Titanium

Abstract

Potentialities of titanium and its alloys are steadily being realized. With the exception of atomic energy, there is perhaps no other industry engaged in the volume of simultaneous research, development, and production that is carried out by producers, government, users, and potential users. The word titanium has become as common as steel, although the quantities of each produced cannot be compared on any basis.

That any additional information on the production or uses of titanium is eagerly awaited was evidenced by the attendance at the Titanium Symposium held at the Institute of Metals Div. Fall Meeting in Philadelphia in October 1952. While originally presented as an off-the-record session, JOURNAL OF METALS has obtained the release of most of the papers presented, and these papers follow in this issue.

Those who attended the Symposium were fortunate in being able to hear M. A. Hunter recount his early experiences in producing pure titanium. We have reproduced his paper faithfully, not only for its historical significance, but in an attempt to retain some insight into a man who has contributed much to the profession of metallurgy and metallurgical engineering.

Significantly included are the aims and accomplishments of the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and current work being done by titanium producers and users.

We wish to thank all who contributed to this issue, for helping to spread the technical information throughout industry.