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Titanium for galvanising jigs

January 18, 2011

We distribute non-ferrous metals.
We have been asked about the suitability of titanium for galvanising jigs, which is probably because the cost of alloy 556 has increased so much.

Is there experience with using titanium for galvanising jigs, and if so, are we right in thinking the higher strength Ti-6Al-4V is better to use than commercial purity, say Grade 2?

Alex Gouch
Metal distributor - Wetherill Park, NSW, Australia

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Sir,

I once thought to make a galvanizing kettle from titanium. The first test kettle was 6 inches cube. I took it to a galvanizing plant and poured liquid zinc into it. Much to my surprise the zinc did not stick to the titanium.

Next I used a long piece of titanium to stir molten zinc heated by a gas burner in a ceramic cup. Much to my surprise the end of the titanium alloyed into the molten zinc and gave the zinc many different very dark colors.

Some research has been done indicating that titanium and some other elements may limit the reactivity of some reactive steels. The costs and getting these elements alloyed are some of the problems.

Regards,

Dr. Thomas H. Cook
Galvanizing Consultant - Hot Springs, South Dakota, USA
March 21, 2011

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March 22, 2011

Using Ti hooks for work suspension is used quite commonly in this country, but mainly where the same type of work is being done all the time - i.e., more in-house galvanizing than jobbing.
Apparently quite successful, though I have no personal experience with it.

Geoff Crowley
Crithwood Ltd.
Westfield, Scotland, UK