluminum-4Vanadium ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) Alloy for Surgical Implant Applications (UNS R56407)
ASTM F136 specifies the chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical requirements for wrought annealed Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial, Grade 23, UNS R56407) bar, wire, sheet, strip, and plate used to manufacture surgical implants.
Scope
Covers the chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical requirements for wrought annealed titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium ELI alloy to be used in the manufacture of surgical implants.
Covered Grades
Covered Product Forms
Key Requirements
- Strict interstitial limits (O <= 0.13%, Fe <= 0.25%, C <= 0.08%, N <= 0.05%, H <= 0.012%)
- Tensile strength min 860 MPa, yield strength min 790 MPa (for bar/sheet gauges)
- 10% minimum elongation and 25% minimum reduction of area (up to 44.45 mm)
- Fine alpha-beta microstructure per ETTC2 rating, free of continuous grain-boundary alpha
Test Methods
- ASTM E8 (Tensile)
- ASTM E1409 (Oxygen/Nitrogen)
- ASTM E1447 (Hydrogen)
- ASTM E539 (Chemistry)
Metallurgical Verification & Quality Control
By capping oxygen at 0.13% max (compared to 0.20% max in standard Grade 5) and iron at 0.25% max, ASTM F136 maximizes fracture toughness and fatigue crack propagation resistance in load-bearing orthopedic bone screws, pedicle screws, intramedullary nails, and hip stems. Medical Swiss-lathe bar stock is typically supplied centerless ground to ISO h6 or h7 tolerance.
What to Specify on Your ASTM F136 Purchase Order / RFQ
- Standard: ASTM F136 (and/or ISO 5832-3 if dual compliance is required)
- Product form and dimensions (e.g., centerless ground bar Ø4.0 mm to Ø25.0 mm × 3000 mm)
- Diameter tolerance, straightness (e.g., <= 0.5 mm/m for Swiss-type CNC lathes), and chamfered bar ends
- Metallographic rating and ultrasonic inspection requirement
- Certification: material test certificate (MTC) with full interstitial gas analysis, tensile results, and metallographic photomicrograph
Code Equivalency & Companion Standards
ASTM F136 harmonizes closely with ISO 5832-3. For unalloyed commercially pure titanium implants (dental fixtures, cranial mesh, pacemaker cases), refer to ASTM F67.
ASTM F136 Specification & Procurement FAQ
What does ASTM F136 cover and which product forms are included?
Which titanium grades are covered under ASTM F136?
What testing and inspection methods are required by ASTM F136?
Related Specifications
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