Steel and titanium are the go-to elements for designers looking for rugged and tough materials. Available in a wide assortment, there are dozens of titanium alloys and hundreds of steel alloys to choose from to suit various project needs.
This blog offers a comprehensive comparison between these two, delving into their distinct properties, advantages, and guidance on selecting the appropriate material for your project.
The Strength of Steel
Steel alloys were perfected during the 20th century and have become the most useful and varied metal on earth. Wear-resistant steel is created by enriching iron with carbon and adding other elements such as chrome, manganese, molybdenum, and even titanium. While dense and hard, steel is also extremely workable. It responds well to heat treatment to strengthen and increase hardness. It is also magnetic and can conduct heat and electricity. While steel is susceptible to corrosion, stainless steel is not.
The Testament of Titanium
First purified into its metallic form in the early 1900’s, titanium is the fourth most abundant element on earth. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find in quantity as well as to purify or refine. When strengthening alloys are added to titanium, it can be used in aerospace and for biomedical devices.
The Differences between Steel and Titanium
Titanium is half as dense as steel and is therefore known as a “light metal.” It is also more elastic or flexible and easier to bend. But because of this, titanium is difficult to machine as it gums up mills and drills.
When it comes to tensile and yield strength, titanium is about the same as steel, but at half the weight. It also stretches (elongates) far more than steel before breaking, extending to almost half its length before fracturing.
Just think about combining all the advantages of steel with the advantages of titanium. This would create a “super wear steel.”
Weight
Titanium’s low density and impressive strength-to-weight ratio make it a coveted material for aerospace applications, often shaped using CNC machining processes.
Steel alloys, while strong and durable, tend to be heavy, making them ideal for situations prioritizing cost overweight considerations.
Hardness
Wear-resistant steel surpasses titanium in several aspects, particularly hardness. Titanium’s low Brinell number contributes to its challenging processing, although industry prevalence stems from the balancing of titanium’s inherent material hardness with trace quantities of other metals.
Elasticity
Steel generally exhibits greater elasticity compared to titanium alloys. This characteristic not only facilitates easier machining and customization of steel parts but also impacts processing costs significantly.
Durability
Strength levels across steel and titanium alloys overlap, making direct comparisons challenging. Titanium distinguishes itself with exceptional corrosion resistance and tolerance to extreme temperatures.
Steel alloys perform admirably across various situations but are prone to corrosion due to the presence of iron. Titanium, on the contrary, excels in harsh environments, enduring persistent exposure to moisture, chemicals, and other substances.
Common Applications of Steel and Titanium
Steel and its alloys, prized for their versatility, are among the most widely used metals across virtually every industry. Here are some of their most popular applications:
- Construction
- Various types of tools
- Electrical appliances
- Oil and gas pipelines
- Trains and cars
Titanium is commonly employed in high-performance applications where strong thermal properties, high resistance to corrosion, and a high strength-to-weight ratio are a must. It is commonly used in the following applications:
- Surgical tools and applications
- Prosthetics
- Aerospace
- Tennis rackets
- Motorsports vehicle components
Advantages of Steel
Low Cost: Steel is one of the most widely utilized and accessible metals on the planet, making it reasonably priced and easy to obtain.
High Strength: Recognized for its strength and durability, steel can withstand and preserve structural integrity even in extreme situations like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Sustainability: Steel can be continuously reused through well-established processing methods, maintaining its original strength and adaptability.
Modifiability: Steel provides designers with greater freedom and customizability compared to other materials, as its characteristics can be varied by combining it with several additional elements.
Workability: With excellent weldability, machinability, and predictability in forming, steel is an extremely versatile material, making it easy to work with in various applications.
Factors to Consider to Make the Right Choice for You
Both titanium and steel possess unique properties that render them suitable for various applications. When deciding between these materials, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:
Strength-to-Weight Ratio: If prioritizing weight reduction, titanium may prove superior due to its higher strength-to-weight ratio.
Corrosion Resistance: In harsh environments, titanium’s exceptional corrosion resistance sets it apart.
Cost: Generally, steel is more cost-effective than titanium, making it a favored choice for large-scale projects and applications where cost is paramount.
Fabrication and Machining: Steel is typically easier to work with and machine compared to titanium, potentially leading to lower production costs.
Ultimately, the selection between titanium and steel hinges on the specific requirements of your project and the trade-offs you’re willing to make regarding cost, weight, strength, and corrosion resistance. By meticulously considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable material for your application.
The Best Wear Resistant Steels: ENDURA Steel and ENDURA Dual Steel
These specialty products are steels created by combining the best properties of both steel and titanium. After seven years of experimenting through chemistry and using heat treatments, the people at Industeel France developed and patented two completely new wear-resistant steels known in North America as ENDURA steel and ENDURA Dual steel.
Both are based on a revolutionary metallurgical phenomenon known as the “trip effect,” which refers to transformation induced by plasticity.
Think of catching a baseball. When you hold out your hand in a ridged position and the ball crashes into it, there is potential for damage. Now imagine letting your hand “give a little” as you catch the ball, like a trampoline. There is a great reduction in the damage to your hand. This is the “trip effect” of ENDURA when rocks, gravel, and other abrasive materials crash into it, and this is why it outlasts all other wear-resistant steels.
These two unique wear resistant steels are titanium carbides and are extremely easy to process. They feature a homogeneous microstructure, the trip effect, and harden to a very high level when in service.
If you developed them, wouldn’t you patent them as well?
Titus Steel: Your Source for ENDURA and ENDURA Dual Steels
As your Wear & Impact Steel Specialists, we offer premium-grade ENDURA and ENDURA Dual wear-resistant steels renowned for their exceptional durability and resilience in demanding industrial environments. With a focus on providing high-quality materials, we are a trusted partner for industries requiring superior wear resistance and impact performance.
Contact us today to learn more about the differences between steel and titanium, and the benefits of both.