Titanium

Titanium has been recognized as an element (Symbol Ti; atomic number 22; and atomic weight 47.9) for at least 200 years. However, commercial production of titanium did not begin until the 1950's. At that time, titanium was recognized for its strategic importance as a unique lightweight, high strength alloyed, structurally efficient metal for critical, high-performance aircraft, such as jet engine and airframe components.

The worldwide production of this originally exotic, "Space Age" metal and its alloys has since grown to more than 50 million pounds annually. Increased metal sponge and mill product production capacity and efficiency, improved manufacturing technologies, a vastly expanded market base and demand have dramatically lowered the price of titanium products. Today, titanium alloys are common, readily available engineered metals that compete directly with stainless and specialty steels, copper alloys, nickel-based alloys and composites.

As the ninth most abundant element in the Earth's Crust and fourth most abundant structural metal, the current worldwide supply of feedstock ore for producing titanium metal is virtually unlimited. Significant unused worldwide sponge, melting and processing capacity for titanium can accommodate continued growth into new, high-volume applications.

In addition to its attractive high strength-to-density characteristics for aerospace use, titanium's exceptional corrosion resistance derived from its protective oxide film has motivated extensive application in seawater, marine, brine and aggressive industrial chemical service over the past fifty years.

Today, titanium and its alloys are extensively used for aerospace, industrial and consumer applications. In addition to aircraft engines and airframes, titanium is also used in other markets.

How can titanium benefit your market? 

Aerospace

RTI is the leading supplier of specialty metals for the aerospace industry and has an unbeatable range of manufacturing capabilities, product forms, and service offerings.

Defense

Technologies pioneered by RTI have made the defense industry more capable, deployable, and sustainable.

Energy

RTI International Metals is the sole company specializing in the energy market with in-house core competency in titanium and specialty metals.  Get the focus, the dedicated thinking, and the market-specific innovation you need.

Medical

Titanium is resistant to attack by body fluids, has high strength and is compatible with MRI and CT procedures which makes it a useful material for medical devices.

Performance Sports

Titanium has attractive characteristics, such as high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, that are highly valuable in many different types of sports applications.