In metalworking, titanium and steel brings certain benefits. Because of their astonishing chemical and physical properties, they are suitable for various sectors. The argument between titanium and steel is crucial to understanding. Sometimes it can be baffling for even the most experienced professionals to decide which of these metals to use. It is important to know therefore the characteristics that are peculiar to each of them.
What is Titanium?
Titanium has a low density and is highly strong. The corrosion resistance is ideal for aiding durability. Moreover, titanium is valued for use in high temperatures. Since it entails a higher melting point. Titanium lies among the newest metals compared to the other metals in use in the market today. However, it has defects in its crystal structure and contains such admixtures as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. The most chemically pure form of the reagent, titanium iodide, has impurities of no more than 0.1%. In addition, the material has high formability and workability. Unfortunately, the strength of pure titanium is lower. Titanium alloys are produced by the addition of titanium with other metals. These alloys, which originated in the U.S. approximately 60 years back, are used in applications in aerospace and medicine.
What is Steel?
Steel is composed of iron, carbon, and other elements. It provides good strength and durability in many applications across various manufacturing settings. The carbon present in it increases its toughness and wear resistance. A number of the properties such as the toughness as well as corrosion resistance are affected by the alloying elements. Steels can be classified as carbon, alloy, and tool steels. It comprises a non-porous surface. In addition, the material seems quite dense when handled. Construction, car manufacturing, and other industries make use of steel because of its appreciable strength and ductility.
Titanium vs. Steel: Eight Major Differences
In the case of deciding between using titanium and steel, then the choice depends on what the two are to be used for. Steel might be better appropriate because of the costs, whereas titanium might be perfect for high-performance needs. Below is a comparison of the eight key differences between these metals.
1. Elemental Composition
Titanium is a transition element that exists as a metal in its pure form, and as Ti 6-4, it contains aluminum and vanadium. On the other hand, steel is a material that is produced by mixing iron and carbon with other elements to meet certain requirements. As will be discussed later, steel properties are not constant across different alloys.
2. Weight
Titanium is famous for its lightweight as well as the high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it a popular choice in industries like aerospace and such thus the need to gain an understanding of it. Steel, nonetheless, is stronger than aluminum but is heavier and thus not ideal for weight-conscious designs.
3. Hardness
Among both of them, steel is harder than titanium. This is why it is easier to machine steel. That is why titanium is harder to work with, but its alloys can increase its hardness due to lower levels of the material’s hardness.
4. Elasticity
In general, steel has a higher elasticity than titanium. The fact that it is elastic enhances its machinability and is of paramount importance in the manufacturing of the articles. Titanium also has relatively low elasticity and this makes it to be a little complex to work with.
5. Durability
Both metals are strong but titanium does much better in endurance to corrosion as well as in temperature endurance. Generally, steel has a high performance in varying circumstances, but because of the inclusion of iron, the material is not immune to rusting. Titanium is found to be highly suitable for use under tough conditions owing to its high-corrosion nature.
6. Tensile Yield Strength
Titanium offers high strength/weight ratios and, as such, is useful in weight-conscious applications. Still, steel is occasionally preferred for overall strength which is stronger than aluminum for applications that are demanding.
7. Common Applications
Titanium is mainly used in aerospace applications, surgery, and motorsports. They have high tensile strength, admirable resistance to corrosion, and reasonable heat conductivity to suit high-performance operations. Steel, on the other hand, is used in construction, manufacturing, and automobile industries because of its flexibility and affordable prices.
8. Price
Titanium is costlier than steel because of the high melting point and difficult to process. Steel is much cheaper due to the availability of iron and relatively simpler techniques of production. Steel prices depend on the alloy and some of the more expensive types include chromium or titanium.
This information is essential in enabling one to select the right material to use when undertaking a project.
When to Use Titanium?
Titanium is one of the most suitable materials for use in cases where strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion, and biocompatibility are paramount. Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, it is widely used in the aerospace industry where weight is a critical factor and performance cannot be compromised. Also, titanium is fully compatible with body tissues and is therefore used in medical equipment like implants and surgery equipment. Titanium also performs well in applications where the associated equipment is exposed to fluctuating temperatures or severe conditions to its stability is preserved.
When to Employ Steel?
The choice falls on steel in case the budget comes as a priority. Because when comparing it with titanium, steel is relatively cheaper. The processing costs are also less since steel is easier to machine, and the material is available in a broad range of alloys to suit particular requirements. The material cost of steel is relatively low thus it can be preferably used in construction industries, automobile industries, and machinery manufacturing industries due to its durability and strength. Though steel exhibits good mechanical properties, it cannot be used in medical or aerospace applications because it is not biocompatible and is heavier than aluminum alloys used in aircraft construction.
Titanium vs. Steel: Applications
Titanium can also be described as a material that has high strength, good sections-to-weight ratio as well as excellent corrosion resistance. However, it is mostly difficult to work with titanium compared to steel and this is because the material is hard to cut.
Where You Can Use Titanium?
- Aerospace: Titanium is most commonly used in airplanes, helicopters, and missiles, therefore in brackets and frames and other similar structures.
- Automotive: There are many applications of titanium in cars today the most common are the exhaust systems, bumpers, and brake rotors to mention but a few.
- Medical: Titanium is the perfect material for use in implants including hip and knee replacements or in the casing of pacemakers since it is non-toxic and has no ill effects on the human body.
- Industrial: Due to its strong corrosion resistance it is used in industrial equipment such as heat exchangers, chemical processing, and valves.
Where You Can Steel?
Steel, on the other hand, is fairly immune to rust, wear, and corrosion and for this reason, it is utilized in all areas of manufacture.
- Kitchenware: That is why steel is used in the making of cooking vessels, cutlery, and other required utensils for the kitchen because of its strength.
- Industrial Chemicals: Due to its nature, steel is best used in pipe works, car manufacturing, and in production of medical instruments.
- Construction: The exterior of buildings and artistic structures are made from steel since it is hard-wearing and has a good visual appeal.
- Automotive: Inside a car, parts made of steel are used in the exhaust, radiators, and other applications because the material is ductile and does not corrode easily.
Which Metal Is Right for Your Project?
However, titanium is interchangeably used with steel depending on the project in hand. It’s crucial to consider certain factors before employing the two. These include materials’ strength, the ability to process, and their compatibility with the environment.
Titanium is perfect for people who looking for a light material but has strength that is equivalent to that of steel and is rust-free. For such reasons, it’s ideal, especially for aerospace and medical purposes where the surface’s strength is the most critical concern.
While Titanium is relatively expensive, steel is relatively cheap. Additionally, it’s easier to work with or shape than titanium and easier to cut through as well. Also, steel has those alloys that are produced depending on the required characteristics, for example, anti-corrosive or higher tensile.
In the end, the choice between steel and titanium will come down to the project that is in mind.
Contact Tops For Precision Titanium and Steel Machining
For accurate machining requirements with steel or titanium, Tops Precision is your right partner. We specialize in the manufacturing of precision and intricate components employing state-of-the-art CNC machining methods on steel and titanium.
Our professional staff guarantees the production of high-quality parts for various industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial. Through Tops Best Precision, you will get high precision, low tolerances, and optimal surface finishes.
Call us today to learn how you can benefit from our services for your next steel or titanium part machining job!
