where has all the ti gone?

[Climb01742]

i was told that some smaller builders are having trouble getting ti tubes lately. apparently some builders get their ti from some of the same folks who supply the military with ti, and the military needs lots of ti these days. anyone know where most of the frame building ti comes from? is reynolds mostly a supplier of "consumer/commercial" ti vs. military ti? is there a difference between military grade ti and bike grade? thanks for the education in advance. ;)

[jpw]

Yes, there are different grades of ti. Most quality bicycle frame makers use grade 9, which i believe is the highest grade within that particular grading range. See www.titanium.org for some more info. There may be higher technical spec. requirements within military applications depending on the application. I'm sure there is ultrasound inspection for some critical areas of usage, and not just in the military sphere. Think about civil nuclear power stations in this regard. I can't recall if grade 9 includes ultrasound inspection. I somehow doubt it, but i'm willing to be surprised on this aspect. It would be the icing on the cyclists cake.

[BumbleBeeDave]

" . . . long time paa-aassing . . . "

Wasn't that a Bob Dylan song? Or was it Peter, Paul, and Mary?

BBDave

[Kevan]

Ti-die here?

[Climb01742]

kevan, you're now officially everyone's thorn... ;)

[Kevan]

Gee, more accolades.

[Sandy]

LadderMan,

Make it Everyone's Field of Rose Bushes!

SSS

[Needs Help]

According to Seven's Technical Supplement, high grade titanium tubing is tested ultrasonically at a certain stage during the manufacturing process, and then again after it is completed.

[jpw]

My cake has been iced. :D

[victoryfactory]

" . . . long time paa-aassing . . . "

Wasn't that a Bob Dylan song? Or was it Peter, Paul, and Mary?

BBDave

"seven bought them, every one"

Pete Seeger, {after a Tolstoy quote, I think}
wrong, inspired by a Ukranian folk song, I'm told

VF