The term "Titanium Steel" is not an academic designation but a commercial name. 316L stainless steel (standard grade: 022Cr17Ni12Mo2), containing Cr, Ni, Mo in approximate percentage ratios, demonstrates superior corrosion and acid/alkali resistance compared to regular stainless steels. Notably, "Titanium Steel" contains no titanium - its primary component remains iron. This commercial nomenclature aims to distinguish it from other stainless steels in jewelry applications while enhancing perceived value. Indeed, 316L stainless steel offers both cost efficiency and corrosion resistance advantages over common stainless steels.

Authentic titanium materials fall into two categories: pure titanium and titanium alloys.

Sponge titanium, the initial product from magnesium reduction of titanium tetrachloride, exhibits porous morphology with low strength (approaching 100% Ti content). This precursor material undergoes melting, forging, and rolling processes to form various structural components. Due to titanium's high reactivity with atmospheric oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, absolute purity remains theoretically unattainable.

Industrial pure titanium (Ti content ≥95%) classifies into TA1-TA4 grades based on impurity levels (O, N, H, C, Fe). Higher purity grades (e.g., TA1) demonstrate reduced strength but enhanced ductility. In jewelry manufacturing:

• TA1: Used for low-stress components (belt buckles)

• TA2: Employed in high-stress applications (screws, shafts)

Pure titanium vessels require maximum purity (particularly low hydrogen content) to prevent stress cracking, stretch marks, or surface pitting during forming processes.

Titanium alloys combine Ti with metallic/non-metallic elements (Al, Mo, V, Cr, Fe, Zr, Sn, O, C). The TC4 alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), constituting over 50% of global titanium production and 80% of aerospace applications, contains:

• 90% Ti

• 6% Al

• 4% V

This medical-grade alloy exhibits:

• Enhanced corrosion resistance

• Superior strength-to-weight ratio

• Optimal workability/weldability

• Hypoallergenic properties