Within manufacturing, both stainless steel and titanium dominate the market. Although different in structure, their uses across varying sectors can often overlap, making it difficult to choose between them and their alloy variants. Selecting the right metal is essential to control cost, lifespan and performance, particularly in industries where precision is critical. Within this guide, we break down the key differences between each metal type and how they can be applied to the right applications.
An Overview of Titanium
Titanium alloy is an incredibly versatile and tensile metal that is excellent at mitigating the effects of corrosion. Available in various grades, depending on the ductility and resistance required, titanium is reputable for accommodating projects where a robust yet lightweight metal is required.
- High strength-to-weight ratio, surpassing stainless steel
- Features greater corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel
- A high melting point of around 1668°C
- Extremely ductile, particularly in oxygen-free environments
- Has a lower density, roughly 40% lighter than stainless steel
- Has a higher initial cost
An Overview of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that has a minimum chromium content value of 10.5%. The presence of chromium helps make the metal highly corrosion resistant, forming a self-healing protective oxide layer. Known for delivering high tensile strength and its hygienic properties, stainless steel is exceptionally versatile and can be formed for a variety of applications.
- Features a protective chromium layer, ensuring stainless steel is corrosion-resistant
- Exhibits high tensile strength across varying environmental ranges
- Retains properties at both extremely high and low temperatures
- Stainless steel has excellent formability for various project requirements
- A hygienic metal that does not support bacterial growth and can be easily sterilised
- Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, which makes it a sustainable alternative
- Popular for its aesthetic appeal and versatile design elements
- Has a much lower initial upfront cost in comparison to titanium
What Are the Applications of Stainless Steel and Titanium?
There is general overlap when considering the applications between both metals; however, their characteristics can differ in their purpose and functionality.
Titanium Applications
Aerospace
Due to its high strength and low weight, titanium is a critical component in the aerospace sector. Titanium can frequently be used for the structure of an aircraft, engine parts, and even within spacecraft.
Medical
Titanium displays non-corrosive, biocompatible, and non-magnetic properties, which make it excellent for use in the human body as surgical equipment or implants.
Automotive
Likewise, for aerospace components, titanium is reliable in the automotive industry, particularly within engines and structures.
Industrial
Titanium’s ability to handle corrosive chemicals, varying temperatures, and changing environments makes it reliable within heavy industrial settings.
Marine
The ability to effectively handle seawater makes titanium incredibly useful in the marine sector, building components and structures designed for underwater use.
Stainless Steel Applications
Architecture and Decoration
Stainless steel is suitable as both a structural and aesthetic material, making it ideal in the application of roof cladding, structural support, and interior design.
Automotive
Stainless steel is frequently utilised in the automotive industry due to its corrosion resistance, often found in exhaust systems and other necessary components.
Medical
The hygienic characteristics of stainless steel make it incredibly functional in the medical industry, supplying surgical equipment that can be easily sterilised.
Food and Beverage
Stainless steel is heavily used in the food industry due to its lack of contamination and ease of cleaning. It is primarily used across all cooking equipment and utensils.
Industrial
Since stainless steel has great corrosion resistance, it is suitable for many industrial applications where corrosive materials, saltwater, and temperature changes apply. Some sectors include engineering, power plants, construction and offshore stations.
Performance of Metals When Laser Cut
Both titanium and stainless steel perform exceptionally well when laser cut, but there are some key differences, which include:
Burning
Titanium reacts with oxygen, which can make it more prone to burning. However, protective argon gases can help mitigate this from occurring.
Cutting Speed
Titanium typically has a slower lead time compared to stainless steel in order to avoid reactivity and the risk of burning.
Weldability
Stainless steel tends to handle welding more easily than titanium due to the level of oxygen present. Titanium can still achieve excellent results with the use of proper technique.
Formability
Stainless steel can suffer from work hardening across certain grades. This can be combated with a consistent feed rate and specialised technique.
With a deep understanding of each metal’s properties, the challenges of profiling can be addressed more effectively. Titanium benefits from higher feed rates at a lower speed, while stainless steel requires consideration of the grade selected for the project’s required outcome.
Which Metal Is Right for My Project?
Choosing between titanium and stainless steel is subjective, dependent on the project requirements. All considerations must be put in place regarding the budget, metal characteristics, and the desired outcome. Titanium provides exceptional durability that is lightweight, while stainless steel offers great corrosion resistance at a lower cost. Regardless of the metal type, both titanium and stainless steel deliver incredible results.
Expert Profiling of Titanium and Stainless Steel
The Laser Cutting Co. have over four decades of experience in the metal profiling sector, driven by a deep understanding of metal characteristics across various projects. Regardless of scale and complexity, our team’s expertise is equipped to provide specialised support in laser cutting, tube laser cutting, bevel and countersink, as well as welding, all provided in-house.
We are committed to providing the highest quality metal to accompany our state-of-the-art cutting beds, from titanium to stainless steel, we can rapidly procure the material you require. For bespoke metal profiling solutions, reach out to a member of our expert team today.
