The production of titanium plate

　　Titanium plates are blocks of pure form titanium metal that are thicker than 0.25 inches and are prepared to be used in secondary fabrication processes. While titanium and titanium alloy manufacturers can use either titanium sheeting or titanium plates in their operation processes, titanium plates are typically used for larger quantities and products.

　   Titanium plates are made from ore which has already been fabricated and reduced from its natural mineral depository form. As titanium does not occur in its pure form in nature, the primary fabrication process is difficult and can be costly. Mineral deposits containing titanium are first refined to titanium tetrachloride and then reduced with magnesium. A highly porous bulk, or “sponge”, is produced from this which is then melted into titanium plates, ready for secondary fabrication. In addition to plates, titanium is also melted into billets, strips, bars, wire and tubing in order to be shipped or transported to manufacturing facilities.