Inconel vs Titanium: Differences and Applications
The versatility of materials helps choose them for components of varied types based on the characteristics they possess. Inconel and titanium are two elements that are used very commonly.
Each material has its own properties and applications. If you want to learn about comparing Inconel vs titanium, the guide below can help you compare Inconel and titanium.
¿Qué es el Inconel?
Inconel is a superalloy with multiple grades and variants. Its alloys have iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and tantalum.
Inconel is a high-performing material that offers excellent resistance to corrosion and high performance when subjected to high temperatures.
¿Qué es el titanio?
Titanio is also a metal that offers excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and lightweight characteristics. Titanium is used in many industries and is even suitable for use in environments subjected to high stress and high temperature.
Difference Between Inconel and Titanium
A detailed comparison between Inconel and titanium is discussed below.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Color
Inconel is silver or metallic grey in color. In contrast, titanium is silver, but due to the oxidation of this material, it can have multiple colors ranging between blue and purple.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Density
Inconel is a heavy material, whereas titanium is a lightweight material, which makes it suitable for applications like aerospace.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Hardness
Inconel offers high hardness compared to titanium. Though titanium is soft, it is not as strong as Inconel, and to enhance its strength, some alloying elements are required.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Strength
Inconel is a high strength material and stays intact when exposed to extreme temperature and heat. However, titanium lacks strength compared to Inconel.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Melting Point
Inconel offers a high melting point, which makes it suitable for environments that have high temperatures. Compared to Inconel, the melting point of titanium is lower, which means it cannot withstand extreme temperatures.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Heat-conducting Property
The heat conductance in Inconel is much less than that of titanium. Hence, Inconel is not suitable for heat-transferring applications.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Electrical Conductivity
Inconel and titanium are both poor conductors of electricity; however, titanium is a slightly better conductor than inconel.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance offered by inconel and titanium is excellent. Inconel resists corrosion in high-temperature and corrosive environments. Meanwhile, titanium resists corrosion in marine environments.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Magnetic
Inconel possesses magnetism and hence is suitable for applications that need it. Whereas, titanium is a nonmagnetic material and is opted for applications that avoid magnetism.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Weldability
The hardness of the Inconel makes welding challenging. Titanium is easy to weld but requires care, as a temperature that is too high may cause a lack of precision.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Cost
Inconel consists of many alloys, which makes it expensive. Titanium is cheaper than Inconel but relatively more expensive than other metals.
Inconel vs. Titanium: Recyclability
Inconel and titanium are both recyclable. However, the process of recycling inconel is complex as it involves a lot of alloys.
Quick Comparison Chart of Inconel and Titanium
The table below features a quick view of the comparison between Inconel and titanium.
| Propiedades | Inconel | Titanio |
| Peso | Heavyweight | Ligero |
| Punto de fusión | Alto punto de fusión | Low melting point |
| Coste | Expensive | Cheaper compared to Inconel |
| Soldabilidad | Difficult to weld | Easy to weld |
How to Distinguish Inconel and Titanium?
Inconel is a superalloy that has a high content of nickel and is suitable for high-temperature and high-stress applications. It also works well when subjected to corrosive surroundings.
However, titanium is a corrosion-resistant material that offers lightweight and excellent strength, which makes it suitable for virtual applications. Titanium is opted for mostly because of its low density in applications that are weight sensitive.
Benefits of Inconel vs Titanium
There are various advantages to Inconel and titanium, and both can be compared. An insight into this comparison is given below.
Inconel
- Inconel maintains high resistance against oxidation and strength. It offers excellent corrosion resistance in environments with alkaline and acidic surroundings.
- The strength of Inconel is retained when subjected to high temperatures.
- It offers high resistance against creep and wear and does not deform when subjected to heavy loads.
- Inconel has an exceptional performance under high pressure.
Titanio
- Titanium is lightweight and suitable for weight-sensitive applications.
- It performs very well in marine environments and does not rust or corrode.
- It is suitable for use in applications where non-magnetic properties are required.
- It is suitable for medical applications as it has high biocompatibility.
- It can be welded very easily.
- Titanium offers high heat conductivity and is suitable for heat transfer applications.
- It is cheaper than Inconel.
Performance of Inconel and Titanium at High Temperatures
The specific performance of Inconel 718 and titanium Ti-6Al-4V is discussed below.
Inconel 718
Inconel 718 passes through precipitation hardening, which gives its high tensile strength. Hence, even when subjected to high temperatures, Inconel's performance is excellent.
Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V
Ti-6Al-4V has aluminum and vanadium alloyed with titanium. It is a strong and hard material that is easy to work with and performs well when subjected to high temperatures.
Applications of Inconel and Titanium
There are versatile applications of Inconel and titanium, and some of these are discussed below.
Aerospace and Aviation
Inconel:
Inconel is used in aerospace as it offers high resistance against corrosion and excellent strength. The aircraft components, like engine parts and exhaust systems, are made using Inconel.
Titanio:
Titanium is used in the aerospace sector for manufacturing components like landing gear, airframes, and engines. It is suitable here as it offers less weight.
Chemical Processing
Inconel:
Inconel is resistant to corrosion and can stay intact in corrosive chemicals. It is used to manufacture pipes and tanks used for chemical making.
Titanio:
Titanium also offers corrosion resistance, making it suitable for chemical equipment, pipes, and tanks.
Médico
Inconel:
Inconel is used in the medical industry for manufacturing implants; it offers high resistance against corrosion and strength.
Titanio:
Titanium helps manufacture artificial plates, joints, screws, and implants as it offers biocompatibility and resistance against corrosion.
DEK - Your Expert Partner for Inconel or Titanium parts
Manufacturing high-quality Inconel and titanium parts plays an important role in various applications. If you want parts manufactured by Inconel or titanium using highly precise methods, you can contact us at DEK.
We have a team of experienced engineers offering to design and manufacture parts that have tight tolerance and high precision.
Conclusión
As you have read the guide above, you must have understood the differences between Inconel and titanium and where they can be used. Having knowledge about their differences helps make the right selection for projects.
