Titanium grade 2 round bar and other grades are able to meet all kinds of requirements. Something people struggle with though is identifying the metal. Distinguishing it from aluminium or austenitic steels is tricky. It is particularly difficult if you have a single sample and nothing to compare it with. These three metals are all paramagnetic, meaning they don’t react to magnets. Also, they have a silvery colour and similar specific gravity. Saying this, there are straightforward and proven ways to tell titanium apart from aluminium and alloy steel without special gear. Let’s look at them.
Scratching glass
One method is to scratch glass with each metal. Titanium won’t create scratches, instead leaving a streak. Stainless steel will scratch it but won’t leave a dark mark. Aluminium doesn’t leave a trace.
This approach is based on titanium’s ability to leave behind characteristic dark marks on the exterior of tiles or glass. As we said, it doesn’t scratch it. Instead, it draws on the surface. A trace like this can only wash off using a solution of hydrofluoric acid.
Sparks
The second method is distinguishing titanium by spark. It will give off numerous white bright sparks. During titanium’s processing with a sharp longitudinal along the abrasive exterior of a grindstone, metal contact comes with a scattering of bright white sparks. It is the same when you process using a grinding machine. When there is an absence of abrasive, you can use plain concrete or a fine file.
Sparks from stainless steel possess a red and yellow tint. They also fly out a lot less. With files and concrete, there won’t be any at all.
When you rub aluminium against an abrasive surface, sparks aren’t emitted. Characteristic silvery traces might stay on the exterior.
Such a test for the possibility of sparks is an easy and popular one, as the colour differs quite a bit. Their total absence indicates you don’t have titanium. If you are looking for titanium grade 2 round bar, get in touch with us.
Galvanic reaction test
Something else you can do is a galvanic reaction test. To do this, you need a DC source of around 12 V. It could be a conversion transformer or car battery. Link the battery plus to your test sample using a wire. Connect the minus to a metal rod, at the end of which a piece of cotton, gauze, or wool is wound. If you have titanium, when touching the material, its exterior will be painted. This is due to the formation of an oxide film. The colour shade depends on the concentration of acid, voltage’s magnitude, and exposure time. Aluminium and stainless alloys won’t have a reaction.
Gravity
Another thing you can try is a specific gravity comparison. People are aware that aluminium is the lightest of these three metals. Steel is the heaviest. But, the question becomes how do you figure out if you have one sample if you have got nothing to compare with?
You are able to do this by measuring and calculating the density of the material’s specific gravity. It is approximately 8g/cm3 for stainless steel, 5g/cm3 for titanium, and 7g/cm3 for aluminium. The determination method demands an accurate balance. Also, there must be a container to immerse the sample in water.
After you weigh the metal, it is necessary to dictate its volume. The simplest way to do it is by utilising Archimedes law and immersing the sample in liquid. The water level change will reveal the desired value. Despite being a longer and more complex practice, it produces results and you should consider it.
Specific techniques
We will finish by talking about some specific ways in which you can identify the metal, including titanium grade 2 round bar.
One way is to set the metal on fire. Titanium shavings aren’t difficult to burn and ignite.
You can heat the metal too. Titanium is a decent thermal insulator. When you heat one edge of the sample, the rest of it will be cold.
Try holding it in your hand as well. Low thermal conductivity makes the item feel cold in your hands, as opposed to aluminium and steel.
Lastly, you can hit it with a hammer. When you hit your sample, there won’t be any marks on steel. Titanium will have a small dent. Aluminium will suffer the most damage.
These methods are rather reliable and are used by scrap collectors. Although, an accurate determination of the alloy’s chemical composition is something you should only do with specialist gear. This is particularly important in the presence of impurities. Identifying metals is an intermediate step where you sort raw them for processing and/or transportation. However, it can differ substantially in relation to remelting methods and cost.
We can meet your needs for titanium grade 2 round bar and more
At Brindley Metals, we have the means to supply customers with a wide range of metals. These include brasses and yellow metals, high purity silver, and specialist materials. This is in addition to things like titanium, aluminium and stainless steel. We are able to cover all kinds of specifications here.
So, if you are interested in working with us to order titanium grade 2 round bar or other products, please get in touch. We can source quality materials for you.