Titanium is an enormously useful metal. Its unique properties mean it sees widespread usage in an array of critical applications.
It is not without fault however and does suffer some disadvantages. It is enormously energy intensive to produce; titanium used for high-performance applications contributes to its high expense considering its relative abundance in the earth’s crust.
Titanium is highly resistant to chemical attack and has the highest strength to weight ratio of any metal. These unique properties make Titanium suitable for a wide range of applications. It’s stiffness to weight ratio as steel is similar to steel meaning it can be used as a substitute where weight is an important consideration.
This is well highlighted in aviation where its use in landing gear and compressor fans has drastically improved thrust to weight ratios. Titanium is highly recyclable which reduces costs involved in its production. Its inertness means that it can survive weathering and consequentially has a lower lifetime cost that other metals used in architecture and construction.
It is also biocompatible making it well suited to medical usage where it is nontoxic and able to osseointegrate.
The primary disadvantage of Titanium from a manufacturing and engineering perspective is its high reactivity, which means it has to be managed differently during all stages of its production. Impurities introduced during the Kroll process, VAR or machining were once near impossible to remove. The EBCHR process has reduced this risk, but it doesn’t come cheap.
It is not suited in high-temperature ranges, above 400 degrees Celsius, where it begins to lose its strength and nickel-based superalloys, are better equipped to handle the conditions.
It is incredibly important to use the right cutting tools and speeds and feeds during machining. Other metals can be relatively forgiving but titanium isn’t. If you get it right, you will have nothing to worry about.
Titanium does have negative externalities which require mitigation. The issues regarding the extraction processes of titanium ores are well publicised. Depending on location trees are often clear cut to access bedrock. This can contribute to soil degradation and cause the escape of heavy metals into the soil. Which can, if not adequately addressed pose a significant risk of drinking water contamination.
Whilst we are in no danger of running out of titanium, the expense and negative externalities of its extraction and manufacture means efficiency is an important consideration for the industry. At SGS our cutting tools are part of the solution. Designed to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of the Titanium machining process.
From welded pipes and valves to heat exchanges, aircraft, naval vessels and even spaceships, titanium is used in a wide variety of applications. This transition metal has a silver color and is characterized by low tensity and high strength. These unique properties make it ideal for a range of different applications, only a few of which were previously mentioned. To learn more about titanium, including its advantages and disadvantages, keep reading.
One of the most notable advantages of titanium is its strength. It’s among the strongest and most durable metals on the planet, which is why it’s used in so many industrial applications. In fact, titanium has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element on the periodic table, attesting to its benefits. Titanium (unalloyed) rivals steel in terms of strength but is less dense, making it the preferred choice among many professionals.
Another key advantage associated with titanium is its natural resistance to rust and corrosion. When metal is exposed to moisture, it triggers a chemical process known as oxidation, which can subsequently lead to corrosion. The good news is that certain metals are naturally resistant to this phenomenon, including titanium. Whether it’s used indoors or outdoors, it will hold for years without succumbing to the effects of rust and corrosion.
Of course, there are also some potential disadvantages to titanium, one of which is the difficulty of casting. Unlike iron and aluminum, titanium can not be easily cast. If you are looking for cast metals, it’s best to choose a different metal instead of titanium. So, why can’t titanium be cast? Again, this has to do with its strength. Because it’s so strong, titanium can not be easily cast like aluminum or iron.
It’s also worth mentioning that titanium is generally more expensive than other types of metals. When compared to steel, iron, aluminum, etc., you can expect to pay more for titanium. This is due largely to its rarity. While not necessarily considered “rare,” titanium is rarer than other metals, resulting in a higher selling price.
The bottom line is that titanium has both advantages and disadvantages. It’s strong, durable and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. At the same time, however, it cannot be cast like aluminum or iron, and it tends to cost more than other metals. Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of titanium and whether or not it’s the right choice for your applications.