When choosing the right material for your application, hardness is a significant factor. Grade 2 titanium and stainless steel are the most popular materials in various industries. However, one of the most common questions about these materials is which one is harder.
The hardness of a material determines how much it can resist scratching and deformation when subjected to a force. Therefore, this blog post will comprehensively compare grade 2 titanium and stainless steel hardness. We will look at their properties, manufacturing processes and applications to help you make an informed decision.
Difference Between Grade 2 Titanium and Stainless Steel Hardness
Properties of Titanium and Stainless Steel
Before we look at how hard these materials are, it’s essential to understand their properties. Grade 2 titanium is a type of alpha-beta titanium alloy and is the most widely used grade of titanium. This material is known for its high strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion resistance. On the other hand, stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium by mass and has superior corrosion, rust, and staining resistance.
Manufacturing Processes
The properties of a material are affected by its manufacturing process. Therefore, it’s necessary to understand how each metal is manufactured. Grade 2 titanium is a highly reactive metal and requires specialized equipment to manufacture it. It is usually made through “cold working,” where the metal is subjected to high pressure to increase strength. On the other hand, stainless steel can be manufactured through various processes such as casting, forging, and stamping. Each manufacturing process affects the metal’s hardness, strength, and quality.
Hardness
Now, let’s focus on the hardness of these materials. The hardness of grade 2 titanium is approximately 36 on the Rockwell hardness scale. This means that it’s relatively softer than stainless steel. On the other hand, stainless steel has a Rockwell hardness scale of 55 to 59, making it harder than grade 2 titanium. The hardness of stainless steel varies depending on the type and the manufacturing process.
Applications
Their respective hardnesses give grade 2 titanium and stainless steel different applications. Grade 2 titanium’s low hardness makes it ideal for industries requiring lightweight, high-strength materials such as prosthetic and orthopaedic implants. It’s also commonly used in the aerospace and marine industries due to its excellent corrosion-resistant properties. Stainless steel’s hardness makes it ideal for high-stress applications such as pressure vessels, surgical tools, cutlery, and valves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grade 2 titanium and stainless steel have unique properties, but the latter is significantly harder. This means that it’s more suitable for applications requiring extreme wear and tear resistance. However, grade 2 titanium remains the best option for industries that need a lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant material. When selecting a material between these two, it’s necessary to consider the specific application requirements. With this information, you can make an informed decision that will give you the best material for your application.
