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The Aplications of Titanium
The rich potential of titanium as a material is now fully recognized, and the scope of its application is expanding every day. What was once considered an exotic metal only a half century ago is rapidly becoming a mainstream material. Today, we continue to work in close cooperation with our customers and tackle the development of new practical applications of this amazing material. One day, in the not so distant future, titanium will be ranked among the major materials, and you can be sure Toho Titanium will be there.
Aerospace
Prized for combining light weight with high strength, titanium helps reinforce airframes and enable higher performance in jet engines. In the case of the space shuttle, titanium is used for many critical parts, including the exterior paneling of the fuel tank and wing parts.
●Aircraft & Jet Engines
Aircraft use a large amount of titanium alloy because it is light and extremely strong at high temperatures. Titanium is used to strengthen the frame structure and contributes towards the technical advancement of jet engines.
●Spacecraft
Titanium alloy, which has high corrosion resistance, high specific strength, and good heat resistance, is used for different spacecraft parts including outer fuel tank sheathing and wings.
Chemical Plants
• LNG plants
• Seawater desalination plants
• Petroleum refineries
• Nuclear power plants
Recognized for total cost merits provided by its durability over an extended period, the adoption of titanium for plant structural and equipment materials is on the rise.
●Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks that carry sodium hypochlorite and sodium chromate use titanium because it is light, resistant to corrosion, and extremely strong.
●Heat Exchangers
Titanium is a safe and economical material that is perfect for heat exchangers, which are used in extreme high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Construction
Because of its light weight, high durability and texture properties, titanium is increasingly being used as roofing material for traditional Japanese structures such as temples and shrines, and as roof and exterior material for major facilities such as art and natural history museum and domed stadiums.
●Kyushu National Museum roof material
The photo at top right shows the shiny blue roof of the Kyushu National Museum, made of colored titanium.
● Roof of main hall of Koetsu-Ji Temple
The Koetsu-Ji temple in Kyoto used titanium when renovating the roof of its main hall. In order to make it match the Japanese architecture, the surface of the titanium was treated to give it a texture similar to smoked tiles. Ancient buildings such as temples and shrines need to be protected in order to preserve them for future generations. Titanium has been highly evaluated as the best roofing material because it has high corrosion resistance, is very light, and does not dissolve and harm moss.
Sports, Fashion & Leisure
From golf clubs to wristwatches, eyeglass frames, knives, jewelry and even objets d’art, titanium use is spreading to all kinds of products that are a part of your daily life.
●Titanium Golf Club Heads
The heads of drivers use titanium alloy. Because of its light weight, the heads can be made bigger. They have become popular because they help to increase distance and accuracy.
●Four- and Two-wheeled Vehicles
Mufflers made of titanium are not only lighter, but also stronger, and more resistant to corrosion and heat. These same factors make titanium particularly desirable for use in parts for motor vehicles, including two-wheelers.
●Titanium Mufflers for Motorbikes
Many different parts of motor bikes use titanium, but it is especially used for mufflers. Mufflers exist in an extreme environment, so titanium is seen as the best material because it is light, strong, and does not rust.
Daily Uses
●Titanium Watches & Eyeglasses
Titanium is used for eyeglass frames because it is very light, does not rust, is friendly to the human body (does not cause allergies), and has just the right amount of flexibility. Titanium is also used in wristwatches for these same reasons and because it gives them a luxurious appearance.
●Titanium Jewelry
Titanium is light, does not cause metallic allergies, and has a unique and fashionable texture. Therefore, it is widely used in jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, tie pins, and cufflinks.
● Knives
Titanium is harmless to the human body and hygienic. Therefore, it is perfectly suited for kitchen knives. Titanium knives keep their sharpness six times longer than stainless steel. They are also light, making them easy to use.
Medical Uses
With its excellent biocompatibility characteristics and low-occurrence of metal-related allergic reactions, titanium is widely used as a material for implants (artificial dental implants and artificial bone). Development of applications in other medical fields is expected.
●Titanium Dental Tools
In the field of dentistry, titanium alloy, which is lighter than conventional steel, is now commonly used for tools. These titanium tools have higher corrosion resistance and strength than stainless steel tools.
●Artificial Dental Implants
Titanium has high biocompatibility and does not harm the human body. Therefore, it is ideal for use in dental implants.
New Uses for Titanium
●Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant
As an alternative energy source, OTEC is the focus of increasing attention. Taking advantage of the ocean’s natural thermal gradient, the closed-cycle type of heat engine system uses the circulation of a mixture of ammonia and water to drive the power generators. In order to realize this power generation technology, the extensive use of durable, seawater-resistant titanium for pipes and various heavy equipment will be essential.
●Ultra-large-scale floating-type offshore structure (Mega Float)
Giant structures floating offshore and capable of serving as airports and other purposes are envisioned for the future. For such a project, the materials would have to endure for a long period of time — over a century. The high corrosion resistance of titanium will be ideal for the sides of the floats and other areas that may be exposed to seawater.