Titanium is an important structural metal developed in the 1950s. Titanium alloys have low density, high specific strength, good corrosion resistance, low thermal conductivity, non-toxic and non-magnetic, weldable, good biocompatibility, surface Due to its strong decorative properties, it is widely used in aviation, aerospace, chemical industry, petroleum, electric power, medical care, construction, sporting goods and other fields. Many countries in the world have recognized the importance of titanium alloy materials, have successively conducted research and development on them, and have obtained practical applications.

The application of titanium metal in sporting goods, from the earliest tennis rackets and badminton rackets to the widely used golf heads, handles and racing cars in recent years, has greatly improved people's understanding of titanium.

01 Tennis racket, badminton racket

At present, the application of titanium in tennis rackets mainly involves embedding pure titanium nets into the racket frame. In this way, it not only increases the instant inertia force of the tennis racket when hitting the ball, but also makes it easy to hit the ball out even if the ball does not hit the center of the racket, thereby enhancing the hitting power of the racket.

Titanium alloy is a shape memory alloy with super elastic function. Even if it deforms under load, it will immediately return to its original shape after the external force is removed. Titanium alloy materials are embedded into the left and right sides of the racket handle, which can significantly increase the rebound force when hitting the ball.

For badminton rackets, like tennis rackets, pure titanium for the frame and titanium alloy (Ti-3Al-2.5V) for the long handle were developed and commercialized.

02 Golf clubs and heads

Titanium golf clubs and ball heads are still a major pillar of titanium applications in the civilian field. It seems that every manufacturer in the world has produced golf clubs and ball heads. Titanium has a small specific gravity and high strength, allowing the ball head to be made larger without increasing the total weight of the club. In extensive testing, golfers hit the ball an average of 20% better with titanium heads than with steel heads, and achieved improved hitting distance.

03 Racing Bicycle

Bicycles are driven by human power, so they need to be very light, especially in racing cars that consider race speed. If the weight of the racing car is reduced by 1 gram, one thousandth of a second can be gained. Ordinary bicycles use 36 spokes, but titanium bicycles use 24 spokes, which not only reduces weight, but also reduces wind resistance. The application of titanium and titanium alloys in bicycles starts with parts. Italian companies have used titanium and titanium alloys to manufacture various parts for racing bicycles, including left-hand nuts, left and right pedal shafts, etc.

There are currently nearly 50 companies in the world producing titanium bicycles, and the United States is the largest producer and consumer of titanium bicycles. Now that cycling is widely carried out around the world, titanium bicycles are particularly suitable for the requirements of high-end cycling, so the sales of titanium bicycles are also gradually increasing.

04 Competition cars

Due to its excellent physical and mechanical properties, titanium has been used in racing cars and limited-production sports cars. The application of titanium in the automobile industry can greatly reduce the weight of the car, reduce its fuel consumption, reduce noise, and protect the environment. The characteristics of titanium materials have been well reflected in racing cars.

 Almost all metal parts in automobiles can be made of titanium and titanium alloys, such as bolts, connecting rods, rockers, buffer rear brackets, exhaust pipes, air return pipes, valves, valve springs, brakes, sensing components, etc. In addition, titanium can also be used for surface coating and has been used to improve the surface performance of brake pads, which ensures that the brake pads are lightweight and have a long life. Titanium used in automobiles can extend the service life of valves, springs and connecting rods.

05 Other sporting goods

Mountaineering and skiing equipment are developing in the direction of lightweight and miniaturization. Titanium has the characteristics of light specific gravity, high strength, and no reduction in impact value at low temperatures. As a superior material for mountaineering and skiing equipment, it has been widely used, such as titanium alloy mountaineering sticks, mountaineering shoe sole nails, rock climbing fasteners, and ski poles. , ice skates, etc. Titanium sporting goods also include fencing protective masks, swords, fishing rods, rowing parts, etc.

As the application of titanium in sporting goods gradually increases, people's awareness of the breadth and importance of titanium metal applications is also increasing. However, there is still a lot of work to be done in the promotion and application of titanium. When will titanium become as popular as aluminum and stainless steel? Only when it enters thousands of households will the application prospects of titanium really open up.