01What kind of metal is titanium?

Titanium is a silvery-gray metal represented by the element symbol Ti. Discovered at the end of the 18th century, it became widely used as a practical material in the 20th century. Possessing strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance, and valued for its strength and corrosion resistance even in high-temperature environments, it is used in a wide range of fields, including aerospace, automotive, marine, chemical, and construction.

When viewed as a building and design material, titanium is a material characterized by being "light, strong, and rust-resistant." Its non-magnetic nature and high biocompatibility are also well-known basic properties. When architects, designers, and construction company representatives select materials, it is important to consider not only the design but also the installation environment, required durability, weight, and processing methods.

The properties and durability of pure titanium and IP Gold titanium are explained in detail in the section on the properties of titanium and the durability of IP Gold titanium .

02Does titanium really never rust?

Titanium has the property of reacting with oxygen to form an oxide film on its surface, and this film provides resistance to seawater and saltwater. Therefore, it is less susceptible to corrosion degradation, which is a common concern with general steel materials, and is used in marine and chemical fields, as well as in buildings where long-term durability is required.

Existing durability tests, including those involving IP Gold Titanium, have shown no discoloration or corrosion in the CCT280 cycle test, which simulates seawater conditions. However, in a hot spring environment, it is necessary to confirm conditions such as acidity, high temperature, and chloride ions. In an existing test using Kawayu hot spring water at 77°C for 3 hours, the corrosion rate of pure titanium (IP Gold Titanium) was 0.00 mm/year, SUS304 was 1.27 mm/year, and aluminum was 5 mm/year or more.

Examples of conditions in hot spring environments, test results, and points to check regarding bolts and fixing hardware are explained in detail in the section on test results, applicable areas, and specifications of titanium, which is resistant to hot spring corrosion . When used in harsh environments such as coastal areas, hot spring areas, or areas with acid rain, please check not only the materials but also the installation.

03Characteristics of titanium (strength, lightness, heat conductivity)

It is lightweight with a specific gravity of 4.51 and has high specific strength.

The specific gravity of titanium is given as 4.5 g/cm³ in the current article, and as 4.51 in related articles on titanium building materials and weight calculations. In this article, we will use a specific gravity of 4.51 as a guideline. Compared to materials such as stainless steel and iron, which have a specific gravity of approximately 8, it weighs just over half as much, making it a material that is easy to consider for weight reduction. Its specific strength is said to be twice that of iron and three times that of aluminum, making it valuable in applications where higher strength is required for the same weight.

It undergoes minimal dimensional changes due to heat and does not feel cold to the touch.

Titanium is characterized by its low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it undergoes little dimensional change due to heat. Existing articles state that its coefficient of thermal expansion is half that of stainless steel and one-third that of aluminum. In addition, its specific heat by volume is 60% of that of iron and stainless steel, meaning it heats up easily with little heat, and therefore does not feel cold to the touch.

Non-magnetic and biocompatible

Titanium is a non-magnetic metal. Whether or not it is attracted to magnets, and how it differs from other metals, can be confirmed in "Does Titanium Attract Magnets? We Verify the Magnetic Properties of Titanium ." Because it does not release metal ions, it is used in the medical field as a metal that is gentle on the human body.

If you want to check the weight of a sheet metal based on its dimensions, please refer to the titanium weight and specific gravity calculation .

04Estimated price of titanium building materials

When considering titanium building materials, the cost of the material is a major concern. Existing articles have shown that, when comparing materials of the same weight, titanium is more than 10 times more expensive than stainless steel.

However, titanium is lightweight with a specific gravity of 4.51 and has high specific strength, so depending on the application, it is possible to use thinner materials during construction. It is important not to judge solely on the initial material cost, but to also consider the required plate thickness, weight, construction conditions, long-term durability, and maintenance when making comparisons.

The long-term durability and pricing considerations for titanium building materials, including roofing, hardware, and interior finishes, are explained in detail in the section on expressing the long-term durability and functionality of titanium .

05Titanium building material specifications and available sizes

The availability of pure titanium plates varies depending on their thickness and distribution status. Existing articles mainly mention that 1000mm x 2000mm plates are stocked, with thicknesses of 0.3mm, 0.6mm, and 1.0mm being the primary stock sizes. Since availability needs to be confirmed depending on the design dimensions and processing method, it is important to consult in advance, including for custom sizes.

For information on the types, uses, decorative polishing, and custom sizes of pure titanium plates, please refer to the detailed descriptions of titanium plate types, uses, and processing methods .

06Weaknesses and processing considerations for titanium

While titanium possesses strength and hardness, it requires careful processing. Alloy titanium, in particular, is difficult to machine, and welding requires specialized techniques. Regarding sheet metal processing, existing articles state that it is roughly equivalent to that of stainless steel.

Furthermore, because it reacts easily with oxygen and nitrogen at high temperatures, welding and other processes must be carried out under special conditions. Organizing not only the material's properties but also the conditions for manufacturing, joining, and installation at an early stage is crucial for ensuring quality after adoption.

For considerations regarding lightweight and highly durable titanium roofing and metal fittings, please also refer to our sections on lightweight and highly durable titanium roofing and titanium metal fittings .

07Titanium design variations (coloring)

In addition to surface finishes achieved through polishing, titanium also allows for design expressions that utilize its color. IP Gold titanium, a highly durable, golden-colored design material, is featured in traditional architecture, coastal areas, shop signs, and exterior materials.

There are several methods for producing colored titanium, including atmospheric coloring, anodizing, vacuum deposition, silk screen printing, and painting. The mechanism by which the color changes depending on the thickness of the oxide film, and the differences between each method, are explained in detail in the section on titanium coloring and the production of colored titanium .

08Examples of Titanium Building Material Applications

Titanium is also used in architecture and monuments where long-term durability, lightness, and aesthetic appeal are required. The following are examples that can be seen within WordPress.

09FAQ

10Summary/Inquiries

Titanium possesses the properties of being lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant, making it a suitable material for building materials where long-term durability and aesthetic appeal are required. Rather than looking at material price, plate thickness, processing, and usage environment in isolation, organizing the required performance and construction conditions together will lead to a selection that takes advantage of titanium's properties.