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Titanium Alloys

METALS
Titanium alloys are very lightweight and up to twice as strong as aluminium alloys. However, even though titanium is an abundant material, it is more energy intensive to produce than aluminium and so is more expensive. Even so, applications in the bicycle industry are expanding – such as frames and components – due to its superior properties. 

Properties
Titanium alloys have superior resistance to corrosion, especially to salt water and certain chemicals. Like aluminium, titanium is protected by a naturally occurring oxide that forms on its surface. Anodising thickens the layer and increases protection. The anodised surface can be dyed with a range of vivid colours.

Processing
Titanium is reactive with oxygen at high temperature so casting is carried out in a vacuum or inert atmosphere. Low temperature processes, such as metal spinning and metal stamping, can be carried out in normal atmospheric conditions, so titanium alloys can be processed with similar ease to aluminium alloys. It is also suitable for superforming and extrusion.

TIG welding, friction welding and adhesive bonding are all suitable for joining titanium alloy sections. TIG welding is particularly suited to very thin materials and precise and intricate work.

Titanium parts are typically finished by anodising to keep the weight to a minimum. It can also be spray painted and printed.

Relevant Applications
Bike Frames
Titanium alloys are resilient, lightweight and very strong, which makes them an ideal material for bike frames. However, titanium is an expensive material and TIG welding is time consuming and requires a highly skilled operator, which means titanium bike frames tend to be very costly.

It is possible to manufacture titanium alloy bike frames that are (up to 50%) lighter than steel equivalents. Titanium alloy frames are typically produced with large diameter thin-walled tubing to reduce flexibility.

Bike Locks
So far, titanium alloys have not proved to be cost effective for mass produced bike locks.