Titanium, rolled titanium

This element was discovered in 1789, but for a long time it was considered a low-strength material because of impurities and was not used anywhere. Pure titanium obtained in 1925 turned out to be a very practical metal with many valuable properties. Engineers and designers immediately found a use for it.

Properties of

Titanium is endowed with low density, high specific strength, very high resistance to corrosion, and does not lose strength at extreme temperatures. It has become the basis for rocket science and modern aviation. Light and strong titanium alloys retain their qualities at temperatures up to 500 ° C, when aluminum or magnesium alloys are no longer workable, and steel and nickel alloys are inferior to them on specific strength.

Due to its resistance to corrosion, titanium finds the widest application in the chemical industry. However, it should be noted that it is difficult to weld due to its tendency to easily oxidize when hot. When welding, it is necessary to protect not only the molten edge of the weld, but also the entire heated metal from the effects of atmospheric gases. Now successfully used arc welding in an argon atmosphere, electron beam welding and contact welding methods.

Relevance

Titanium alloys, as it is known, were first used at creation of jet engines, which allowed reducing their mass by 15…20%. In particular, compressor parts, guide apparatus parts and all kinds of fasteners are also made of it. Today’s market can offer titanium and titanium raw materials at quite decent prices, though earlier the prices for titanium mill products were extremely high. It possesses a rare combination of characteristics:

— Compared to aluminum in conventional aircraft;

— as a material for supersonic aircraft as compared to chromium-nickel alloys.

Titanium hull structures have made it possible to create unique submarines. Titanium is a metal that makes it possible to lighten the specific gravity of any product. In modern aviation, rocket and shipbuilding, it is used to create hulls, wing and engine parts, which is the optimal solution for replacing metals that are inoperable in such areas.

General characteristics

Titanium is a light, silvery metal, element number 22, Group IV of the periodic table. It was discovered in the late 18th century independently by the Englishman W. Gregor and the German chemist Klaproth. At that time titanium was already nicknamed as «the metal of the future», because of its extraordinary characteristics. Its durability is akin to the durability of mace, at the same time it is much lighter than other metals, resistant to corrosion and aggressive environments, easy to forge and stamp. Its corrosion resistance is higher than that of the noble metal alloys, and its low specific weight is comparable with aluminum. Low creep of titanium is similar to stainless steel, and extensibility and ductility are at the level of those of copper. It retains its qualities from -250°C to the red hot temperatures of steel. The exceptional specific strength, wear resistance and heat resistance have made it an irreplaceable material at the forefront of science and technology in the 21st century.

Physical characteristics of titanium

Description Designation
Temperature of data acquisition in °С 20°С
Density in [g/cm3] 4,45
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion αx106 at 100 °C [1/°C] 8,2
Modulus of elasticity of the first kind, E [MPa]x10- 1,12
L- [W/(m-grad)] thermal conductivity coefficient), l [W/(m-grad) 8,37
Specific heat capacity of alloy C at 200 °C [J/(kg-cold)] 0.586 0,586
Specific electrical resistance, Ohmxmm2/m 1,6

Production

The main method for production of titanium is reduction of TiCl4 at high temperatures with sodium or magnesium. Hot titanium easily reacts with atmospheric gases, therefore the main purpose of production technology is to minimize the contact of hot metal with N2, O2, H2. The main drawback is that the process is expensive and energy-consuming. In metal science, titanium alloys are classified by crystal lattice configuration: β-state (cube-shaped), α-state (hexahedron-shaped) and α+β (mixed state). According to the method of processing alloys are divided into foundry and deformable.

Rolled titanium products Diameter, mm Length, mm Width, mm
Round 8−30 500−5000  
Wire 0.5−6 Non-mechanical  
Sheet 700−2000 700−1000 0.3−15
Tube 12 — 300 1000−5000 0.5−6

Note: weight of pipe up to 200 kg

Storage

Titanium products are stored in covered or roofed warehouses where they are adequately protected against mechanical and other types of damage.

Applications

Titanium is used in the production of alloys for rocket and aircraft construction. Lightness and heat resistance of titanium allows its application in manufacturing thermal equipment. It is in demand in the cryogenic industry since it maintains high ductility and strength in extreme cold conditions. Titanium alloys are used in production of the most critical parts for shipbuilding, including hulls and propellers of underwater vessels. Its biological inertness makes it possible to create structural materials for reconstructive surgery and use in food and pharmaceutical industries. Inertness of titanium is important for creation of surgical instruments and prostheses in orthopedics and dentistry. Titanium is used to make body armor and modern design elements. Despite its high price, its use is economically justified by its lightness, strength and durability.

Buy at a bargain price

Evek GmbH always has a wide range of products from high quality titanium in stock. We sell wholesale and retail products at optimal prices. The quality is guaranteed by the strict observance of the standards and production technology. Technical documentation contains data on chemical composition of products, maximum percentage of impurities and mechanical properties. The products are ultrasonically checked for defects. Consultations of experienced managers will help you to make a choice. Orders are placed as soon as possible. Wholesale customers benefit from discounted prices.