Letter 20051 Titanium watch finishing porosity, etc. [Canada]   +++ Dear group, Over the past few years, a lot of titanium watches have been introduced on the market, ranging from Swiss to Japanese manufacturers. Although many of its merits have been hailed as being superior to stainless steel cases and bracelets, I have noticed some disturbing oddities about the titanium watch cases. In the early years of its introduction, (I'm guessing mid to late 1980's to early 1990's) it seemed as if the titanium used was softer than what is currently on the market, I am also guessing it was used in its purer form. Bracelet links used to bend faster and sometimes showed signs of fissure at stress points. I understand there has been an improvement by certain mfgrs in the coating and hardening of the titanium watch surface, the details of which I am not aware of in detail as I am not into production, but rather in their repair and restoration. My questions are twofold. 1. Why are almost all titanium watches offered in a frosty (or matte) finish? 2. What is the surface porosity of titanium watches? Especially when compared to stainless steel. Depending on the outcome of the second question, I shall be in a better position to ask a third question. Thank you kindly for your time and assistance. I hope to return the favor. Best regards, Manuel Jean - Montreal, Quebec, Canada +++ Good question. I have a partial answer. First of all, I am not familiar with the question in relationship to titanium watches. I have tried to surface finish titanium for a couple of applications and all of which were not too susseccful. The porosity of this metal is great, well over 35 RMS, or at least to samples I got from other sources to process. The quickest way to get a smooth finish was via an abrasive wheel system. Because of this processing time and/or labor, it seems that most processing is done with abrasive blast methods.

AF Kenton Nova Finishing Systems Inc. Huntingdon Valley, PA

Timing and/or labor of titanium polishing can be replaced by quick titanium electropolishing. (however surface must be mechanically prepared to the roughness of 1-2 micron)For most of the alloys (grade 1-4 and single-phase alloy) the surface will be perfect mirror reflection. Two-phase alloy produces bright surface also, however under the sun light you will see the grain structure. Our method uses electrolyte based on salts dissolved in water.

Anna Berkovich Russamer Lab Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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