10 Facts about Titanium Usage

Titanium is a metal that is silver in color, has the same strength as steel, but is much lighter than steel or other metals. It, therefore, lends itself to a myriad of usages. Some uses are well known while others are not, and titanium is combined many times with other metals such as aluminum and nickel to extend usages. Titanium is not only high strength but also corrosion resistant which leads to its popularity in medical, military, aerospace parts, and other high durability usages.

Uses of Titanium in the Medical Field

Most individuals are aware that titanium is used in prosthetic limbs and to replace joints. It provides stability and endurance as well as outdoes not put undue weight on the limbs or joints. Titanium also bonds well to bone and is also used for dental procedures as a result. It is not harmful to the human body and humans ingest a small amount each day through drinking water. It is what can be called “human body friendly.” Missing limbs that require a “hook” and “grip” are also made of titanium. Heart stents are manufactured from titanium. Dental surgeons use titanium screws for implants to achieve durability.

Uses of Titanium in the Aerospace Industry

Aircraft speed is also enhanced when titanium is used in the parts of an aircraft or the aerospace industry. The SR-71 “Blackbird” was the first aircraft to be manufactured with titanium. The quality of titanium used in the aerospace industry is quite high as speed, safety, and durability of these products are of the utmost importance. The landing gear of any aircraft does need a low-pressure stator vane, which allows slow descent and ascent in planes. Rods and other part components in planes, helicopters, and other types of aerospace usages require the strength and flexibility hence titanium is used. Of course, space craft needs titanium because of its non-corrosive capabilities.

Uses of Titanium in the Architecture Industry

Most architects now build with titanium. When developing a large construction project, titanium components lend an added strength and shelf life to any construction. In many high-rise buildings, especially contemporary ones, the strength of titanium is not only sought but also its flexibility as the architecture of today is modernistic with many different approaches to the look of larger buildings, especially commercial ones. Angular structures are trending, and titanium is perfect for this.

Titanium in the Construction Industries

Titanium is not limited to the outside work of a building either as its brilliance and coverage in all types of light paints is sought after by both architects and contractors. Titanium is a refractory metal, and the brilliance makes the outside and inside of any structure look whiter and brighter especially when the sun shines on it. Plumbers many times will replace pipes with titanium rather than plastic pipes as plastic pipes and joints do wear out quickly. Many smaller components in heating units as well as some larger parts in the units are titanium as it is heat and cold resistant.

Automotive Uses of Titanium

The automotive industry, from economy cars to flatbed trucks uses titanium in almost all its parts within the field of automotive manufacturing and even repair. Rods, pistons, carburetors, and other parts use titanium. Titanium is used to not only extend the life of all automotive parts, but impart fuel economy as the lighter the vehicle, the less fuel is used. Titanium and titanium alloy components also increase the lifespan of all automotive parts. Rods, tubes, and most parts in automotive manufacturer and repair either are made from titanium or titanium alloy. The outside of vehicles also use titanium alloy to impart a brightness to silver or white vehicles. A repainting of any vehicle from a dark color to a light color will use a titanium-based paint.

Chemical Uses of Titanium

The chemical industry uses titanium as a standard choice when anti-corrosion abilities are needed. Titanium is used to produce the containers which hold these corrosive materials such as nitric acid and hydrochloric acid as titanium provides a great barrier against moisture and corrosion. In the past two decades, the chemical industry has become one of the major users of titanium for its products. All tubes, pipes, and other equipment in chemical manufacturing and holding plants use titanium and titanium dioxide to mitigate any corrosion of parts or holding containers. Even sea water can corrode other types of metals and the use of titanium-treated or manufactured holding containers is a common use in the chemical industry.

Environmental Uses of Titanium

This is a burgeoning field of use of titanium. Since environmental concerns exist, there is a movement to replace plastic straws, bottle, and other containers with titanium-based products which are reusable. These are becoming more popular as time goes on as the oceans and waterways are being filled globally with masses of discarded plastic. Reusable titanium products to replace the traditional straws, bottles and containers made of plastic is increasing in popularity worldwide and the plants manufacturing such items as becoming more common. Although once considered non-environment friendly new manufacturing processes have eliminated the emissions that used to be produced by titanium production plants and now it is the choice of environmentalist for use in everyday products.

Titanium Uses in Engineering

For the most part, the use of titanium is more prevalent in marine engineering. Since titanium is non-corrosive, and lightweight, every marine use from a power boat to a cruise ship, and especially military submarines use titanium and titanium dioxide in the manufacturing. Titanium with its flexibility also provides a watertight seal. Even water parks and thrill ride parks are engineered with titanium because of non-corrosiveness and durability.

Technology Uses of Titanium

Everything that is recent, from laptops, to mobile phones, to desktops have components now made of titanium. The technology products of today are meant to be lightweight and withstand the elements. If someone is seeking to introduce titanium parts into an older model computer or laptop, however, an adapter might be needed, as the parts produced today are more compatible with the newer versions of Windows and the newer versions of phones. A shiny phone or mobile is glazed with titanium dioxide.

Everyday Uses of Titanium

Children’s and adult bikes contain titanium or titanium dioxide and add strength and flexibility plus lightweight qualities. Scooters and skateboards also usually contain some percentage of titanium. Cosmetics even contain titanium dioxide for brilliance as does toothpaste and other everyday products. Reading the back of each product will be quite a surprise as to the many uses of titanium. The word “titanium” can seem foreign and a bit frightening to some individuals, but this is one of the most useful and sought-after metals on the planet. Some other surprising uses are titanium in paper products, in sunscreen, lotions, and eyeglass frames. Eyeglass screws get flexibility from titanium and the brilliant sheen of a frame generally means a coating of titanium dioxide. Batteries of course, contain titanium, and anyone that loves pure 24 K jewelry will be wearing jewelry that contains a bit of titanium for strength.

Conclusion

Titanium is a metal that has proven itself to be one of the most useful of all refractory and durable metals. The research into usages will continue and while most individuals have no knowledge about titanium it exists in everyone’s life in some form each day.

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