
In 1791 Cornishman William Gregor began a detailed chemical analysis on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. He unearthed a metal ore previously unknown to science with strange properties.
Titanium – Named after the Titans of Greek mythology because of it’s other-worldly properties. It’s lightweight, tough, non toxic, non magnetic and non corrosive. Half the density of steel but with high tensile strength which makes it perfect for anything where weight and strength are important. This made it a prized material for the aerospace industry in the early and mid 20th Century where it was developed and first alloyed.
Plasma nitriding is a high tech treatment which gives metal parts incredibly hard surfaces. It’s a low pressure process carried out in chamber filled with a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen. A very high voltage is applied between the component and the chamber wall. This generates a purple plasma around the part. On the surface of the part, nitrogen-rich nitrides are formed and decompose, releasing active nitrogen which penetrates the metal surface and forms a hard shell in the top layers of the part. Plasma nitriding allows modification of the surface according to the desired properties. Tailor made layers and hardness profiles can be achieved by adapting the gas mixture.
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