Titanium vs. Stainless Steel

Main Difference

The main difference between Titanium and Stainless Steel is that Titanium is a transition metal, whereas Stainless Steel is a mixture of different metals.

Difference Between Titanium and Stainless Steel

Comparison Chart

Titanium Vs. Stainless Steel

Titanium is a metal. Stainless steel is made up of different metals. Titanium is metal while stainless steel is an alloy. Titanium is light metal. Stainless steel is heavy. Titanium is preferably used for surgical implants, whereas stainless steel cannot be used for this purpose. Titanium is more expensive as compared to stainless steel. Titanium has its natural characters. The properties of stainless steel are enhanced by alloying. When strength is important, industries use titanium. When weight is important, industries use stainless steel. Titanium is less dense than steel. Titanium is biocompatible conversely stainless steel can be toxic. Titanium is a rigid metal cannot attain different shapes easily; on the other hand, stainless steel can be shaped easily. Titanium is resistant to fatigue and shattering. Stainless steel shatters in some duration. Titanium is applicable for aerospace industry while stainless steel finds its use for kitchen wares. Titanium is anti-toxic for human health while stainless steel may cause nickel allergy in people. Titanium is anti-magnetic, but stainless steel is magnetic. The anti-corrosion property of titanium is greater as compared to stainless steel. The color of titanium is darker while stainless steel has a silver color.

What is Titanium?

Titanium is a strong metal denoted by a symbol “Ti.” Its proton number is 22. It is silvery to darker in color. It’s molar mass is 47.87 g/mol. In the periodic table, it occupies d-block. At 25 ^oC, titanium is solid. Titanium has high strength, low specific gravity, and has less density. Due to these characteristics, it a light metal. It offers great resistance to corrosion and oxidation and transfers heat proficiently. All these properties make it excellent for construction purposes and aircraft industries. It finds its major usage in the production of spacecraft parts like engines, airframes, etc. it is usually used to prepare pipes for flow of certain chemicals. Recent researches support the titanium as biocompatible means the human body is not affected by it. Human immune system does not respond to titanium. It is non-toxic. Its uses in the medical industry are to construct alternatives of human body parts like hip implants, knee replaces, pacemakers, and certain plates for the human body. Dental industries also use titanium for dental implants. It is an ever-growing area of titanium usage. Titanium is resistant to fatigue caused by high alternating temperatures. Titanium is light metal therefore used in making jewelry. The jewelry made with gold, silver, and platinum corrodes readily; therefore, people prefer titanium jewelry. Titanium rings and watches usually prepare from this metal. Titanium is expensive because the method of its attaining is costly. Titanium is anti-corrosive and anti-magnetic.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an alloy of metals. Alloying is a technique of mixing metals to enhance the desired characteristics of a certain mixture. This method makes steel anti-corrosive and resistant to deteriorate. It is an alloy of steel with different metals such as nickel, chromium, copper, titanium, carbon, phosphorus, and manganese. It has high specific gravity and density, which makes it strong and heavy. The industries which prefer heavy metals use stainless steel in it. It has low electrical conductivity. Stainless steel is non-magnetic, but it’s some classes show magnetic properties. It is water-resistant and commonly used in construction areas which are in contact with water. It has a shiny look; therefore, household kitchen wares prepare from it — stainless steel wares leach nickel and chromium during cooking. In the food and beverages industries, the high level of acidity of beverages can rust common steel. Therefore, the preferred material is stainless steel. In paper and pulp synthesis, it also finds its applications. All surgical tools prepare from it because they can be easily sterilized and autoclaved. Stainless steel jewelry may affect those people who are allergic to nickel. Some countries use stainless steel for making bridges. Some power stations use it for energy production purposes, used in electrolytes and fuel cells.

Types

• Austenitic
• Ferritic
• Martensitic
• Duplex

Conclusion

Titanium is highly resistant and anti-corrosive metal, whereas Stainless Steel is an alloy of copper, nickel, and chromium with enhanced characteristics of steel.