One of the most versatile metals on Earth, titanium is appreciated the world over in countless industries and applications thanks to its wide availability, high corrosion resistance, low heat transfer and impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
But for titanium to be properly adapted to meet the needs of those utilising it, it must first be shaped into the appropriate form to meet the necessary function. This is often achieved by crafting the product from large titanium sheets.
But what are titanium sheets? How are they used in the mass production of commercial products and which industries take advantage of them in a huge number of their products or tools?
Here at Ti-TEK, we’re experts in all things titanium and stock top-quality titanium sheets for a host of companies across several industries.
How are titanium sheets used in mass production?
Once the titanium has been flattened and shaped into a thin sheet it is ready to be manipulated. At this point, the titanium can be shaped, folded, stamped, punched or otherwise altered in any number of ways to produce the correct products.
For example, in the case of titanium exhausts, a titanium sheet can be cut according to the correct dimensions, before being folded, treated and resoldered into the correct form to produce a lightweight and heat-resistant yet durable vehicle exhaust.
Thanks to their lightweight properties, these exhausts are ideal to be used in ultra-fast racecars – such as Formula 1 cars – because they will not weigh the car down as much as exhausts made from other materials, costing the car time on the racetrack.
Plus, thanks to the advancements in production methods, including machine automation, these sheets can now be used to produce products at a staggering rate. But this is barely scratching the surface of how titanium sheets are used in wider manufacture globally.
Other industries that utilise titanium sheets (and how they use them)
Medical industry
Its impressive strength makes a titanium sheet an ideal choice for creating sturdy, reliable medical instruments used in high-pressure surgical situations. Everything from simple retractors to more intimidating scalpels can be created from titanium sheets. Their anti-corrosion properties help keep the instruments clean and in top condition to be used time and again safely.
On top of this, titanium plates and sheets can be further manipulated to create inner-body devices – like pacemakers – and bone or joint replacements. Because it is biocompatible, pieces made from a titanium sheet will not corrode or spoil in the body, making them perfect for this use.
Chemical processing
Chemicals can cause serious damage to certain metals and materials, which is why it is essential to have tools that can withstand the effects of chemicals during chemical processing. Titanium tools formed from titanium sheets are a great example.
While other metals – like steel and iron – may corrode gradually due to the effects of the chemicals at hand, titanium has excellent corrosion resistance thanks to the titanium oxide layer atop its surface.
When titanium first comes into contact with oxygen, this layer is formed and works as a protective shield against environmental factors including weather elements, like rain. But this resistance also works wonders when working with chemicals.
Aerospace industry
The anti-corrosive properties mentioned above also make titanium parts formed from titanium sheets ideal for aerospace applications.
Both planes and spacecraft need to be built from high-strength and resilient parts that will not wear out over time if the safety of those aboard is to be guaranteed as much as possible. That’s why titanium is used so widely in these industries – because titanium parts are long-lasting and can be relied upon to withstand the significant pressures of air and space travel.
On top of this, the considerable heat that planes and spacecraft experience (both on take-off and mid-flight) creates a safety concern. But parts melded from titanium sheets are super resistant to heat and can hold up against hotter temperatures than most metals without melting.
Choose Ti-TEK for your titanium sheet needs
If your business needs titanium sheets, or specific alloys or grades of titanium – including Grade 5 – whatever your area of expertise, choose Ti-TEK. Our years of experience in titanium and titanium sheets make us your go-to solution for all things titanium.
If you’re looking for quality titanium sheets, or you’d like to find out more about how we can help get in touch today.