Titanium Vs. Tungsten Carbide

Titanium and tungsten carbide are both very hard materials that have numerous practical applications. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these materials.

Hardness

While both materials are much harder than other metals, such as gold and silver, tungsten carbide is harder than titanium and is much harder to engrave, according to Titanium Kay, a jewelry company.

Ductile

Titanium is more ductile than tungsten carbide. Titanium will bend under high pressure while tungsten carbide will shatter under high pressure.

Weight

Tungsten carbide is much heavier than titanium. Tungsten carbide weighs over 90 percent more than stainless steel while titanium is 43 percent lighter than stainless steel.

Price

Titanium is typically cheaper than tungsten carbide because tungsten carbide has higher production costs. Tungsten is formed in conditions where temperatures exceed 6,000 degrees F.

Applications

Titanium has applications in the aircraft and aircraft missile production industries because it is a very strong but light material, notes the Los Alamos National Labs. Tungsten carbide is used in many applications, including grinding, machining and polishing.

Health

Unlike titanium, some people can have an allergic reaction while coming in contact with tungsten carbide, according to the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services. Exposure to the cobalt in tungsten carbide can lead to lung problems.

References

• Titanium Kay: Titanium and Tungsten Wedding Rings Comparison
• Los Alamos National Labs: Titanium
• NJ Department of Health & Senior Services: Working With Tungsten Carbide
• Hydro Carbide Inc.: Properties of Tungsten Carbide