We have been assisting clients for many years by supplying them with the finest metal products. There is an impressive collection of metals here. It includes grade 7 titanium round bar and plate as well as many other specialist materials in various forms. With such a wide range, we aim to ensure that customers have all they need to meet their specifications.
With titanium, one process that is common is anodising. For those who don’t know, this is an electrolytic finishing procedure. It manipulates the oxide layer on the surface with an electric current. It can improve the wear and corrosion resistance, and also has decorative uses. The titanium produces the anode of an electrolyte cell, which is where the name comes from.
The history of anodisation
Anodising has had a considerable history in the aerospace industry. The first use here was in 1923. It was chosen to safeguard British seaplane parts from salt water corrosion. Aerospace businesses are still using it today. They need it to stop corrosion, wear, and ageing.
The medical industry also has its uses for titanium anodisation. After all, anodised parts aren’t toxic. They are suitable for biomedical purposes like orthopaedic implants.
Another fact about this process is that there is more than one variation. There are actually two common ones; Type 2 and Type 3.
Type 2 anodisation
This type is primarily to improve the life of parts. It safeguards the metal against wear and its effects. When untreated titanium components rub against each other, they create a fine dust. That isn’t a desirable result for orthopaedic implants and complex aerospace parts.
Type 2 anodising offers you a wear resistant layer. It also helps to stop friction or seizing with sliding parts. The lower lubricity, or friction, from Type 2 anodised titanium also assists patients with their implants. It does so by augmenting the mobility of joints.
Another fact is that titanium anodised parts have a uniquely grey shade. Because of this, they are easy to separate from stainless steel. If you are in need of grade 7 titanium round bar and plate, make sure you let us know.
Type 3 anodisation
This is also commonly known as titanium colour anodising. It has a lot of uses in the medical field due to the need for rapid visual identification of components. To give an example, an orthopaedic surgeon during mid-procedure can merely ask for a blue bone screw. It is not necessary to specify the screw’s 12mm length.
One other instance of colour coding to aid physicians and doctors would be bone fixation plates. Surgeons need these to treat trauma fractures. The plates come with drill guides of separate colours. This is to show the distinctions between right and left ones.
Type 3 titanium colour anodising isn’t as common in the aerospace industry. However, you can use it for quick visual identification in complex assemblies. It can help reduce assembly time.
Outside the aerospace and medical device fields, Type 3 coloured titanium has its uses in jewellery manufacturing. You can find all kinds of unique colours.
There is also a lack of standards for Type 3 anodising. Due to this fact, manufacturers need to devise their own validation process from the beginning. They are unable to begin with the framework from an industry specification.
Grade 7 titanium round bar and plate for any need
At Brindley Metals, we can provide top quality products as well as expert advice and knowledge on every one of them. Another area we excel in is metal treatments. We will be able to offer assistance with the likes of polishing and grinding. Whatever it is you need from us, except our approach to be efficient, fast, and friendly.
So, please let us know if you require grade 7 titanium round bar and plate products. We can supply them in many sizes and cater for large and small orders.