Titanium and aluminum are the materials of choice for making radiolucent retractor blades. Thompson Surgical has always used aluminum to manufacture our blades because of its strength, lightness, and, most importantly, radiolucent qualities.
Sterilizing procedures and cleansers can cause aluminum to discolor or stain. While this does not affect the retractor blades' function, it does create a perception of inferior quality. Titanium has properties similar to aluminum, being lightweight, strong, and radiolucent, but won't discolor or stain.