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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Plating Titanium

February 15, 2008

We recently started to manufacture jewelry and eyewear from beta titanium (titanium mixed with nickel alloy) and wanted to know what type of coating or plating can be used to protect it from discoloring within time.

I have heard that titanium tends to discolor from air if not protected with some type of coating or plating. Since these are expensive hi-end products we would like to use the best that's out there.

Thank you,

Garen O.
- Burbank, California

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February 19, 2008

We had made titanium spinal implants for years, and never saw a discolouration on bare titanium.
However, we did have most of our production parts anodized at a company that seemed to have a lock on the process, although I'm sure there are other companies that can do it, too.
Very nice selection of colours, too, and very consistent colours and coverage.

Greg Hyman
- Xenia, Ohio, USA

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We do not experience any discoloration, and companies where we have installed titanium color anodizing process, are very happy. Any small shop can have their titanium coloring done inhouse. No special skills are required. Contact us for inquiries.

Beta-titanium require different surface preparation before anodizing in order to obtain steady bright colors.

See color table for reference.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

February 20, 2008