Difference Between Titanium & Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide and titanium both have become popular for use in men's jewelry in recent years. On first inspection these two metals may seem very similar, but in fact, there are many differences between the two, including the weight, ductility and price of the metals.

Cost
The price of titanium jewelry is generally much lower than the price of tungsten carbide. This is due to the equipment, labor and time required to achieve the desired appearance of tungsten. Another factor that contributes to the higher price of tungsten is the temperature required to melt and form the metal, which is 6000 degrees Fahrenheit. A specialized environment, such as a vacuum, is needed to achieve this temperature.

Ductility
Ductility is the amount a material will deform in response to stress. The ductility of titanium is greater than tungsten carbide. This means that if a titanium ring is subjected to a great stress, such as being run over by a car, it would bend out of its round shape. A ring that is constructed from tungsten carbide would completely shatter.

Allergic Reactions
For most people, titanium will not cause an allergic reaction. Some wearers may suffer an allergic reaction to tungsten carbide that contains the alloy cobalt. Interestingly, nickel, another alloy that utilized in tungsten carbide, does not cause an allergic reaction in people who are otherwise allergic to nickel.

Hardness
Both tungsten carbide and titanium are harder than gold, silver and platinum. This is because the alloys used in both metals offer strength to these metals that under most circumstances are virtually indestructible. If jewelry made from tungsten carbide and titanium were placed under extremely abrasive conditions, such as the cut of a diamond, a tungsten carbide ring would prove stronger than the titanium.

Weight
Titanium is generally lighter than tungsten because it has a lower density. On average, tungsten carbide is 90% heavier than stainless steel, while titanium is around 43% lighter than stainless steel.

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