Composite materials is a $1 billion global industry that will continue growing. Some estimates have it reaching $164 billion by 2030.
There are many options when it comes to composite materials. Two of the most prominent used in metal applications are titanium and carbon fiber. These share many attributes, but there are some distinctions as well.
Below is a comprehensive material guide to titanium vs carbon fiber. Keep reading to find out which one might be right for your project or industry.
What Is Titanium?
Titanium is one of the top 10 most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust and the fourth most available metal. It is element number 22 on the periodic table. Titanium was discovered in 1791 but was not widely used beyond laboratory studies until the 20th century.
There are about 50 grades of titanium. Some are pure titanium, while others have been alloyed to achieve specific results. For instance, popular grades of titanium incorporate aluminum, palladium, or vanadium to enhance corrosion resistance.
What Is Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is a polymer made up of very thin (less than 10 micrometers in diameter) yet strong crystalline filaments made mostly of carbon atoms. Thomas Edison may have created the first carbon fibers in the 1870s, which used electricity to heat thin strips of cotton or bamboo. These filaments contained mostly cellulose which, when heated, carbonized.
There are different types of carbon fiber. This is largely based on the number and size of filaments and how they are woven together.
Titanium vs. Carbon Fiber: Similarities
There are many commonalities between carbon fiber and titanium properties. Both titanium and carbon fiber have widespread domestic metallurgical applications. These include:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Manufacturing components
- Medical equipment
- Robotics
- Wind turbines
- Sporting goods
Titanium and carbon fiber share many qualities. They are both very strong especially relative to their density. They have exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, which means they are stronger than steel but as lightweight as aluminum.
Titanium vs. Carbon Fiber: Distinctions
There are some distinctions between titanium vs carbon fiber as well. Carbon fiber is slightly more rigid than titanium. This makes it stiffer and less flexible under heavy loads.
While both are relatively lightweight, carbon fiber can weigh less than titanium. This can give it an edge in applications where weight reduction is pivotal.
One area where titanium edges carbon fiber out is in impact resistance. It is less brittle, which makes it preferable for applications where materials are subject to shocks or impacts.
Titanium has a higher melting point than carbon fiber. This makes it more suited to high-temperature applications.
Carbon fiber is generally more expensive than titanium. That is due to its complex manufacturing processes.
Learn More About Carbon Fiber and Titanium Applications
There are a lot of factors to consider when weighing the benefits of titanium vs carbon fiber. The material comparison guide above and the advice of an experienced manufacturer help you determine which one might be right for your applications.
At SMI Composites, we are committed to the highest quality of advanced composite manufacturing and are unmatched when it comes to design, delivery, and customer satisfaction. We offer a range of production methods, including cast, compression, and bladder molding. Reach out to us today to learn more about titanium and carbon fiber benefits.
