How much do you know about titanium? Titanium is a metal which is used to manufacture tennis rackets and other sporting equipment, not forgetting car parts and sun cream.
Renowned for its high strength to low-density ratio. It’s a transition metal, found in the middle of the periodic table, with the atomic symbol ‘Ti’ and atomic number 22.
Here are 12 interesting facts about titanium:
- Titanium was first discovered in 1791
Titanium is the 9th most common element found in the earth’s crust. It was first discovered in 1791 in Cornwall by William Gregor, an amateur geologist.
- Titanium is named after Greek Mythology
Martin Klaproth, a German chemist, rediscovered the element in 1975 and named it ‘Titanium’. The name originates from ‘Titans’ in Greek Mythology.
- Titanium is one of the most versatile metals
Titanium is often used for products that require ductile strength and a high melting point. It can be fabricated by means of hot or cold forming, flat rolling, extrusion or welding to form:
- Bars
- Pipes
- Plates and sheets
- Rods
- Tubes
- Wires
- Titanium is an alloying agent
When titanium is combined with other metals, such as iron, molybdenum, vanadium and aluminium, it provides more durability and tensile strength.
Many industries use the titanium bar as an alloying agent because it has the ability to withstand extreme environments.
- Titanium is used offshore
All our titanium rods, bars, sheets and plates offer excellent resistance to seawater – making them ideal for rigs, ship propellers and desalination plants.
- Titanium is used by the automotive industry
Volkswagen was the first to take advantage of titanium’s properties in the early 2000s, using titanium springs in place of steel ones to produce the VW Lupo.
Tesla also uses titanium to manufacture their vehicles. Their Model S Sedan uses the metal to improve safety – protecting the underbody and components from damage.
- Titanium is used in the field of medicine
A titanium rod can be used to manufacture surgical instruments, providing professionals with the precision they need to carry out medical procedures.
Unlike other metals, titanium isn’t rejected by the human body. It can be used for hip, shoulder and knee replacements or for dental implants.
- Titanium is used by the aerospace industry
Titanium is used in the landing gear, airframe, fasteners and engines of aircraft. One of the reasons why it’s used by the aerospace industry is that it can handle extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from sub-zero to 600°C.
Engine components such as shafts, blades and discs are also manufactured from titanium because it offers high strength and corrosion resistance.
- Titanium is found in toothpaste, sun cream, paper and plastic
Did you know that the permanent white pigment in toothpaste, sun cream, paper and plastic is titanium oxide? Titanium oxide is a chemical used to produce adhesives and paints, toothpaste and sun cream, paper and plastic – providing a visibly whiter appearance.
- Titanium is used in sport
One of the more surprising uses of titanium is in sports equipment. Titanium is found in tennis rackets, golf clubs, helmet grills and bicycle components because it makes equipment lightweight. Equipment that is lightweight is easier to use and allows athletes to perform to the best of their ability.
Here at Ti-Tek, we supply bars in 6AL/4V which is a widely used titanium alloy. It’s made up of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium.
The 6AL/4V offers high levels of reliable performance and machinability. Typical uses of this alloy include manufacturing parts for racing and motorsports.
- Titanium bicycle frames are more reliable
Bicycle frames that are made from titanium bars are 50% lighter than steel bars but offer the same level of strength – making it easier and more enjoyable for cyclists to ride.
Titanium bars resist fatigue and impact, bumps and bashes and are less prone to corrosion, allowing you to sustain the appearance of your sports equipment for longer.
- Titanium is found in jewellery
Titanium is a lustrous metal which is used to create rings, watches sunglasses and eyeglass frames. It provides the strength and durability needed for daily wear and doesn’t bend, scratch, deform or buckle.
Jewellers purchase titanium rods and wire from us at Ti-Tek to manufacture some of the most luxurious pieces of jewellery.
If you need to know more about titanium or the products we supply, call us on 0121 382 4121 today.
Interesting facts about titanium FAQs
What are the advantages of using titanium?
Titanium comes with so many advantages, making it the ideal material for a number of projects.
- The first, possibly most beneficial advantage for many, is titanium’s strength to weight ratio. Although almost 40% lighter than its steel counterpart, titanium is just as strong. This makes it a great lightweight, yet extremely strong option.
- Titanium is resistant to corrosion, making it especially favoured in the medical sector.
- Titanium has an extremely high melting point. This means it works well in extreme heats, making it a great option for the aerospace industry.
- Finally, titanium is an extremely versatile material. Here at Ti-Tek we can supply titanium in all shapes and sizes, meaning you can be sure to find the right product for your project.
These are just a few of the many benefits titanium brings. To find out more about the advantages, read our recent blog.
Where can titanium be used?
Titanium is used in all kinds of industries Here are some everyday examples of where titanium is commonly used.
The automotive industry
Not only does the lightweight nature of titanium allow cars to be that bit more fuel efficient, but it also improves performance, allowing the cars to drive faster. Because of this, titanium is widely used when manufacturing engines for both sports cars and luxury cars.
The medical industry
Titanium is one of the few materials the human body doesn’t reject. It also has a density similar to bone. Because of this it’s commonly used in bone or joint replacements. Titanium also resists bacteria. This makes it a favoured material for manufacturing surgical equipment.
Sport equipment
Titanium’s high strength to weight ratio makes it the perfect material for sports equipment, golf clubs for example.
Not only this, but as titanium is an extremely durable material, it is resistant to wear and tear, meaning it’s sleek look can be easily maintained, making equipment look good as new for a long time whilst retaining its high performance.
Which grade of titanium is suited to my project?
Titanium comes in various grades.
Grades 1 – 4 are all pure titanium, grade 1 being the purest form. Any titanium above this is an alloy, meaning it’s been combined with another material to enhance certain properties.
Here at Ti-Tek we supply titanium in grades 1-4 as standard. Grade 5 is available on request.
Grade 1
Grade 1 titanium is a fantastic material to use when it comes to piping systems thanks to its high ductility which allows for weldability and formability.
Grade 2
Still very weldable, but more high strength than grade 1, grade 2 titanium is great for use in exhaust pipes, for example.
Grade 3
Grade 3 is the least used pure form of titanium because, although it is stronger than grade 1 and 2, it is less formable. This grade of titanium is often used in chemical processing and marine applications.
Grade 4
The strongest of titanium’s pure forms, grade 4 titanium has good formability despite being the least moldable. This grade of titanium is great for use in surgical appliances.
Grade 5
Grade 5 is the most commonly used titanium alloy. This material is specifically used when high strength is more important than corrosion resistance – in the aerospace industry for example.
Why should I purchase titanium from Ti-Tek?
With over 20 years of experience in the titanium industry, our knowledge is unrivalled.
Having supplied titanium to a massive variety of industries including, but not limited to, aerospace, motorsport, oil and gas, you can be sure we have the expertise to help your business.
We want to provide you with the best possible titanium products.
Browse our selection of titanium products which range from bars, coils and pipes, to exhausts, sheets, tubes and wires.
If you’re unsure which titanium product is most suited to your project, you can speak to our experts who will be able to provide you with unbiased information, recommending only the most suitable product.
We understand every project is different. Because of this, it’s difficult to give you a quote without understanding your individual requirements. Get in touch with us today to discuss our pricing.
Call us on 0121 382 4121 or fill in our online enquiry form.