Titanium » About Titanium

This beautiful soft gray metal could become the next generation of metal used for architectural applications world wide. Much like aluminum in its early stages, only the cost is standing in the way of a wider use  in the building industry. Japan is currently the only country that has made an effort to use this metal in architectural applications. Since 1773 when they introduced titanium for the roof of a small shrine the interest in the unique metal has steadily increased.

Titanium weighs half as much as copper and 60% of the equivalent volume of stainless steel. Titanium is a poor conductor of electricity but a definite advantage is its low rate of thermal expansion which approaches that of glass.

Two mill finishes are produced in the titanium metal. There is a low matte surface and a medium matte finish. Both have a smooth light gray tone unlike that of any other alloy. The low matte finish has the appearance similar to that produced by a very fine bead blasted surface on stainless steel. The natural gray color and matte finish gives the appearance of a graphite surface.

By immersing the titanium in a electrolyte bath, then applying an electrical charge the metal can be colored in what is called the light interference phenomenon. By changing the amount of time the material stays in the electrolyte bath and varying the voltage that is applied to the metal a wide range of colors can be obtained. Through testing and experience the color ranges has been increased with its consistence in the manufacturing process.