When it comes to selecting the right metal for various industrial, commercial, or even personal uses, tungsten and titanium often stand out as top contenders. Both metals offer unique properties that make them ideal for specific applications. But how do they stack up against each other? In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences and similarities between tungsten and titanium, helping you understand which might be the better choice for your needs.
What Is Titanium?
Titanium (Ti) is a transition metal known for its white-silvery appearance, high strength, and exceptional corrosion resistance. Found in minerals like ilmenite and rutile, titanium is primarily produced through the Kroll method, which involves extracting and refining titanium (IV) chloride. This process produces a porous titanium sponge that can be transformed into various titanium alloys, widely used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications due to its lightweight and durability.
Historically, titanium was first discovered in 1791 by Reverend William Gregor in Cornwall, England, and was originally called “Gregorite.” Today, titanium’s unique properties make it an essential material across diverse sectors.
The following is a table about different types of titanium metals:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pure Titanium | Includes six grades (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11). These grades differ mainly in oxygen content and strength. |
| Ti 6Al-4V (Grade 5 Alloy) | Known as the “workhorse” of titanium alloys, it offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and workability. |
| Ti 6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23 Alloy) | Also known as “surgical titanium,” it excels in malleability and corrosion resistance. |
| Ti 3Al 2.5 (Grade 9 Alloy) | Combines stainless steel characteristics with high-temperature strength, widely used in industrial applications. |
| Ti 5Al-2.5Sn (Grade 6 Alloy) | A non-heat-treatable alloy with exceptional weldability, stability, and strength. |
What Is Tungsten?
Tungsten (W), also known as Wolfram, is a strong, silver-white refractory metal primarily sourced from minerals like wolframite and scheelite. Although rare in its pure form, tungsten is essential in applications requiring high strength and durability, such as in steels and lightbulb filaments. The metal is extracted by treating these minerals with alkali to produce tungsten trioxide (WO3), which is then reduced with carbon or hydrogen to form pure tungsten. Known for its remarkable hardness and high melting point, tungsten is indispensable in industrial and manufacturing processes.
The following is a table about different types of tungsten metals:
| Type of Tungsten | Description |
|---|---|
| Cemented Carbide | A strong alloy of tungsten and carbon known for its exceptional hardness and chemical resistance. |
| Heavy Metal Tungsten Alloys | Tungsten alloys with few additions, notable for their high density and strength. |
| Alloyed Tungsten | Tungsten mixed with other metals like copper to achieve specific properties. |
| Pure Tungsten | Tungsten in its pure form, used for its high melting point and electrical conductivity. |
| Tungsten-based Chemicals | Chemicals derived from tungsten used in various applications. |
Tungsten vs. Titanium: Strength
Tungsten is stronger than titanium in terms of tensile strength and hardness. Tungsten has a tensile strength of 142,000 psi and a hardness rating of 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale, making it more scratch-resistant. In contrast, titanium has a tensile strength of 63,000 psi and a hardness rating of 6.
While tungsten’s superior hardness makes it highly durable, it is also more brittle and prone to breaking under impact. Titanium, though not as hard, offers greater flexibility and toughness, making it less likely to shatter when subjected to stress.
Tungsten vs. Titanium: Weight and Density
One of the heaviest metals, tungsten has a density of about 19.3 g/cm³. This makes it about 70% denser than lead and much heavier than most metals. In stark contrast, titanium has a density of just 4.5 g/cm³, making it much lighter than tungsten.
Tungsten vs. Titanium: Price
Tungsten is significantly more expensive than titanium. As of current prices, tungsten costs about $3.25 per pound, whereas titanium costs approximately $0.35 per pound. This price difference reflects the higher extraction and processing costs of tungsten compared to titanium.
Tungsten vs. Titanium: Properties
| Property | Tungsten | Titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 142,000 psi | 63,000 psi |
| Hardness | 8.5 (Mohs Scale) | 6 (Mohs Scale) |
| Density | 19.3 g/cm³ (0.698 lb/in³) | 4.5 g/cm³ (0.163 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | 3422°C (6192°F) | 1668°C (3034°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 173 W/m·K | 21.9 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.13 J/g·K | 0.52 J/g·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.8 × 10⁶ S/m | 2.4 × 10⁶ S/m |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 4.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C | 8.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Tungsten vs. Titanium vs. Platinum
Tungsten carbide is the hardest of the three, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9, making it significantly harder than both titanium (rating 6) and platinum (rating 4 to 4.5). While tungsten carbide excels in durability and scratch resistance, titanium offers high strength with less hardness, and platinum is valued more for its appearance and corrosion resistance rather than its hardness.
Titanium vs. Tungsten Rings: Pros and Cons
Titanium Rings
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Versatile with various styles.
Cons:
- Less scratch-resistant.
- Softer and can deform under impact.
- Difficult to resize.
Tungsten Rings
Pros:
- Extremely hard and scratch-resistant.
- Highly durable and maintains polish.
- Generally affordable.
Cons:
- Heavier and may feel cumbersome.
- Brittle and can crack under impact.
- May cause allergies due to alloying elements.
- Limited design options.
Can a Tungsten Ring Be Cut Off?
Tungsten rings are extremely strong and durable, often requiring special tools to cut them off. They can only be cut with heavy-duty tools like vice grips or locking pliers. Regular cutting tools are typically ineffective due to the ring’s hardness. If an emergency arises, professional help from a jeweler or medical personnel with the right equipment is recommended.
Can Tungsten Rust?
Tungsten does not rust or tarnish under normal conditions. It remains stable and resistant to corrosion unless exposed to extreme temperatures exceeding 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius).
Conclusion: Which Metal Should You Choose?
The choice between tungsten and titanium ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you require a metal that can withstand extreme temperatures, offer unmatched hardness, or provide significant weight, tungsten is the better option. However, if you need a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material that’s easier to work with, titanium is likely the superior choice.
Both metals have their own set of advantages, so it’s essential to consider the demands of your application before making a decision. Whether you’re building aerospace components, designing medical dedvices, or simply choosing a material for your next project, understanding the properties of tungsten and titanium will help you make an informed choice.
Watch youtube video to discover the metal qualities of tungsten and titanium.
More Resources:
does tungsten rust: Source — BOYI
welding titanium: Source — BOYI
how strong is titanium: Source — BOYI
density of tungsten: Source — BOYI
titanium melting point: Source — BOYI
is titanium magnetic: Source — BOYI
FAQ
Tungsten is the strongest with a tensile strength of 142,000 psi. Steel varies widely but can exceed 200,000 psi in high-strength forms. Titanium has a tensile strength of 63,000 psi, offering a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Tungsten is stronger and harder but more brittle. Titanium is less hard but more flexible and impact-resistant. Choose tungsten for strength and titanium for toughness.
Water itself doesn’t ruin tungsten, but exposure to chemicals like chlorine and ammonia, commonly found in pool water, can tarnish or damage tungsten over time. It’s best to avoid prolonged contact with chemically treated water to maintain the ring’s appearance.
Catalog: Materials Guide
This article was written by engineers from the BOYI team. Fuquan Chen is a professional engineer and technical expert with 20 years of experience in rapid prototyping, mold manufacturing, and plastic injection molding.
