Stainless steel and Titanium are the two most widely used materials for manufacturing a wide variety of products related to piping systems solutions. Both materials come with unique features which make them ideal for different production requirements.
Therefore, the piping manufacturing industry generally uses both materials for the production process. However, Stainless steel has become the undisputed leader in the market for piping solution manufacturing. Read on to know more about the two materials and their differences.
What is Titanium?
Titanium is a metal found in grey or silver colour. This one has an atomic number equal to 12 and the symbol is “Ti”. Titanium alloys are particularly useful for manufacturing products that need heat resistance and corrosion resistance. Titanium transfers heat efficiently.
Therefore, for certain purposes, this metal finds irreplaceable use. Oil and Gas piping industries that use piping systems for carrying highly corrosive chemicals might find Titanium made piping solutions ideal for their applications.
On the other hand, in production processes where rapid changes in temperature conditions take place, this metal can be a fine fit. Therefore, several industries find Titanium a more suitable option for piping solutions.
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a widely used material for several manufacturing processes including piping solutions. It is an iron alloy that contains a small quantity of chromium. However, other alloying materials such as Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Carbon, and Manganese may be a part of stainless steel to increase it’s ductility and malleability. Depending on the composition and the application, the features of stainless steel alter.
Therefore, certain stainless-steel varieties remain perfect for piping system solutions. When it comes to strength, easy formability, and corrosion resistance, stainless steel remains one of the most popular choices for a wide range of industries.
How Are These Two Different?
While both materials find extensive application in the piping industry, their features remain different. Most piping industries find Stainless steel a more feasible option than Titanium. However, Titanium pipes are also a popular choice for specific industries. The following are a few factors that distinguish the two materials.
Strength and Weight
Stainless steel is not very heavy but supports a considerable amount of weight. This is one reason piping solution manufacturers find this material ideal for their production.
On the other hand, Titanium has a very low density. As a result, the products featuring this metal alloy remain considerably lightweight. For certain industries, such piping systems solutions remain essential.
Cost
When it comes to cost, Titanium alloys are far more expensive than stainless steel. Both varieties offer a great deal of corrosion resistance and durability.
But, it is the cost of Titanium that puts it behind stainless steel when it comes to the economic viability of production processes. Most piping system companies primarily use stainless steel for their production method for this reason.
Be it the oil & gas piping requirements or chemical plant necessities, stainless steel remains the undisputed leader in all sectors. Inarguably, some industries use Titanium piping solutions but the popularity and application of stainless-steel varieties remain far more imposing.