Titanium vs NiAlBr
I am delighted that this thread has generated some interest, and thanks for the replies. I havenīt looked at Titanium because of the difficulty I had trying to source Nitronic 50. I feel that in the US it is much easier to source "exotic" materials, whereas in Europe it is either difficult or expensive - or both.
I was surprised to find NiAlBr, forged not cast, at such a reasonable price. Replacement chainplates in 316L would have cost approx $40 each, and I shall be paying approx double for NiAlBr. The only quote I could find for Nitronic 50 was approx $300 each - although to be fair about 1/3 of the price was for machining the available bar stock down to size.
I think that overall strength in chainplates is not an issue. The breaking strength of chainplates is generally 3 to 4 times that of the wire rigging attached - on my boat about 19 tons/7 tons. But corrosion really is an issue, and I am surprised that it doesnīt receive more attention on forums. The real problem with stainless is that SCC results in catastrophic failure (although tell when a chainplate failure isnīt catastrophic). ;-)
But I shall certainly go back to my supplier and ask what Titanium would have cost. Too late to change this time, but useful experience.
Thanks again for the replies.
Yours aye,
Bill Attwood
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