Titanium Vs Steel Machining
In contemporary manufacturing, machining metals like titanium vs steel share general strength and bring different and unique characteristics to the table. Titanium’s high quality and superior strength are recommended for aerospace and medical use. Steel is preferred for machinery production applications and resilient auto parts.
Moreover, steel doesn’t form a protective oxide layer like titanium. Some steels, like stainless steel, are resistant to corrosion. They don’t have the same protective layer that titanium does.
Steel remains less expensive because of its simple production requirements, leading to its large availability. High-performance applications use titanium because it provides excellent strength and superior resistance, even though it costs more than other materials.
The key applications for titanium involve aerospace operations, medical implants, and high-end sports. Various everyday items, such as vehicles, tools, and infrastructure, use steel because it provides toughness and reasonable costs. This article is all about differentiating between Titanium vs steel.
Titanium vs Steel Strength: A Quick Overview
Metal Machined Parts
Is titanium stronger than steel? Well, both metals possess unique advantages when you select between them. Let’s explain titanium and steel’s fundamental features and prices alongside the application areas.
Titanium
Titanium Machined Precision Parts
Manufacturers value Titanium because it resists corrosion and maintains structure at high temperatures. It is a lightweight yet strong metal and finds applications in extreme-critical sectors, especially aerospace and medical applications. The use of titanium as a prime material for these applications remains excellent. Yet, it tends to be expensive; titanium production demands more significant time and exertion when compared to working with steel.
Titanium is difficult to machine due to its hardness and tendency to work-harden, the difficulty in machining requires specialized tools and techniques. On the application side, premium watches, marine equipment, and car parts are usually produced with titanium components. These corrosion resistance properties, strength-to-weight ratio, and impact absorption make titanium the top pick for multiple industries.
Types of CNC Machining Titanium Alloys Used in Custom Parts Making
| Type of Titanium | Common Machining Parts |
| Commercially Pure Titanium (Grade 1, 2) | Medical implants (e.g., hip joints), Aerospace fasteners, Heat exchangers |
| Titanium Alloy (Grade 5 – Ti-6Al-4V) | Aircraft structural components, Engine parts (turbine blades), Racing car parts (suspension components) |
| Titanium Alloy (Grade 23 – Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | Surgical implants (e.g., corrosion resistance components, High-end consumer products (e.g., premium watches) |
| Titanium Alloy (Grade 9 – Ti-3Al-2.5V) | Bicycle frames, Marine equipment (propellers), whether you need equipment (e.g., tennis rackets) |
| Titanium Alloy (Grade 12 – Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) | Chemical processing equipment (reactors, heat exchangers), Aerospace parts, and Power plant components. |
Steel
Custom Steel Machined Parts
Generally, steel cnc machining costs remain lower than other metals. It is easier to machine. It combines steel, iron, and carbon mixtures, adding chromium or zinc for improved characteristics. This material stands out due to its strength, heat resistance, and lasting durability.
Manufacturers utilize steel in construction projects, machinery production, vehicle creation, and domestic product development. The strength and affordability of steel surpass titanium. So, it has become the preferred material for everyday consumer goods. Among its grades, Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion. However, under certain conditions, especially in harsh environments like saltwater or acidic conditions, stainless steel will still corrode.
Types of Steel Alloys Used in Machining Parts
Types of Steels
| Type of Steel | Common Machining Parts |
| Carbon Steel | Structural beams, Automotive chassis, Gear shafts |
| Alloy Steel | Crankshafts, Bearings, Valve components |
| Stainless Steel | Surgical instruments, Marine parts, Food processing equipment |
| Tool Steel | Cutting tools, Drills, Molds, Dies |
Related To: titanium vs aluminum
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Titanium vs Steel: Key Properties Differences
Titanium vs. steel Machined Parts
Table: Properties of Titanium vs steel
Description: How strong is titanium compared to steel? Here’s a quick comparison between titanium and steel based on their properties:
| Feature | Titanium | Steel |
| Elemental Composition | Titanium is a naturally occurring element, often used as a Ti-6Al-4V alloy (with aluminum and vanadium). | The alloy of iron and carbon is sometimes combined with other metals. |
| Weight | Lighter with a high strength-to-weight ratio. | Heavier, but provides good strength. |
| Hardness | Harder to machine due to low hardness. | It is more straightforward to machine with higher hardness. |
| Elasticity | Less elastic, harder to shape. | More elastic more straightforward to form and customize. |
| Durability | Exceptional corrosion resistance, suitable for harsh environments. | Durable but prone to corrosion in moist or chemical-rich settings. |
| Strength | High strength per unit mass. | Generally stronger overall, better for heavy-duty applications. |
| Common Applications | Aerospace, medical implants, high-end motorsports. | Construction, automotive, manufacturing, general machinery. |
| Price | It is expensive due to the complex processing, and the cost usually depends on its grade. | More affordable and widely used in various industries. |
Advantages of Titanium:
Anodized Titanium Parts
- Titanium has high corrosion resistance
- It has a high melting point
- Titanium allows are Non-toxic
- It has extreme Temperature Endurance
- Are of high strength
Disadvantages of Titanium:
- Highly Expensive
- Easily deformed when high stress applied
- Casting Difficulty
- Difficult to machine
- Difficult extraction
Advantages of Steel:
- Economical choice
- Has high Strength
- It is Sustainable and optimal for use in food equipment
- Highly Customizability
- Good Workability
Disadvantages of Steel:
- High maintenance and upkeep are needed.
- Low strength at high temperatures
- Gives visually aesthetic products.
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Titanium vs Stainless Steel: Is Titanium Stronger than Stainless Steel?
Durable Steel Part
The strength-to-weight ratio of titanium surpasses steel. It makes it suitable for applications such as airplane construction. Steel, especially stainless steel grade is optimal for many applications due to it’s stronger corrosion resistance. Overall, steel exhibits higher strength than titanium. Therefore, it is preferred for medical devices and food production equipment. You can choose whether you need lightweight strength or absolute durability.
Titanium vs Steel: Machining Technologies
Titanium vs. steel machined products
Table: Machining Titanium vs steel
Description: The table mentions a few everyday products made from titanium and steel using different machining methods
| Machining Technique | Titanium Parts | Steel Parts |
| CNC Milling | Aircraft frames, Helicopter blades | Automotive engine blocks, Transmission gears |
| CNC Turning | Turbine rotors, Valve components | Shafts, Hydraulic cylinders |
| Drilling | Titanium implants, Aircraft wings | Steel pipes, Structural columns |
| Grinding | Titanium prosthetics, Aerospace fasteners | Tooling, Industrial rollers |
| Tapping | Titanium brackets, Mounting hardware | Steel bolts, Machine screws |
| Surface Finishing | Surgical instruments, Marine components | Automotive body panels, Kitchen sinks |
Choosing Between Titanium and Steel: Which is Better? Different Case Scenarios
Both titanium and steel have their place depending on your needs. Here are some scenarios to make a sound choice between titanium and steel.
Simple, Budget-Friendly Parts
Due to its cost-effectiveness, steel is a go-to option for producing low-cost, critical components for construction machinery and car frameworks. It’s strong, reliable, and affordable. Due to its high price point, such applications probably require cost-effective materials instead of titanium.
Lightweight, High-Performance Components
Steel Machined Component
Vehicles and high-performance automobiles require high-performance titanium materials. Titanium provides strength and weight reduction features, resulting in faster operations and improved mileage performance. However, it has a higher price tag, and its superior performance quality justifies its cost.
Corrosion Resistance for Marine Use
Boat hulls and propellers benefit from using titanium. Because it demonstrates superior resistance to saltwater corrosion in marine applications. Meanwhile, steel parts tend to rust under harsh conditions. But titanium maintains its strength and has an extended lifespan.
Heavy Duty, High-Stress Parts
Grade 2 Titanium Machined Products
Steel represents the best material selection for heavy-duty applications. For example, steel provides excellent strength for parts/components that face high stress. Moreover, it maintains its durability under heavy loads and costs relatively lower than titanium.
Medical Applications
Medical implants, together with surgical tools, exclusively use titanium materials. The human body finds titanium completely harmless. This material also avoids rust while being lightweight, which allows it to work perfectly for human bone screws as well as dental implants.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace steel machined parts
In aerospace, every ounce counts. Turbine blades and aeroplane structures require titanium as a primary material. It delivers great strength while maintaining high lightness. Besides, it works well under harsh conditions and is ideal for aerospace applications.
Construction and Infrastructure
Large constructions, including bridges and skyscrapers, use steel as their key building material. Thanks to its value for money, high strength, and easy handling properties. Applying titanium in this context would provide a slight advantage while adding substantial expense to the project.
High-Temperature Parts
Engine components and heat exchangers require titanium. It is an optimal choice because of its performance in high-temperature environments. The best part? High temperatures do not affect titanium’s strength, while steel loses its integrity in hot conditions.
Outdoor Equipment
Outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers and power tools are made from steel. The material shows excellent durability, easy machineability, and affordability benefits. Since titanium adds unnecessary costs to the project, it should be avoided in such applications.
Custom Parts and Prototypes
Steel Exterior Siding Product
The production of custom parts and prototypes benefits the most from using steel as an optimal material selection. Small batches and individual productions become economically feasible through steel products because they are easy to handle and efficient and maintain reasonable costs.
Get Custom Titanium & Steel Parts From Prolean Tech
Looking for precise and reliable steel or titanium machining services? ProleanTech’s CNC Machining Service is here to meet your needs. Our custom machining service provides service to all customer requirements. We can meet quick prototypes and full-scale production needs. Our CNC service covers Milling, Turning, Drilling, and other operations to process hard-to-machine materials. We offer precise machining with tolerances reaching ±0.0002″ (0.005mm) and fast one-day delivery times to provide superior service.
Moreover, you can choose from our extensive list of materials over 50 material options, including titanium, steel, and additional materials under our ISO 9001:2015 certification. Ready to get started? Submit your CAD file today, and get free DFM analysis from our experts.
FAQ’s
Q1: Which is better, steel or titanium?
Titanium is lighter and more corrosion-resistant, while steel is stronger and more affordable. Titanium is used in aerospace and medical applications, while steel is preferred for construction and heavy machinery.
Q2: Is titanium or steel more expensive?
Titanium is more expensive than steel due to its complex extraction and processing. Steel is cheaper and more widely available.
Q3: Which material is more corrosion-resistant: titanium or stainless steel?
Titanium is more corrosion-resistant, especially in saltwater and harsh conditions. Stainless steel resists corrosion but can degrade over time.
Q4: Is titanium or steel better for everyday products like watches and eyeglasses?
Titanium is better for watches and eyeglasses because it’s lighter and more corrosion-resistant. Steel is heavier and can rust over time.
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