Originally developed for application as an aerospace alloy because of its relative ease of formability, high strength and ductility at temperatures up to 427°C (801°F), ATI 45Nb™ Alloy is an ideal candidate for rivets that secure aluminum aircraft panels, particularly in areas exposed to high engine exhaust temperatures.

This alloy has been used as welded flange components that secure high energy physics RF linear accelerator cavities (made from high purity niobium), and has been drawn into superconductivity wire. It is used as a medical device material for cochlear hearing implants and its low elastic modulus makes the material a consideration for a variety of medical and dental devices.

ATI 45Nb™ Alloy is easily fabricated into structures and components. Although it is considered a refractory metal, processing techniques are the same as those for other titanium alloys. Parts are typically welded using the GTAW process but require the addition of trailing and backing shields and due to its simple metallurgical structure there is no requirement for post weld heat treatment. Machining requires the use of solid fixture setups, high torque at low RPM ridge machine tools with sharp high rake cutters.

With an exceptionally small bend radius capability (down to a bend radius of 1t where t=sheet thickness) and low modulus of elasticity, ATI 45Nb™ Alloy is highly formable and yet still retains excellent tensile and elongation properties. It can also be cast into shapes with the same processes used to cast CP titanium.

ATI 45Nb™ Alloy readily accepts surface oxidation treatment to enhance its hardness and wear resistance. "Nobelizing" is a common commercially available process to apply this type of surface treatment.