Titanium vs Aluminum

Aluminium and titanium are both lightweight, but they trade off very differently on strength, heat and cost.

Weight & Strength

Aluminium (~2.7 g/cm³) is lighter than titanium (~4.5 g/cm³), but titanium is much stronger — so for strength-limited parts titanium can end up lighter.

Temperature

Aluminium loses strength above ~150-200°C; titanium stays strong well above 400-500°C.

Corrosion

Both form protective oxides, but titanium resists seawater, chlorides and many chemicals far better.

Cost

Aluminium is much cheaper and easier to machine. Titanium commands a premium justified by performance.

Rule of Thumb

• Aluminium: cost-sensitive, low-temp, moderate loads
• Titanium: high stress, high temperature, harsh corrosion, weight-critical