# Which Bolts Are Better, Titanium Or Steel?

**Summary**

**Comparing titanium to steel is the best way to determine which metal will fit ideally in your project. Make sure to check all parameters and choose the correct metal.**

Titanium and steel are the first materials that come to a person's mind when thinking of durability and strength. These two metals have a variety of alloys that are used for different applications. You may be unable to distinguish between titanium and steel unless you study their chemical and structural properties. If you are wondering what makes these different, then you are in the correct place. This blog will explore the distinguishing features of titanium and steel based on physical, mechanical and working properties.

**Density**

Density determines the weight of each metal. Titanium is light in comparison to steel, weighing almost half of steel. This quality makes titanium suitable for devices that require strength but need to be lightweight, for example, in the aerospace industry or for **[Audi Titanium Bolts](https://www.exoticcargear.com/product-category/titanium-wheel-bolts/)**. On the contrary, steel is beneficial for vehicle chassis.

**Elasticity**

The elasticity of a material defines its flexibility. This measure is generally called the Youngs modulus and helps in contemplating the reaction of a material to impact, whether the material bends, breaks or regains its original shape.

With this respect, titanium is not as elastic as steel which means it bends and deforms under pressure. This quality also makes it difficult to machine titanium.

**Tensile Strength**

For tensile strength, steel is more robust than other metals. This feature makes the steel more popular than titanium. However, titanium is more durable and lightweight than steel, which makes it per unit mass stronger than steel.

For applications where overall strength is required, the best choice is steel. Many of its alloys have higher yield strength than other metals. Steel should be your ideal metal for overall strength. Alternatively, if the project demands strength per unit mass, titanium should be your first preference, for instance, **[Porsche Titanium Bolts](https://www.exoticcargear.com/product/porsche-titanium-wheel-bolts-black-finish/)**.

**Elongation at Break**

This measures how much a material can stretch before breaking. A higher elongation at break signifies that the matter stretches more before finally giving up and breaking. If a metal has a high elongation at break, it is more malleable. Titanium is ductile and stretches nearly half its length before breaking.

This feature makes the metal hard to machine. On the other hand, steel has many alloys with low elongation at break, making it hard and brittle.

**Hardness**

Hardness is a relative value that refers to a material's response to scratching, itching, denting and other impacts applied on the surface. The hardness of a material is measured with an indented machine. Titanium is hard, but not more than steel.

It does not mean that titanium deforms quickly. Titanium creates a dioxide layer, which safeguards the metal from scratches. Steel is sturdy and is not susceptible to scratches, which makes it suitable for applications exposed to rough conditions.