AlTi5B1 (Afinador de Grano)
The standard grain refiner of the aluminum foundry industry, which we commercialize in rod and waffle form to produce fine, uniform grain structures.
AlTi5B1 is the most widely used grain-refining master alloy in aluminum casting. It contains titanium diboride (TiB₂) and titanium aluminide (Al₃Ti) particles at a Ti:B ratio of ~5:1, which act as solidification nuclei to refine grain size. A fine, uniform grain improves mechanical strength, reduces shrinkage porosity, minimizes hot tearing, and improves surface finish. **We commercialize and distribute this master alloy; we do NOT manufacture it**, because achieving a homogeneous dispersion of the TiB₂ particles at production scale is a highly specialized process. We supply it in coiled rod or waffle form, ready for controlled in-furnace or in-line addition.
International Nomenclature
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Designación | AlTi5B1 (Al-5Ti-1B) |
| Formato | Varilla (rod) bobinada · waffle |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Symbol | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al | Balance |
| Titanium | Ti | 4.5–5.5% |
| Boron | B | 0.9–1.1% |
| Iron | Fe | ≤0.25% |
| Silicon | Si | ≤0.25% |
| Vanadium | V | ≤0.05% |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~2.70 g/cm³ |
| Form | Varilla (rod) · waffle |
| Active Phase | TiB₂ + Al₃Ti |
Key Characteristics
- Standard grain refiner of the aluminum foundry industry
- TiB₂ and Al₃Ti particles (Ti:B ratio ~5:1) acting as solidification nuclei
- Refines grain size: improves strength and reduces shrinkage porosity
- Minimizes hot tearing and improves surface finish
- Commercialized and distributed by TP in rod and waffle form — not manufactured
Industries & Applications
Foundry
Grain refinement in casting and wrought alloys, ingots, safety-critical parts
Rolling / Extrusion
Grain refinement in continuous-cast slabs and extrusion billets
Automotive
Mechanical-property improvement in wheels and structural components
Special Notes
**TP commercializes and distributes this master alloy; it does not manufacture it.** Achieving a homogeneous dispersion of titanium diboride (TiB₂) particles at production scale is a highly specialized process, the domain of dedicated master-alloy producers. We supply it in coiled rod or waffle form from specialized producers, ready for controlled addition. The ~5:1 Ti:B ratio and particle purity are critical for effective, reproducible grain refinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AlTi5B1 and what is it used for?
AlTi5B1 (Al-5Ti-1B) is the most widely used grain-refining master alloy in aluminum casting. It is added to the melt to refine grain size, which improves mechanical strength, reduces shrinkage porosity, minimizes hot tearing, and improves surface finish. It is used in foundry work, in continuous-cast slabs and extrusion billets, and in automotive components such as wheels and structural parts.
How does AlTi5B1 refine grain? What is its active composition?
AlTi5B1 contains titanium diboride (TiB₂) and titanium aluminide (Al₃Ti) particles at a Ti:B ratio of roughly 5:1, with 4.5–5.5% titanium and 0.9–1.1% boron over an aluminum balance. These particles act as solidification nuclei, multiplying nucleation sites to produce a fine, uniform grain structure. Particle purity and the ~5:1 Ti:B ratio are critical for effective, reproducible refinement.
Does TP manufacture AlTi5B1 or distribute it?
TP commercializes and distributes this master alloy; it does not manufacture it. Achieving a homogeneous dispersion of the TiB₂ particles at production scale is a highly specialized process, the domain of dedicated master-alloy producers. We supply it in coiled rod or waffle form from specialized producers, ready for controlled in-furnace or in-line addition.
In what forms is AlTi5B1 supplied?
AlTi5B1 is supplied as coiled rod or in waffle form. Coiled rod lends itself to continuous in-line addition, while waffle is suited to controlled additions directly into the furnace. It has a density of approximately 2.70 g/cm³, similar to aluminum, and its active phase is TiB₂ + Al₃Ti.
Why does a fine, uniform grain matter in aluminum parts?
A fine, uniform grain improves the part's mechanical strength, reduces shrinkage porosity during solidification, and minimizes hot tearing, while also improving surface finish. That is why grain refinement with AlTi5B1 is common in casting and wrought alloys, ingots, and safety-critical parts, where integrity and repeatable properties are essential.
How does AlTi5B1 (refiner) differ from AlSr10 (modifier)?
They are master alloys with distinct functions. AlTi5B1 is a grain refiner: its TiB₂ and Al₃Ti particles act as solidification nuclei to reduce grain size. AlSr10 is a eutectic-silicon modifier: it delivers strontium (Sr) to transform acicular silicon into a fine fibrous structure and improve the ductility of Al-Si alloys. Both are distributed (not manufactured) in rod and waffle form, and are often used in a complementary way.
Need AlTi5B1 (Afinador de Grano)?
We manufacture this alloy in ingots, donuts, and bars to your exact specifications.