What are the benefits of titanium bars?
Ever considered using titanium bars?
Titanium is one of the most sought-after refractory metals on the market today. Add to this the fact that it can be formed into different sized bars and it’s clear to see why it is frequently employed for a wide range of industrial applications, e.g. aerospace, automotive, military and the medical field, to name just a few.
What is titanium?
Discovered in 1791 by William Gregor, titanium’s name is derived from the Titans – the sons of the Earth goddess of Greek Mythology.
A hard, shiny and strong metal, the uses of titanium are extensive. Look closely enough and you’ll find that this refractory metal – particularly titanium bars – is used to produce clasps and fasteners for intricate pieces of jewellery as well as welding applications and medical and surgical equipment. It can even be alloyed with other metals, including aluminium, molybdenum and iron, for more strength.
What are the benefits of titanium bars?
The titanium bar is one of the most popular metal choices for a variety of industrial applications, and here we look at just some of the attractive qualities it offers:
Low density
Titanium bars are remarkably lightweight (approximately 60% lighter than iron) which not only means they are easy to work with but makes them a great choice for aerospace and other high-performance applications where every bit of weight matters.
Strength
Despite being lightweight, titanium is just as strong as steel and can be strengthened by alloying and deformation processing. Thanks to their low density and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, titanium bars are commonly used for aircraft, spacecraft and missiles.
Resistance to corrosion
Whether it’s used indoors or outdoors, titanium is a metal that will last several years because a thin layer of oxide forms on the surface and makes it difficult for materials to penetrate. This means titanium bars are ideal for buildings and marine applications.
Biocompatible
Whilst some metals (i.e. iron, steel and aluminium) can be toxic to humans, this isn’t the case with titanium. As a result of being biocompatible with human tissues and bones, titanium can be safely inserted into the body – either to strengthen broken bones or for dental implants – without causing an adverse reaction.
Good thermal resistance
When compared with other metals, titanium has a low coefficient of thermal expansion which means it won’t contract or expand anywhere near as much when put under extreme pressure. This is why titanium bars are frequently used in the construction industry where a rigid yet lightweight framework is desirable.
High melting point
Titanium bars have an exceptionally high melting point of 1668°C – approximately more than 400°F than steel and 2000°F above aluminium – which makes them suitable for an array of high-temperature applications.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? To find out whether your industry could benefit from titanium bars, take a look at our blog ‘Who can benefit from Titanium Bars?’.
Get in touch with the titanium experts
As one of the UK’s leading titanium suppliers, we are a huge advocate for titanium bars – here at Ti-Tek. For more details about our extensive range of products and services, please feel free to speak with our team today. We would love to hear from you and share our expertise. Just give us a call on 0121 382 4121 or email info@titek.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you.