Titanium
Mad Science Forge utilizes many unusual titanium alloys for blades and other items, some more exotic and rare than others. Only certain “hardenable” alloys are suitable for a Mecha blade, be it a sword or small knife. By chemical description, here are some of the alloys Mecha has mastered.
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Ti 10Nb
Known as Ti 6-22-22S, or Ti-6-2-2-2-2, this alloy was smelted for use in the F-22 Raptor fighter jet’s construction, the airframe of which is largely made of titanium alloys. This potent variant, very rare to have in private hands, makes an exceptionally wicked Mecha blade. Made circa the 1990s and early 2000s, the stock at Mad Science Forge is being reserved for extra-special blades.
Ti 3AL 2.5V 1.5Fe
Allegheny Technologies Incorporated ATI-425 (ASTM grade 38) titanium alloy was originally formulated for use as armor plate for tanks and other hardened vehicles. This relatively impure alloy’s 1.5% Iron content, along with Vanadium and Aluminum, allows for a “deep hardening” effect, a rare trait in any titanium. Developed and made circa the late 1990s, this alloy forges nicely and makes a great long blade or knife.
Ti 8Mn
An early titanium alloy made for use on nuclear submarine systems, among other tasks. Blended only with Manganese at 8%, this very unusual alloy behaves like no other. Unlike normal titanium, this super sensitive formula is a fairly good conductor of heat, hardens in air during heat treatment, and becomes very brittle when overheated. Made circa the 1960s, as a knife blade it can hold an fine, extremely sharp edge.
Ti 6Al 2Sn 4Zr 2Mo
Made for use as jet engine blades and other components, this titanium alloy is extremely resistant to heat damage and grain growth. After applying a somewhat unusual heat treatment protocol for this tough alloy, it makes a fantastic long blade. Emerging circa the 1970s, unlike most alloys used at Mad Science Forge which are relics no longer smelted, this alloy is still in use today.
Ti 5Al 4.5V 2Mo 1Cr .75Fe
Known as VT23 (or BT23), this alloy was developed by Russia during Soviet times as an all-purpose titanium for a variety of military uses, and was even used as ballistic armor plate. A rich and complex alloy, VT23 is a workhorse at Mad Science Forge and probably the overall best for any blade type, from little knives to machetes and large swords. Originating circa the 1970s, heat treatment of this alloy is highly predictable and virtually foolproof, a valuable trait when working with sensitive and reactive titanium.
Ti 5Al 5Mo 5V 1Cr 1Fe
An ultra high strength titanium alloy that was made exclusively for Russian military industrial complex uses, known as VT22 (or BT22). Rarely seen outside of Russia, this is the strongest, toughest, most abrasion-resistant and difficult titanium sword alloy Mecha has ever worked with so far. Made circa the 1970s, VT22 is a prime example of an extreme titanium alloy the likes of which were only made during the Space Race era.
Ti 4.5Al 3V 2Mo 2Fe
Golf club
Ti 13v 11Cr 3Al
NASA/SR-71 space race
Ti 15V 3Cr 3Al 3Sn
Aerospace
Ti 6Al 4V
Workhorse all-purpose titanium alloy
Ti 5.5Al 3.5Sn 3Zr 1Nb .25Mo .3Si
ATI-829 gas turbine/aerospace
Ti 10V 2Fe 3Al
Jet leaf spring
The first alloy used to develop forged, hardened titanium swords, and Mecha’s personal favorite. This extremely high quality square bar stock is a one-off alloy, origin and purpose unknown, but was acquired from the Boeing-Sikorsky helicopter concern in Pennsylvania. Made circa the 1980s, its single alloying element of Niobium at 10% produces very vivid oxide colors and a potent heat treatment effect to make a beautiful, tough sword blade.
Ti 6AL 2Sn 2Zr 2Mo 2Cr