Outlook for Titanium

Abstract

TITANIUM HAS BEEN frequently referred to as the metal, and in a number of respects it amply justifies this connotation. However, there is one wonder not usually embraced in this reference, and that is the of how the metallurgists and chemical engineers have gotten so far in such a short period of time with such a vigorously active metal as titanium. Although titanium exists in teasing abundance at our very doorsteps and, as you know, is capable of possessing very desirable mechanical and physical properties, it nevertheless has chemical affinities that make its recovery as a pure metal practically an achievement of the first order. This feat however has been accomplished to a great extent, and to the scientist the problems encountered have been challenging and interesting, and the answer to date is at least moderately satisfactory. You, however, have asked me to address you on the subject of the present and probable future status of titanium and the business potential accruing from it to the several industries related to this metal. Although I am far from being an expert in this field of estimating business potential, I recently have had occasion to read a number of pamphlets that have been issued by men in your group, and have thus learned how you generally appraise a situation of this sort. As I have been very close to the development of several of the processes, one of which promises to be a major outlet of titanium sponge, I am quite familiar with the general technology involved. I would, therefore, like to discuss titanium from a standpoint of a research technologist, and possibly clarify some points that may have been uncertain or complex in the past, and indicate what the future offers for this metal. Primarily, you are concerned about the apparently low production levels as compared with projected use levels. Now let us see what the present situation is. Some years ago it was forecast, or at least scheduled by Government agencies, that, as of 1955, sponge-making facilities would have been set up to produce 25,000 tons per year. This has been raised to 37,500 for 1956. Actually, there are now set up, either operating or under positive contract, sponge-making facilities for 22,500 tons per year. These facilities produced 7,500 tons in 1954, the disparity being due to the incompleted state of most of the new facilities. In order to firm up this point, the following figures give the anticipated production of sponge with these facilities. There is little reason now for doubting that this objective will be achieved.