Rapid prototyping in production and manufacturing works include a series of procedures, such as – 3D printing, CNC machining or injection moulding. However, the discerning factor behind choosing between these procedures is the material to be used. Rapid prototyping can be done with a number of materials. But, titanium material is one of the best for the task due to its specialized features. Functionality and mechanical properties of titanium alloys make it irreplaceable in the market. Choosing the correct titanium material comes with experience and knowledge, such as – the aviation sector is heavily dependent on titanium material due to its durability, excellent performance at high or low temperatures, robustness and lightweight properties. In order to help the clients make the right choice, the following steps will essentially serve as their guide.
Properties of titanium: The most basic characteristics of titanium material are – lightweight, resistance against corrosion, outstanding robustness. There are, however, certain unique features of titanium that makes it perfect for rapid prototyping. Titanium alloys and other materials exhibit immense strength to density ration. This simply refers to the fact that, while being robustness, titanium also is extremely lightweight. This is integral to its application in industries such as, railways, aerospace etc. When compared to nickel or steel, titanium shows improved elasticity. Hence, it provides more flexibility during machining or fabrication. Titanium material is biocompatible, non-reactive and has zero toxicity. Thus, jewellery, prosthetics or body implants can be easily made with titanium as there would be no side effects on human skin. It has much lesser thermal expansion as compared to nickel, ferrous, copper or aluminum alloys.
Advantages of using titanium material for rapid prototyping: Besides having unparalleled strength, it also has complementing density. It is one of the strongest metals found on Earth. It has useful properties, like – anti rust and anti corrosion. It can retain its original quality even in extremely odd environments and bear extreme temperatures. Titanium alloys do not oxidize in water and therefore, the durability of the metal is outstanding. It can be a bit difficult to cast titanium. Nevertheless, an efficient and experienced team would be able to do CNC machining easily.
Titanium alloys: Titanium alloys include titanium (the base metal) in larger amount while other iron, vanadium etc in smaller percentages. This helps in strengthening the titanium and increase its machinability, malleability etc.
Titanium bars: Bars and sheets of Titanium are widely used in aerospace and aeronautical engineering industries. Bars of titanium are essential in manufacturing propellers and aircraft engines. In addition to this, titanium bars are also used in making laptops. Art and architecture, armors also use titanium bars due to its lightweight and durable properties. Mining, power plants, petroleum, treatment plants etc. are leading users of titanium.
Titanium material has therefore a vast range of usage. Sheets, bars, rods etc. are few categories of titanium that industries use in manufacturing a number of products.