Titanium is a chemical element metal, silvery white in color that is number 22 in the atomic table and it is identified with TI as its symbol.
Titanium is strong but lightweight and is also known to be a corrosion-resistant metal that is usually found between rocks and sand.
In this guide, we are going to focus on the melting temperature of titanium.
Titanium Melting Point
Like any other metal, titanium also specific melting point. The titanium melting point is at which titanium changes from its solid state to a liquid state.
Titanium melting point is approximately 3034 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also express the titanium melting temperature in other units such as 1668 degrees Celsius.
How to Melt Titanium
Generally, titanium is known to have a high melting point. Therefore, it requires a high temperature to transition from a solid state to liquid. Choosing a furnace that is capable of handling high temperatures to be used in this process.
After putting the furnace in place, you can incorporate inert gases to prevent oxygen from reacting with titanium to achieve maximum purity.
Cautiously heat the titanium in the furnace until it reaches its melting point. That is when the titanium will start to melt which can be later cast into any molds.
Factors Influencing Titanium Melting Point
Molecular Structure
These refer to the arrangement of molecules of titanium that are bonded together before the melting process. They affect its melting point. Take for example, if molecules are strongly bonded together they will be more likely to have a high melting point.
Impurities in Titanium
Impurities are the major factors that may influence the melting point. When titanium is being melted and has impurities in it, it will lower the melting point of titanium. The impurities normally destabilize the structure of titanium molecules making it easier to melt down faster.
Molecular Size
The size and weight of the molecule size will affect the melting point of the titanium. Typically, smaller size molecules will tend to have high melting points compared to larger ones. This is simply because they are closely compacted together. As a result, they have stronger intermolecular forces resulting in strong bond interaction between them.
Pressure
Typically, when there is an increase in pressure during the process, there is a high melting point chance. So when titanium melts at high pressure it will increase the melting point to be higher.
Heating Rate
When titanium is being heated, the rate of heating will determine its melting point at that moment. The slower the heating rate is done the lower melting point is observed.
How Titanium Temperature Compare to Other Metals
Let’s look at how the melting temperature of titanium compares to other metals:
Titanium vs Steel Melting Temperature
Steel has a lower melting point compared to titanium of around 1537 Degrees Celsius. What makes titanium stand out between the two is not only the ability to have a high melting point but also lighter weight which makes it a good choice in areas that need lightweight and strength.
Titanium Vs Nickel Melting Point
Similar to steel, Nickel has a lower melting point of about 1452 Degrees Celsius than titanium. Since titanium is lightweight it is commonly used in aircraft while nickel is used to make alloys
Titanium Vs Aluminum Melting Point
Aluminum has a melting point of approximately 660 degrees Celsius which makes it a lower melting point compared to titanium.
Titanium Vs Copper Melting Point
Copper also has a lower melting point lower than that of titanium. This is usually about 1085 degrees Celsius.
Titanium and Iron Melting Point
Titanium has a higher melting point than iron which has a melting point of 2800 Fahrenheit or 1538 degrees Celsius.
Importance of Knowing the Melting Point of Titanium
There are many reasons why you should know the melting temperature of titanium metal:
- It will help you decide whether titanium is suitable for a specific application or not.
- Helps in quality control process during titanium parts production process
- You can choose the right equipment for the titanium melting process and other fabrication equipment
Application of Titanium at High Temperature
Titanium at high temperatures is widely used in applications that require a metal to function well in high temperatures.
- Titanium at a high melting point is used in aerospace applications such as aircraft engines, turbine blades, jet engines, and engine coverings.
- Power plants, can withstand continuous exposure to high temperatures.
- Chemical processing industries use titanium for reactor components.
- Military industry – Resistance to high temperatures makes it the best for making military vehicles and aircraft. It offers a sense of durability and it can survive in harsh conditions like wars or a bomb thrown towards it.
- Used in the manufacturing of medical implants.
- Used to make sporting equipment like golf clubs because the titanium is light in weight
Compare The Melting Point and Boiling point of Titanium
Both the melting point and boiling point of titanium are significantly high but the boiling point seems to be much higher than the melting point.
The boiling point of titanium is about 5948 degrees Fahrenheit or 3287 degrees Celsius while the melting point has lower degrees of about 3034 Fahrenheit or 1668 degrees Celsius. Typically, titanium requires more energy to allow a total breakdown of metallic bonds and transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state.
Conclusion
Titanium has strong metallic bonds which contributes to the high melting point. This property makes titanium valued for its resilience and the best option for applications that need resistance to places with high temperatures.
More Resources:
Titanium – Source: BRITANNICA
Silver Melting Point – Source: HM