No, Titanium is heavier than aluminum. Aluminum has a density of approximately 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). It is one of the lightest metals used in industry.
Titanium has a higher density of about 4.5 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Due to its lower density, aluminum is indeed lighter than titanium. For the same volume, aluminum is about 66% lighter than titanium.
Titanium and aluminum are not only different in weight but also in other aspects. But there’s no denying that through the use of 3D printing or CNC machining, these two metals have proven to be incredibly versatile in parts for a wide range of industries.
Please refer to CNC Machining’s materials for more information.
What Is Titanium Metal?
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It is a lustrous, silver-colored metal with low density and high strength. In nature, titanium exists only as an oxide, which can be reduced to its metallic form.
Titanium is the ninth most abundant element in the earth’s crust and the seventh most abundant metal. It is found in almost all living things, bodies of water, rocks, and soil. The main sources of titanium are the minerals rutile and ilmenite.
Two of titanium’s most valuable properties are its resistance to corrosion and its strength-to-density ratio, which is the highest of any metallic element. It has a hexagonal, close-packed crystal structure, a melting point of 1,668 °C (3,034 °F), and a boiling point of 3,287 °C (5,949 °F). It is a poor conductor and is paramagnetic.
Titanium can be made into high-strength, lightweight alloys with elements such as iron, aluminum, vanadium, and molybdenum.
These alloys are used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace (jet engines, missiles, spacecraft), military applications, chemical and petrochemical industries, desalination plants, pulp and paper, high-performance automotive parts, farm implements, sports equipment such as golf clubs and bicycles, jewelry, and a variety of medical devices such as prosthetics, orthopedic implants, dental implants, and surgical instruments.
Please refer to Titanium vs Steel for more information on Titanium.
What Is Aluminum Metal?
Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. it is a silvery-white, lightweight, soft metal. In nature, aluminum exists only in the form of compounds, most commonly bauxite, which can be refined to produce metallic aluminum.
It is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust and the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon. It is found in many minerals and is present in almost all living things, bodies of water, rocks, and soil. The main source of aluminum is bauxite.
Two of the most valuable properties of aluminum are its lightweight and its resistance to corrosion. Aluminum forms a protective oxide layer on its surface that prevents further oxidation. Aluminum has a face-centered cubic crystal structure, a melting point of 660.3 °C (1220.5 °F), and a boiling point of 2,470 °C (4,478 °F). Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity and heat and is non-magnetic.
Aluminum can be formed into high-strength, lightweight alloys with elements such as copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and zinc.
These alloys are used in a wide variety of applications, including aerospace (aircraft frames, satellite components), transportation (automotive parts, train cars), construction (window frames, roofing), packaging (cans, aluminum foil), electrical applications (electrical wiring, power cords), and housewares (kitchen utensils, appliances).Please refer to laser cutting aluminum for more information.
Aluminum Vs. Titanium: What's The Difference?
Aluminum and titanium are two widely used metals, each with unique properties and applications. This comparison will help you understand the key differences between aluminum and titanium.
Material Properties
Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery-white metal with excellent corrosion resistance and good electrical conductivity. It is soft and ductile and has a low melting point of 660.3 °C (1220.5 °F).
Titanium is a strong, silver-colored metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. It is much denser than aluminum and has a higher melting point of 1,668 °C (3,034 °F).
Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity with an electrical conductivity of about 37.7 million Siemens per meter (MS/m). This is approximately 61% of the conductivity of copper, which is the standard reference for electrical conductivity.
Compared to aluminum, titanium has a much lower electrical conductivity of about 2.4 million Siemens per meter (MS/m). This is approximately 6% of the conductivity of copper.
Strength
The strength of a metal is its resistance to irrecoverable deformation. The strength of aluminum and titanium varies by shape and application.
Yield Strength
Yield strength varies greatly depending on the alloy, but is usually between 35 and 550 MPa.
Titanium has a higher yield strength, usually between 275 and 580 MPa, and is therefore more suitable for applications requiring high strength.
Tensile Strength
The tensile strength of aluminum alloys ranges from 70 to 700 MPa.
Titanium has a tensile strength of 300 to 900 MPa, which is stronger than most aluminum alloys.
Shear Strength
Shear strength is typically 100 to 400 MPa.
Titanium has a shear strength between 200 and 550 MPa and is more resistant to shear.
How To Choose Between Aluminum And Titanium
Choosing between aluminum and titanium can be challenging, as both metals offer unique benefits. This guide will help you decide by comparing the two metals on key factors such as cost, thermal performance, corrosion resistance, and common applications.
Cost
Aluminum typically costs less than titanium. Aluminum is a more affordable option because of its large supply and low mining costs. If cost is a primary consideration, aluminum is usually the better choice.
Titanium is more expensive due to the complexity of the extraction and refining process. However, titanium’s superior strength and corrosion resistance can justify its higher price in applications where these properties are required.
Thermal Properties
Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, making it ideal for applications that require efficient heat dissipation. It is commonly used in heat exchangers, radiators, and electronic cooling systems.
Compared to aluminum, titanium has lower thermal conductivity and is therefore less effective at dissipating heat. However, titanium can withstand high temperatures without loss of strength, making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as aerospace and industrial processes.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum naturally forms a protective layer of oxidation that helps resist corrosion. However, aluminum is more susceptible to corrosion in marine environments and when in contact with certain chemicals. Surface treatments can enhance its corrosion resistance.
Titanium has excellent corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments such as seawater and acidic conditions. Therefore, it is ideal for applications that require long-term durability in corrosive environments such as the marine and chemical industries.
Applications for Aluminum
Aluminum combines light weight, strength, and affordability, making it popular in a wide range of industries:
- Aircraft frames and components.
- Bodies, engine parts, and wheels.
- Construction of window frames, doors, and roofs.
- Packaging beverage cans and food packaging
- Electronic heat sinks and housings
Applications for Titanium
Titanium’s superior strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance make it suitable for demanding applications:
- Jet engines, airframes, and spacecraft.
- implants, prosthetics, and surgical instruments.
- Ship hulls, propeller shafts, and underwater equipment.
- Industrial Chemical processing plants and desalination equipment.
- High-performance bicycles, golf clubs, and tennis rackets.
Why Machine Aluminum And Titanium?
Machining aluminum and titanium offers many advantages and is an essential material in manufacturing.
Aluminum is easy to machine, and traditional methods such as CNC milling and turning allow parts to be manufactured quickly, ensuring high precision and rapid production. Aluminum’s relatively inexpensive material and low machining costs make it suitable for projects with limited budgets.
Titanium has high strength, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and other properties, suitable for applications in various places, so machining of titanium is very necessary.
In practical applications, engineers usually choose the right material based on project requirements. If you need to process the material, you can contact us. We have professional technicians at Widetop to help you.