1. Casting problems

Liquid titanium is highly reactive with most gases, metals, carbon and refractory materials. In particular, it is extremely avid for oxygen. Casting titanium therefore comes up against two major obstacles:

• the choice of melting method, given the risk of the liquid metal (1,800 to 2,000°C) reacting with the crucible;

• the choice of material for the mold into which the metal is poured.

Furthermore, titanium's reactivity with oxygen means that it must be melted and cast in a vacuum or inert atmosphere (argon).