Titanium
Titanium is an advanced engineering material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it a premium choice in aerospace, defense, and high-performance applications. Titanium sheets are significantly stronger than aluminum while weighing about 45% less than steel, offering excellent mechanical performance without unnecessary weight.
For FTC teams, titanium is an interesting—though niche—option. Its standout features include:
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Titanium is nearly as strong as some steels but much lighter, making it useful when you need durability without adding excessive mass to your robot.
Corrosion Resistance: Titanium naturally resists rust and oxidation, making it ideal for environments with high moisture, exposure to elements, or even chemically corrosive conditions.
Temperature Resistance: Aerospace-grade titanium alloys can withstand extreme heat, which makes them ideal in contexts like high-speed motors or thermal isolation plates (though rare in FTC).
Biocompatibility: Although not relevant to FTC, titanium is used in medical devices for its compatibility with the human body—a testament to its safety and chemical stability.
Long-Term Durability: It doesn’t fatigue or wear down easily, so components made from titanium are built to last over many seasons or repurposings
Cost: Titanium is expensive—significantly more than aluminum or steel. For most FTC teams working with limited budgets, this is a major limiting factor.
Difficult to Machine: Titanium is notoriously tough on tools. It requires specialized equipment and slower cutting speeds, making it less practical for teams without access to advanced fabrication tools like CNC mills or waterjets.
Limited Availability in FTC Scale: It’s less commonly available in standard robotics formats (like extrusion profiles or pre-cut brackets), and sourcing custom titanium parts often takes more time and effort.
Weight Compared to Aluminum: While it’s lighter than steel, titanium is still heavier than aluminum, which is typically a better material when weight savings is the top priority.
Last updated