Titanium has been recognized as an element (Symbol Ti; atomic number 22; and atomic weight 47.9) for at least 200 years. However, commercial production of titanium did not begin until the 1950's. At that time, titanium was recognized for its strategic importance as a unique lightweight, high strength alloyed, structurally efficient metal for critical, high-performance aircraft, such as jet engine and airframe components. The worldwide production of this originally exotic, "Space Age" metal and its alloys has since grown to more than 50 million pounds annually. Increased metal sponge and mill product production capacity and efficiency, improved manufacturing technologies, a vastly expanded market base and demand have dramatically lowered the price of titanium products. Today, titanium alloys are common, readily available engineered metals that compete directly with stainless and specialty steels, copper alloys, nickel-based alloys and composites.

As the ninth most abundant element in the Earth's Crust and fourth most abundant structural metal, the current worldwide supply of feedstock ore for producing titanium metal is virtually unlimited. Significant unused worldwide sponge, melting and processing capacity for titanium can accommodate continued growth into new, high-volume applications. In addition to its attractive high strength-to-density characteristics for aerospace use, titanium's exceptional corrosion resistance derived from its protective oxide film has motivated extensive application in seawater, marine, brine and aggressive industrial chemical service over the past fifty years. Today, titanium and its alloys are extensively used for aerospace, industrial and consumer applications. In addition to aircraft engines and airframes, titanium is also used in the following applications: missiles; spacecraft; chemical and petrochemical production; hydrocarbon production and processing; power generation; desalination; nuclear waste storage; pollution control; ore leaching and metal recovery; offshore, marine deep-sea applications, and Navy ship components; armor plate applications; anodes, automotive components, food and pharmaceutical processing; recreation and sports equipment; medical implants and surgical devices; as well as many other areas.

This booklet presents an overview of commercial titanium alloys offered by RMI Titanium Company. The purpose of this publication is to provide fundamental mechanical and physical property data, incentives for their selection, and basic guidelines for successful fabrication and use. Additional technical information can be found in the sources referenced in the back of this booklet. Further information, assistance, analysis and application support for titanium and its alloys, can be readily obtained by contacting RMI Titanium Company headquartered in Niles, Ohio, USA, or any of its facilities and offices worldwide listed in this booklet.

The information provided on the following pages is intended for reference only. Additional details can be obtained by contacting the Technical staff of RMI Titanium Company through its Sales Department or through the website at www.RMITitanium.com.