What is Titanium?

Table of Contents

What is Titanium?

Raw Titanium

Titanium is an extraordinary metal that has captured the attention of industries worldwide. It is known for its strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. This versatile material has become a game-changer in various manufacturing sectors. From aerospace engineering to medical implants, the unique properties of titanium make it an indispensable choice for innovative solutions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of this material, exploring its history, applications, and why it has become a material of choice for many industries.

What is the history of titanium, and how was it made?

Titanium metal has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early 19th century. The element was first discovered in 1791 by the English chemist William Gregor, who identified it in the mineral ilmenite. However, it wasn’t until 1910 that the American chemist Matthew Hunter produced pure titanium.

The modern production of this material involves a multi-step process known as the Kroll process. This method begins with the mining and refining of titanium-containing ores, such as rutile or ilmenite. The ore is then heated to get liquid TiCl4, which is purified by fractional distillation processes. The next step is to convert the ore into titanium tetrachloride, reducing the use of magnesium or sodium to produce a titanium sponge. The sponge is then melted and cast into ingots or other desired shapes, ready for use in various applications.

Titanium’s unique properties, including its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, have made it an increasingly important material in industries ranging from aerospace and defense to medical and consumer goods. Moreover, its versatility and performance characteristics continue to drive innovation and technological advancements across numerous sectors.

Periodic Table of Elements: Ti

What are the mechanical properties of titanium?

Titanium is an extraordinary metal that has garnered global attention from various industries due to its exceptional mechanical properties. In Prototek’s CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication capabilities, we are eager to delve into the unique characteristics that make it a valuable engineering material.

Biocompatibility and Osseointegration

In medicine, titanium’s biocompatibility and ability to integrate with bone tissue (osseointegration) make it a preferred material for orthopedic implants, dental fixtures, and other medical devices. Ensuring a robust and long-lasting bond between the implant and surrounding bone leads to faster healing and improved patient outcomes.

Corrosion Resistance

Another critical advantage of titanium is its remarkable corrosion resistance. The metal develops a thin, stable oxide layer on its surface that shields it from chemical attack, even in harsh environments. This feature makes it popular for marine applications, chemical processing equipment, and biomedical implants.

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

One of titanium’s most remarkable attributes is its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Nearly as strong as steel but 45% lighter, it is an ideal choice for applications where weight is crucial. This material is especially significant in manufacturing aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.

Thermal and Cryogenic Resistance

Titanium’s noteworthy thermal and cryogenic resistance are also worth mentioning. The metal maintains its strength and ductility even at extremely high and low temperatures, making it suitable for aerospace, energy, and industrial applications.

Further, at Prototek, we use titanium’s exceptional mechanical properties to produce high-quality parts and components for our clients across various industries. Contact us today to learn how we can help you harness the power of this remarkable metal.

Titanium Turbine Blades

What types of titanium grades and alloys are popular?

Titanium is a versatile and highly sought-after material in various industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and consumer goods. Its biocompatibility, corrosion, and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio make it a top choice for many applications. This section explores some of the most popular alloys and grades of titanium widely used today.

Commercially Pure (CP) Titanium

CP titanium, the purest form with minimal alloying elements, is divided into four grades (Grades 1-4) based on impurities and oxygen levels. CP titanium is highly regarded for its exceptional corrosion resistance and use in medical implants, chemical processing equipment, and marine applications.

Titanium Alloys

To enhance specific properties, titanium alloys are developed by incorporating small amounts of other elements, such as aluminum, vanadium, molybdenum, or chromium. Moreover, some of the most popular alloys include:

Ti-6Al-4V

This titanium alloy is widely used due to its balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and formability, making it prevalent in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo

This alloy is known for its high strength and creep resistance, making it suitable for jet engine components and other high-temperature applications.

Ti-3Al-2.5V

This alloy is known for its excellent ductility and is often used to produce seamless tubing, hydraulic and fuel lines, and other applications where formability is crucial.

Ti-5Al-2.5Sn

This alloy is known for its high strength, excellent resistance to creep, and superb weldability, making it a popular choice for aircraft engine components, rocket motors, and other aerospace applications.

Prototek Digital Manufacturing has the expertise and capabilities to handle a variety of titanium grades and alloys. Ensuring our clients receive top-quality products and services custom-tailored to meet their needs.

Titanium bicycle gears

Which industries use titanium, and what are some of its applications?

Titanium is a remarkable metal that has become essential in numerous industries worldwide. It’s well-known for its strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. Consequently, this material has many applications and has revolutionized various sectors. This section will explore the industries that rely on this versatile material and its diverse applications.

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry significantly uses titanium due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it ideal for aircraft and spacecraft components such as airframes, engines, and landing gear. Moreover, this material’s resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures makes it an essential material for the demanding environments of aerospace engineering.

Automotive and Transportation

The automotive and transportation industries have also embraced titanium’s benefits. This metal is in various components, including suspension systems, exhaust systems, and even high-performance sports car parts. Its lightweight and durability make it an attractive option for improving fuel efficiency and performance in transportation.

Consumer Goods and Lifestyle

Titanium’s unique properties have also been incorporated into consumer goods and lifestyle products. From high-end watches and jewelry to sporting equipment and outdoor gear, titanium’s combination of strength, lightness, and hypoallergenic properties makes it a popular choice for these applications.

Industrial and Chemical Processing

Titanium’s resistance to corrosion and harsh chemicals has made it a valuable material in industrial and chemical processing applications. It is commonly used in equipment and piping for industries such as power generation, desalination, and chemical processing, where it helps to withstand the rigors of these environments.

Medical and Dental Applications

Titanium’s biocompatibility and corrosion resistance have made it a go-to material in the medical and dental fields. It is commonly used for orthopedic implants, such as dental implants, hip and knee replacements, and orthodontic appliances. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with the human body has made it a preferred choice for these critical medical applications.

As you can see, titanium’s versatility has made it an indispensable material across various industries. From the skies to the sea and the medical field to the world of consumer goods, this remarkable metal continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern manufacturing and engineering.

CNC Machined Titanium

What are the benefits of using this material?

Titanium is a highly versatile and exceptional material renowned for its outstanding properties, which make it highly sought after in various industries. With its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, this metal offers unparalleled durability and resilience, making it an ideal choice for applications where strength and lightweight characteristics are essential. In addition, titanium exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in challenging environments, such as marine and chemical processing applications. Its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature make it a preferred choice for medical implants and devices. Furthermore, this material’s remarkable thermal stability enables it to withstand extreme temperatures, further expanding its applicability across industries. Its unique combination of properties allows for endless design possibilities, making it a material of choice for innovative and cutting-edge products across various sectors.

Corrosion Resistance Titanium Sheet Metal

Why choose this material for your project?

Titanium is an exceptional material choice for your project due to its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and versatility. At Prototek Digital Manufacturing, we leverage the unique properties of it to deliver high-performance components that meet the most demanding requirements. Whether you’re seeking precision machined parts, custom-engineered castings, or advanced additive manufacturing solutions, titanium offers the perfect blend of durability and lightweight design. Let our team of experts guide you in unlocking the full potential of this remarkable material for your next project.

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FAQs

What is titanium?

It is a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant metal in various industries, including aerospace, medical, and consumer products.

What color is titanium?

This lustrous, silver-gray metal with a high strength-to-weight ratio makes it a popular choice in various industries.

Is titanium magnetic?

It is a non-magnetic metal that is not attracted to magnetic fields. This unique property makes titanium popular for various industrial and medical applications.

Does titanium rust?

This material is highly resistant to corrosion and does not rust. Its strong, durable, and lightweight properties make it a popular choice for various industrial and medical applications.

Does titanium react with oxygen?

This material is highly resistant to corrosion and does not rust. Its strong, durable, and lightweight properties make it a popular choice for various industrial and medical applications.

Is titanium on the periodic table?

It is indeed found on the periodic table and is classified as a transition metal with the atomic number 22. It is a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant element.

The content on this blog post is for informational purposes only. Prototek does not make any declaration or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, regarding the information’s accuracy, completeness, or validity. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be assumed to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through our network. It’s crucial to note that buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for their project.

Standard Drill Bit Sizes

Drill Size

Imperial

Metric

#107

0.0019 in

0.0483 mm

0.05 mm

0.0020 in

0.0500 mm

#106

0.0023 in

0.0584 mm

#105

0.0027 in

0.0686 mm

#104

0.0031 in

0.0787 mm

#103

0.0035 in

0.0889 mm

#102

0.0039 in

0.0991 mm

0.1 mm

0.0039 in

0.1000 mm

#101

0.0043 in

0.1092 mm

#100

0.0047 in

0.1194 mm

#99

0.0051 in

0.1295 mm

#98

0.0055 in

0.1397 mm

#97

0.0059 in

0.1499 mm

#96

0.0063 in

0.1600 mm

#95

0.0067 in

0.1702 mm

#94

0.0071 in

0.1803 mm

#93

0.0075 in

0.1905 mm

0.2 mm

0.0079 in

0.2000 mm

#92

0.0079 in

0.2007 mm

#91

0.0083 in

0.2108 mm

#90

0.0087 in

0.2210 mm

#89

0.0091 in

0.2311 mm

#88

0.0095 in

0.2413 mm

#87

0.0100 in

0.2540 mm

#86

0.0105 in

0.2667 mm

#85

0.0110 in

0.2794 mm

#84

0.0115 in

0.2921 mm

0.3 mm

0.0118 in

0.3000 mm

#83

0.0120 in

0.3048 mm

#82

0.0125 in

0.3175 mm

#81

0.0130 in

0.3302 mm

#80

0.0135 in

0.3429 mm

#79

0.0145 in

0.3680 mm

1/64 in

0.0156 in

0.3969 mm

0.4 mm

0.0158 in

0.4000 mm

#78

0.0160 in

0.4064 mm

#77

0.0180 in

0.4572 mm

0.5 mm

0.0197 in

0.5000 mm

#76

0.0200 in

0.5080 mm

#75

0.0210 in

0.5334 mm

#74

0.0225 in

0.5715 mm

0.6 mm

0.0236 in

0.6000 mm

#73

0.0240 in

0.6069 mm

#72

0.0250 in

0.6350 mm

#71

0.0260 in

0.6604 mm

0.7 mm

0.0276 in

0.7000 mm

#70

0.0280 in

0.7112 mm

#69

0.0292 in

0.7417 mm

#68

0.0310 in

0.7874 mm

1/32 in

0.0313 in

0.7938 mm

0.8 mm

0.0315 in

0.8000 mm

#67

0.0320 in

0.8128 mm

#66

0.0330 in

0.8382 mm

#65

0.0350 in

0.8890 mm

0.9 mm

0.0354 in

0.9000 mm

#64

0.0360 in

0.9144 mm

#63

0.0370 in

0.9398 mm

#62

0.0380 in

0.9652 mm

#61

0.0390 in

0.9906 mm

1 mm

0.0394 in

1.0000 mm

#60

0.0400 in

1.0160 mm

#59

0.0410 in

1.0414 mm

#58

0.0420 in

1.0668 mm

#57

0.0430 in

1.0922 mm

1.1 mm

0.0433 in

1.1000 mm

#56

0.0465 in

1.1811 mm

3/64 in

0.0469 in

1.1906 mm

1.2 mm

0.0472 in

1.2000 mm

1.3 mm

0.0512 in

1.3000 mm

#55

0.0520 in

1.3208 mm

#54

0.0550 in

1.3970 mm

1.4 mm

0.0551 in

1.4000 mm

1.5 mm

0.0591 in

1.5000 mm

#53

0.0595 in

1.5113 mm

1/16 in

0.0625 in

1.5875 mm

1.6 mm

0.0630 in

1.6000 mm

#52

0.0635 in

1.6129 mm

1.7 mm

0.0669 in

1.7000 mm

#51

0.0670 in

1.7018 mm

#50

0.0700 in

1.7780 mm

1.8 mm

0.0709 in

1.8000 mm

#49

0.0730 in

1.8542 mm

1.9 mm

0.0748 in

1.9000 mm

#48

0.0760 in

1.9304 mm

5/64 in

0.0781 in

1.9844 mm

#47

0.0785 in

1.9939 mm

2 mm

0.0787 in

2.0000 mm

#46

0.0810 in

2.0574 mm

#45

0.0820 in

2.0828 mm

2.1 mm

0.0827 in

2.1000 mm

#44

0.0860 in

2.1844 mm

2.2 mm

0.0866 in

2.2000 mm

#43

0.0890 in

2.2606 mm

2.3 mm

0.0906 in

2.3000 mm

#42

0.0935 in

2.3749 mm

3/32 in

0.0938 in

2.3813 mm

2.4 mm

0.0945 in

2.4000 mm

#41

0.0960 in

2.4384 mm

#40

0.0980 in

2.4892 mm

2.5 mm

0.0984 in

2.5000 mm

#39

0.0995 in

2.5273 mm

#38

0.1015 in

2.5781 mm

2.6 mm

0.1024 in

2.6000 mm

#37

0.1040 in

2.6416 mm

2.7 mm

0.1063 in

2.7000 mm

#36

0.1065 in

2.7051 mm

7/64 in

0.1094 in

2.7781 mm

#35

0.1100 in

2.7940 mm

2.8 mm

0.1102 in

2.8000 mm

#34

0.1110 in

2.8194 mm

#33

0.1130 in

2.8702 mm

2.9 mm

0.1142 in

2.9000 mm

#32 

0.1160 in

2.9464 mm

3 mm

0.1181 in

3.0000 mm

3.1 mm

0.1221 in

3.1000 mm

1/8 in

0.1250 in

3.1750 mm

3.2 mm

0.1260 in

3.2000 mm

#30

0.1285 in

3.2639 mm

3.3 mm

0.1299 in

3.3000 mm

3.4 mm

0.1339 in

3.4000 mm

#29

0.1360 in

3.4544 mm

9/64 in

0.1406 in

3.5719 mm

5/32 in

0.1563 in

3.9688 mm

11/64 in

0.1719 in

4.3656 mm

3/16 in

0.1875 in

4.7625 mm

13/64 in

0.2031 in

5.1594 mm

7/32 in

0.2188 in

5.5563 mm

15/64 in

0.2344 in

5.9531 mm

1/4 in

0.2500 in

6.3500 mm

17/64 in

0.2656 in

6.7469 mm

9/32 in

0.2813 in

7.1438 mm

19/64 in

0.2969 in

7.5406 mm

5/16 in

0.3125 in

7.9375 mm

21/64 in

0.3281 in

8.3344 mm

11/32 in

0.3438 in

8.7313 mm

23/64 in

0.3594 in

9.1281 mm

3/8 in

0.3750 in

9.5250 mm

25/64 in

0.3906 in

9.9219 mm

13/32 in

0.4063 in

10.3188 mm

27/64 in

0.4219 in

10.7156 mm

7/16 in

0.4375 in

11.1125 mm

29/64 in

0.4531 in

11.5094 mm

15/32 in

0.4688 in

11.9063 mm

31/64 in

0.4844 in

12.3031 mm

1/2 in

0.5 in

12.700 mm

33/64 in

0.5156 in

13.0969 mm

17/32 in

0.5313 in

13.4938 mm

35/64 in

0.5469 in

13.8906 mm

9/16 in

0.5625 in

14.2875 mm

37/64 in

0.5781 in

14.6844 mm

19/32 in

0.5938 in

15.0813 mm

39/64 in

0.6094 in

15.4781 mm

5/8 in

0.6250 in

15.8750 mm

41/64 in

0.6406 in

16.2719 mm

43/64 in

0.6719 in

17.0656 mm

11/16 in

0.6875 in

17.4625 mm

45/64 in

0.7031 in

17.8594 mm

23/32 in

0.7188 in

18.2563 mm

47/64 in

0.7344 in

18.6531 mm

3/4 in

0.7500 in

19.0500 mm

49/64 in

0.7656 in

19.4469 mm

25/32 in

0.7813 in

19.8438 mm

51/64 in

0.7969 in

20.2406 mm

13/16 in

0.8125 in

20.6375 mm

53/64 in

0.8281 in

21.0344 mm

27/32 in

0.8438 in

21.4313 mm

55/64 in

0.8594 in

21.8281 mm

7/8 in

0.8750 in

22.2250 mm

57/64 in

0.8906 in

22.6219 mm

29/32 in

0.9063 in

23.0188 mm

21/23 in

0.9130 in

23.1913 mm

59/64 in

0.9219 in

23.4156 mm

15/16 in

0.9375 in

23.8125 mm

61/64 in

0.9531 in

24.2094 mm

31/32 in

0.9688 in

24.6063 mm

63/64 in

0.9844 in

25.0031 mm

1 in

1.0000 in

25.4000 mm

1 1/64 in

1.0156 in

25.7969 mm

1 1/32 in

1.0313 in

26.1938 mm

1 3/64 in

1.0469 in

26.5906 mm

1 1/16 in

1.0625 in

26.9875 mm

1 5/64 in

1.0781 in

27.3844 mm

1 3/32 in

1.0938 in

27.7813 mm

1 7/64 in

1.1094 in

28.1781 mm

1 1/8 in

1.1250 in

28.5750 mm

1 9/64 in

1.1406 in

28.9719 mm

1 5/32 in

1.1563 in

29.3688 mm

1 11/64 in

1.1719 in

29.7656 mm

1 3/16 in

1.1875 in

30.1625 mm

1 13/64 in

1.2031 in

30.5594 mm

1 7/32 in

1.2188 in

30.9563 mm

1 15/64 in

1.2344 in

31.3531 mm

1 1/4 in

1.2500 in

31.7500 mm

1 17/64 in

1.2656 in

32.1469 mm

1 9/32 in

1.2813 in

32.5438 mm

1 19/64 in

1.2969 in

32.9406 mm

1 5/16 in

1.3125 in

33.3375 mm

1 21/64 in

1.3281 in

33.7344 mm

1 11/32 in

1.3438 in

34.1313 mm

1 23/64 in

1.3594 in

34.5281 mm

1 3/8 in

1.3750 in

34.9250 mm

1 25/64 in

1.3906 in

35.3219 mm

1 13/32 in

1.4063 in

35.7188 mm

1 27/64 in

1.4219 in

36.1156 mm

1 7/16 in

1.4375 in

36.5125 mm

1 29/64 in

1.4531 in

36.9094 mm

1 15/32 in

1.4688 in

37.3063 mm

1 31/64 in

1.4844 in

37.7031 mm

1 1/2 in

1.5000 in

38.1000 mm