Both titanium and aluminum are lightweight, high strength, and corrosion-resistant materials. But they have different weight strength ratios and applications. This article covers the difference between titanium vs aluminum, their advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
We suggest you read this article on magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
What is the difference between Titanium and Aluminum
Both aluminum and titanium are lightweight materials. Aluminum density is approximately one-third of the steel, whereas titanium density is two-thirds higher than aluminum. But it is still preferred in the aircraft industry due to the very high strength to weight ratio.
Aluminum is a more cost-effective solution compared to titanium. The average aluminum cost is 2 USD per kg, whereas titanium’s average cost is 20 USD / kg. Both aluminum and titanium have excellent corrosion resistance. You can use the Latest Metal 3D printing technologies to 3D print parts in titanium and aluminum.
Titanium vs Aluminum
Why Engineers use Aluminum more than Titanium?
The selection of material is done according to material mechanical properties. Engineers use more Aluminum than titanium because of the following reasons.
- Titanium is costlier than aluminum.
- Titanium melts at a very high temperature than aluminum. Therefore aluminum is easy to cast than titanium.
- Titanium is a hard material therefore very difficult to machine.
- Titanium has a low thermal conductivity
From above we can conclude, titanium is not a preferred material because of its manufacturing limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ
Both aluminum and titanium have their own advantages, disadvantages, and applications. But the major difference between aluminum and titanium is the strength to weight ratio. Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio is better than aluminum.
Yes, Titanium is costlier than aluminum. Therefore in low cost designs aluminum is preferred.
Titanium has a very small galvanic corrosion impact on aluminum.
We will keep adding more updates on the difference between titanium vs aluminum. Add your suggestions, comments, or questions on the difference between titanium and aluminum in the comment box. We suggest you also read this article on metal 3D printers.
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