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Titanium

Advantages & Disadvantages of Titanium Springs & Components

Titanium springs and related metal parts are a vital component in various advanced applications and industries, offering unique benefits that make them a preferred choice in demanding environments and stress conditions.

From aerospace to automotive and medical, titanium springs are increasingly valued for their exceptional properties. They are used in scenarios where traditional materials might fall short, particularly where weight, corrosion resistance, and temperature stability are critical. Titanium springs are particularly useful in aerospace and military/defense applications, especially when manufactured with exacting quality standards such as AS9100D.

Advantages of Titanium Springs & Parts

Design engineers may choose to use titanium over other materials for a number of reasons, including high life cycle, weight, corrosion resistance, and performance in high temperature environments.

High Strength: 2X as Strong as Aluminum Alloys

Titanium is a high tensile strength material that offers exceptional performance in demanding applications such as aerospace. Titanium is more than twice as strong as aluminum, and nearly 60% denser, depending on the alloy.

While stronger than aluminum, however, titanium is not as strong as steel, so it may not be the material of choice for all applications.

Reduced Weight: Up to 70% Lighter than Steel

One of the most significant advantages of titanium components is their impressive weight savings. Titanium is about 40% less dense than steel and much lighter, which translates to, improved performance in applications where weight is a critical factor. This is especially beneficial in aerospace and automotive industries, where every ounce saved can enhance efficiency and performance.

Increased Corrosion Resistance

Another key advantage of titanium parts is their high corrosion resistance. Unlike steel, which can rust and degrade over time when exposed to moisture and other harsh environments, titanium remains unaffected by many corrosive substances. This makes titanium parts ideal for use in marine applications, chemical processing, and other environments where exposure to corrosive agents is a concern. It is also a major advantage for aerospace springs, whose performance is critical for pilot, passenger, and cargo safety.

High Temperature Use: Up to 1020 Degrees Fahrenheit (550 Degrees Celsius)

Titanium springs and components also excel in high-temperature environments. They can operate effectively at temperatures where steel might lose its structural integrity. This makes them suitable for applications involving high heat, such as in certain aerospace and military applications.

Titanium aerospace springs are used at temperatures up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, of 600 degrees Celsius, although most applications limit use at 1020 degrees Fahrenheit or 550 degrees Celsius.

Disadvantages of Titanium Springs

No material is suitable for use in every application, and there are several disadvantages of titanium that may require use of a different material. Some of the biggest disadvantages include cost, wear resistance, and space limitations.

High Cost

Titanium is significantly more expensive than steel due to its complex extraction and processing requirements. In many cases, titanium can cost five to seven times more than steel. This higher cost can be a major consideration for projects with tight budgets or those requiring large quantities of springs.

Strength and Wear Resistance

Compared to aluminum, titanium is the stronger option. However, steel is roughly 25% stronger than titanium, which can be a limitation for titanium in applications requiring high load-bearing capabilities.

Additionally, titanium springs often exhibit lower long-term wear resistance compared to their steel counterparts. Over time, they may wear out more quickly under heavy or repetitive loading conditions, which can be a concern for applications involving frequent stress.

In some cases, titanium’s lower strength and wear resistance can be mitigated by increasing wire diameter and using secondary processes like anodizing.

Space Limitations

Titanium springs and components need to be larger than their comparative steel parts in order to achieve higher strength, making them bulkier, which may disqualify them for use in tightly packed designs. If you have a tight space requirement, please reach out to the team at MW. Our engineers may be able to assist with precise engineering and design to help you achieve the same performance as smaller steel springs in a small space.

When to Use Titanium

While titanium components offer substantial benefits in terms of weight, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance, they also come with trade-offs, including lower strength, wear resistance, and higher cost. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about their use in various applications and industries.

It can also be difficult to find a manufacturer with the engineering and production expertise needed to produce custom titanium springs and other metal components, such as titanium bellows.

If you have questions about titanium as a material and whether your titanium components can be manufactured efficiently, please contact us. MW Components has several titanium manufacturing experts across the United States who specialize in not only titanium coil springs, but machined springs, bellows, and more. Our titanium experts include Capital Spring (titanium spring manufacturers), Helical Products (titanium machined springs), BellowsTech and Ameriflex (titanium bellows), as well as various precision component manufacturers who can handle titanium. These locations’ in-house engineering teams can help answer any questions you may have about design and manufacturing of titanium components.Top of Form