Titanium is a metal that possesses some desirable qualities. Industries have chosen to work with it because of its hardness and durability. This metal alloy, like so many others, does not escape the flaw that may occur during the production process. This is one reason titanium finishing is an integral part of the overall procedure. This ensures that the titanium component or product will measure up to its specifications and requirements.
Types of Titanium Finishing
While titanium is inherently a hard metal, the process of finishing is still considered essential. In fact, depending upon what type of method is used, it can improve on these qualities. Overall, titanium finishing processes can improve the hardness and color its surface without changing any of the metal’s mechanical properties. The effect and its extent upon the titanium component will depend upon the type of process applied.
There are several different types or methods of titanium finishing. The major ones are:
* Anodizing: This method ensures that the metal is not compromised in terms of its integrity. Although it gains a perceived color, it remains suitable for its purpose in biomedical science, uncompromised and complete.
* Passivation: This specific chemical process ensures the titanium component is restored to the required specifications concerning corrosion removing any free iron as well as other foreign matters that are on the surface.
* Deburring: Titanium finishing involves micro-deburring
* Tumbling: Titanium may be tumbled to polish the pieces to a high-quality sheen and a very smooth finish. It is used for bulk or mass finishing.
* Electropolishing: This method of titanium finishing will remove embedded contaminants that could cause corrosion as well as irregularities that may affect the structural soundness of the part. In doing so, electropolishing improves both the fatigue life and rust resistance of the metal component.
Industries that Require Titanium Finishing
Titanium is a substance preferred in several specialist industries. Finishing is required by them to ensure their products perform their functions accordingly. Among the more common industries that utilize the benefits of titanium finishing are:
* Medical Field: Titanium is increasingly found in the medical field. It is used in both the tools for surgical procedures as well as the material for dental and surgical implants. They are also employed as bone plates and screws.
* Aerospace Industry: It is employed in the gas turbine engine as well as aircraft frames
* Marine Industry: It is used in a variety of tasks and items including submarine ball valves and propeller shafts
In all instances, the choice of titanium is based on its quality and durability. They turn to it because it is highly tensile and can withstand high temperatures. It is corrosion resistant and resilient against material fatigue. In its case, titanium finishing acts to reinforce the natural qualities of the metal and enhance its overall appeal both to the consumer and the manufacturer.
