Both aluminium and titanium wheelchairs are quite popular and have their own set of loyal fans. Despite being equally loved, there are quite a few noticeable differences between the two. In this article, we’ll try to learn what these differences are.
Durability and Strength
Compared to aluminium, titanium is a stronger material. However, there are a few drawbacks to that strength. Due to the robustness of the material, it takes expert workmanship and expensive machinery to make valuable items, such as a wheelchair, out of titanium. This leads to increased product costs and also higher repair costs. On the positive side, the strength lends the material scratch and scrape protection, helping it look new for years together.
Aluminium, if built right, could be on par with titanium on the rigidity front. A non-round extension is quite popular since it lends aluminium significant strength sans cost increase. The softness of aluminium makes it easier to repair. And even if the aluminium is likelier to scrape and scratch, it can be easily concealed with paint.
Weight
Due to increased strength, titanium is heftier than aluminium. However, titanium’s weight can be easily brought down if manufacturers choose to use very little of it. Certainly, it is imperative to note that the chair’s structure still has a major role to play in the weight of the chair. Well-built box-frame aluminium wheel chairs could weigh less compared to titanium wheelchairs. People who have the tendency to accessorize their wheelchairs and add additional weight to them would probably not be able to decipher the weight difference between the different material chairs.
Ride Quality
Fit and structure would always be the most crucial factors that determine ride quality. One cannot truly explain the satisfaction derived from a chair that’s built to exact specifications, irrespective of the material used. Titanium is flexible inherently and can take in vibrations with much more ease compared to aluminium wheel chairs. That said, an aluminium wheelchair that performs similarly can also be easily located.
It’s not all about price. A titanium wheelchair is ideal for people who require lifelong appeal and durability. An aluminium wheelchair is the ideal package for people who would like their wheelchair-related modifications and repairs to not be much of a hassle.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a good chair or ride is not about expensive materials. You should also look into customer service and engineering quality. A company known for serving its customers well would never come up with a sub-par wheelchair, irrespective of the material it uses. Always, look for the wheelchair you truly need and try it out before purchase.
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