TITANIUM ALLOYS

Titanium alloys are metals created by combining titanium with other elements, resulting in materials with high tensile strength, toughness, and excellent corrosion resistance. These alloys are also remarkably lightweight and can withstand extreme temperatures. Despite their higher cost, titanium alloys are a preferred choice in many fields. You'll find them extensively in military applications, aircraft, spacecraft, bicycles, medical devices (especially orthopedic and dental implants), jewelry, and specialized sports equipment.

Commercial titanium alloys offer ultimate tensile strength similar to that of low-alloy steels, but they are significantly less dense. For example, they are twice as strong as the commonly used 6061 aluminum, even though they are 60% denser than aluminum itself. Moreover, they are stronger than low-carbon steels while being 45% lighter.

Because titanium doesn't react with the human body (a property called biocompatibility), it's widely used in medical implants such as artificial joints, screws, and plates. Furthermore, its excellent corrosion resistance to seawater makes it ideal for marine applications, including propeller shafts and other ship components exposed to the harsh marine environment.