Titanium metal is the fourth most common structural metal in use. It is made from titanium feedstock and is sought for its corrosion-resistance properties, which make it resilient against mineral acids, aqueous alkali and halogen gases.
Stages in the traditional titanium manufacturing process
- Processing titanium feedstock into titanium sponge or powder
- Melting titanium sponge with scrap and alloys to produce ingots and slabs
- Intermediate milling of ingots and/or slabs to make billets, bar, plates etc
- Engineering components by forging, casting and/or machining
- Fabrication of titanium products
Basic titanium metal processing involves extraction, purification, sponge production and alloy creation.
Forms of titanium metal products include:
- Titanium sponge
- Unwrought titanium products
- Titanium milled/wrought products
- Titanium powder
- Titanium scrap
- Ferro-titanium