Named after the Titans in Greek mythology, titanium is a lustrous metal with the atomic number 22. It’s used in the manufacturing industry to make everything from motorcycle and space shuttle components to fasteners, jewelry and internal prosthetics. Titanium may come with a higher price tag than other metals, including iron alloys, but it offers some key advantages for manufacturing companies.
#1) High Melting Point
All metals have a melting point — and titanium is no exception. Titanium, however, has a higher melting point than many other metals, including iron, aluminum, tin and copper. It takes temperatures in excess of 3,304 degrees Fahrenheit to melt titanium. With such a high melting point, titanium can be used in hot environments where other metals and alloys can’t be used.
#2) High Strength and Low Density
Titanium has the highest strength-to-density ratio of all metals on the periodic table; its strength-to-density ratio is even higher than that of steel’s. Titanium isn’t necessarily stronger than steel. They are both offer relatively the same amount of strength. Titanium, however, is about half as dense as its steel counterpart. Titanium’s high strength-to-density ratio makes it particularly effective for use in the aerospace manufacturing industry.
#3) Corrosion Resistance
Another key advantage of titanium in the manufacturing industry is corrosion resistance. Many metals and alloys rust when exposed to oxygen. Oxygen in the air or water causes them to oxidize. As oxidation occurs, a layer of rust will begin to form. Titanium, on the other hand, has a natural defense mechanism that protects it from rust. When exposed to oxygen, titanium will develop a layer of titanium dioxide. This layer, while invisible, shields the underlying titanium from oxygen that would otherwise contribute to rust and corrosion.
#4) Lightweight
Titanium weighs less than most other metals and alloys. When compared to steel, titanium weighs about half as much. This is another reason why aerospace manufacturing companies use it. You’ll often find fuselages made of titanium. Titanium is just as strong as steel, but it only weighs about half as much. Therefore, it allows for the construction of strong and lightweight fuselages for airplanes.
#5) Recyclable
Titanium is recyclable, thus allowing manufacturing companies to minimize waste. It can be melted down and reused in future applications. Furthermore, since it doesn’t suffer from corrosion, titanium doesn’t deteriorate. Products made of titanium will maintain their structure so that they can be recycled many years down the road. In this regard, titanium is 100% recyclable.