What is the Difference Between Cobalt and Titanium?

Cobalt and titanium are both strong and lightweight metals, but they have some differences in their properties and applications. Here are the main differences between cobalt and titanium:

1. Hardness: Both metals have a similar hardness, but cobalt is slightly harder than titanium. This allows cobalt to have a higher polish applied, resulting in a brighter sheen compared to titanium.
2. Composition: Titanium drill bits are made of steel and coated with titanium nitride or carbonitride, while cobalt drill bits are made from a mixture of cobalt and steel alloys and are non-coated.
3. Heat Resistance: Titanium drill bits are less heat resistant compared to cobalt drill bits. Titanium bits lose their coating over time, which reduces their heat resistance.
4. Compatible Materials: Titanium drill bits are effective for soft materials like wood, soft metals, and plastics, while cobalt drill bits work well with hard materials like cast iron or other metals.
5. Sharpening: Titanium bits have a coating of titanium nitride, so sharpening them risks losing the bit coating and reducing their lifespan. Cobalt bits have no coating, so there is no risk of surface stripping while sharpening.
6. Cost: Cobalt drill bits are generally more expensive than titanium drill bits.

In summary, cobalt and titanium are both durable metals with different properties and applications. Cobalt is slightly harder and more heat resistant than titanium, making it suitable for cutting through tougher materials. Titanium, on the other hand, is more effective for softer materials and is more affordable than cobalt.

Comparative Table: Cobalt vs Titanium

Here is a table comparing the differences between cobalt and titanium:

Cobalt and titanium are both transition metals in the d-block of the periodic table, but they have distinct differences in their appearance, magnetic properties, composition, and strength.