Grade 4 titanium is a type of unalloyed titanium that is
highly corrosion-resistant and known for its excellent strength-to-weight
ratio. It is commonly used in a variety of industries, including aerospace,
automotive, and medical.
The key purposes of titanium application in aerospace
include weight saving, heat resistance, resistance to embrittlement at low
temperature, high corrosion resistance and low-thermal expansion. As an example
of titanium use it is used in the low fuel consumption aircraft manufactured by
Airbus where it has grown to more than twice the amount used in conventional
aircraft. Steel-based materials were used for portions where high strength was
required (frames and joints) and have now been replaced by titanium to save
weight and reduce the negative weight effects for fuel consumption.
Titanium has been mainly used for the fan and the
compressor in the fore half sections for aircrafts, where the temperature is
relatively low (600˚C or lower). Outside temperatures during flight can be
−60˚C or lower which highlights the fact titanium is resistant to embrittlement
at low temperatures. Furthermore, there is no concern about corrosion even when
dew condenses after a drop in temperature. It is because of all these positive attributes
that titanium proves to be a material appropriate for aircraft.
Beyond the aerospace industry one of the key advantages
of grade 4 titanium is its ability to withstand harsh environments. It is
particularly resistant to saltwater and other corrosive materials, making it a
popular choice for applications in marine environments. Today titanium is
frequently specified as first choice for offshore piping systems, heat
exchangers, and a wide range of ancillary equipment for both water and product
management in both critical and general applications.
This durability also makes it an excellent choice for
medical implants and other medical devices, as it will not break down or corrode
over time. Medical implants made from titanium routinely last 20 or more years
inside the human body. Titanium is stronger and lighter than stainless steel,
which largely accounts for its widespread use in surgical implants. Because it
isn't magnetic, medical titanium doesn't interfere with magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) machines. Because of this property, patients with titanium
implants can still safely undergo MRI examinations. Unlike other metals,
medical titanium can remain in constant contact with living tissue without
adversely affecting it. Titanium implants have an engineered bio-interface that
increases cell contact area by as much as 75%, enhancing the cell's binding
properties which further reduces the chance of implant rejection. Medical titanium
implants can physically bond with natural bone, eliminating the need for
adhesives.
In addition to its corrosion resistance, grade 4 titanium
is also known for its strength and lightweight nature. It is the strongest of
the commercially pure grades of titanium, making it ideal for applications
where strength is a key requirement. At the same time, its low density makes it
much lighter than other metals, which is important in industries such as motorsports
where weight is a critical factor.
Anecdotally, the conversion to more titanium parts in
motorsports can be attributed to record setting runs in drag racing as well as major
improvements in speed for NASCAR, Indy Car and sprint car racing. In some instances,
weight reduction of four to seven pounds has been recognized simply by
replacing aluminum or steel fasteners with titanium fasteners. Titanium has
been used for frame supports, a-frames and wheelie bars to reduce weight and
add strength.
Overall, grade 4 titanium is a versatile and durable
material that is well-suited to a wide range of applications across many
industries. Its corrosion resistance, strength, and lightweight nature make it
a popular choice in a variety of industries, and its ability to withstand harsh
environments makes it an excellent choice for use in challenging applications.