304 stainless or gr.5 titanium for hammer face?

[tred25]

Assuming the hammer is striking something hard like stone and the weight of the hammer is the same. Which metal would you pick between 304 stainless and titanium and why?

 

[Dhurjati Sen]

Dear tred25,

Nice question.

I would choose SS 304. Its density is twice that of Ti, so the size of the SS hammer would be half of the Ti one (as they have to be of equal weight).

SS is also cheaper than Ti (maybe half the price)

Compare the mechanical properties like Yield Stress, elongation, etc. you would find SS 304 much superior.

Suggested reading: Hadfield steel

Regards.

DHURJATI SEN
Kolkata, India

 

[EdStainless]

If you need corrosion resistance one step might be a 200 stainless, such as 209 (Nitronic 50).
These alloys will work harden much more than 304.
The ultimate solution would be a Co based material, nothing has a better combination of wear and corrosion resistance.

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P.E. Metallurgy

 

[TugboatEng]

Titanium framing hammers are quite popular.