The refinement of Titanium is much more time and laber intensive than other metals.The main production areas of Titanium Ore are considered to be in China, Russia and Australia.Titanium refinement requires high skill and only few countries specialize in it.Generally, refinement flow is as follows

1. Low specific gravity : 4.51(Pure Titanium) *about 60% of Steel
2. High melting point : mp1668℃
3. Low thermal expansion coefficient : about 50% of Stainless Steel
4. Low thermal conductivity : same as Stainless Steel
5. High electric resistance (electric conductivity : about 3% of Copper)
6. Low Young's modulus : 10,800kgf/mm2 (Pure Titanium)

The corrision resistance of Titanium is sustained by the cover of its surface.This cover is stable and even if when it is broken under oxygenating circumstances,it is immediately recovered.Therefore, its corrision resistance is superior to inorganic acid, chloride, inorganic compound,gas, alkali, etc.However, it is sensitive to certain kinds of chemicals.When we use Titanium, considering the conditions for use are vital.Therefore, the appropreateness must be properly gaged.

There are several kind of specifications for "Pure Titanium" like JIS(I), JIS(II), JIS(III), JIS(IV).The softest grade is JIS(I). The Titanium become harder as their specification number increases.Furthermore, JIS(I) has the highest purity of Titanium. The bigger the number, the lower the purity.JIS(60)(64 alloy) is very hard, but difficult to cut, shave or process. Thus, relatively, it causes a high material waste rate.
To solve such problems, Beta-Alloy (ex. Beta15-3-3-3) has been developed.Not only is it almost as hard as 64-alloy but it is superior when it is processed under cold-working conditions.

Many users are interested in the level of Hardness of Titanium.Titanium is superior in the level of specific strength but relatively speaking, the material itself is not so hard.
Hardness data (only for reference)
〇JIS(�T)110HV 〇JIS(�U)110-155HV 〇JIS(64) *64-Alloy 280 or more

Generally, Titanium is considered to be hard, so that it is difficult to sharpen.Sometimes it causes broken edges and blades, or wear and tear in manufacturing tools.Also, Titanium is chemically active, and its waste products may ignite easily during processing.These phenomena often give a misleading impression about the hardness,when in fact, Titanium is not as hard as steel.
It's thought that the cause of these problems lie in the making process, not in the cutting resistance.Furthermore, because of Titanium's low conductivity, the cutting tools heat, and hence, result in worn tools.
In order to avoid those problems, we strongly recommend you to choose high quality cutting tools and oils,and cut at a low speed.