Titanium, characteristics, processing, features

Titanium (Ti22), scandium-titanium-vanadium, is a strong, lightweight metal with a silvery-white color. It has a melting point of 16,600°C and a Brinell hardness of 175 MPa. It is the 10th most common metal in nature. The most common source of titanium is titanium dioxide, which contains a small amount of impurities.

Titanium metal

Titanium metal has a density of 4.54 g/cm³ and a boiling point of 35,600 K. It is ductile like a metal, but has increased viscosity. Titanium dust explodes, and the chips can be flammable. Due to its oxide film, titanium is corrosion-resistant. It tolerates dilute solutions of many acids and alkalis well. Electrochemical studies confirm the significant increase in titanium's corrosion resistance with increasing water content in an aggressive environment, from 0.5 to 8.01 TP3T. Titanium has low thermal conductivity. Its thermal expansion at 200°C is negligible. Titanium has a relatively high resistivity and high mechanical strength.

Titanium has its drawbacks: it is expensive to produce, more expensive than iron, aluminum, copper, and other metals. Titanium scrap is difficult to find suitable uses for, as it is viscous and therefore lacks good friction resistance. It adheres to tools during machining, is prone to hydrogen embrittlement, is highly chemically reactive, and is difficult to weld.

Titanium processing

Machining titanium presents special challenges. Titanium is a difficult-to-machine material, more difficult to machine than cast iron and stainless steel. It's essential to select the right machining tool, a rigid machine, and reliable fastening. Modern tools and machining methods can address these challenges. Multi-purpose machines are often used.

Titanium processing is performed by turning, drilling, boring, and milling. Since titanium is used in a wide variety of applications, the appropriate machine and processing technology are selected to achieve the most precise manufacturing results. When machining titanium, the part generates significant heat, which can cause some surface defects, so a fine-grained metal alloy is chosen as the cutting material.

Titanium grade VT1 is easily machined and can be stamped, forged, welded, and rolled. Titanium grades VT1-0 and VT 1-00 are supplied in sheet form, annealed, and with an etched surface. This grade is used to manufacture air ducts; it is ductile and can even be drawn into foil.

Titanium grade VT5 contains an aluminum alloying additive, which imparts greater elasticity, reduces hydrogen embrittlement, and increases heat resistance. This grade deforms readily when hot, making it suitable for forging, rolling, and stamping. It is used to produce rods, forgings, profiles, fuselage components, welded parts, and assemblies that can withstand long service life.