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7 Key Types of Titanium Powder Compared: From 3D Printing to Industrial Additives

1. Introduction

In the past 48 hours, aerospace giant Boeing announced a strategic partnership with a leading titanium powder supplier to scale up production of lightweight, high-strength components using additive manufacturing—highlighting the surging demand for advanced titanium powders in next-gen aviation. As industries from medical implants to defense seek stronger, lighter materials, understanding the nuances of titanium powder has never been more critical.

High-purity titanium powder for aerospace additive manufacturing
High-purity titanium powder for aerospace additive manufacturing

Titanium powder isn’t just one thing—it’s a family of materials with wildly different properties, costs, and uses. Whether you’re looking to buy titanium powder for 3D printing or exploring titanium powder uses in coatings and composites, knowing which type fits your needs can save time, money, and performance headaches.

2. Pure Titanium Powder vs. Titanium Alloy Powder

Pure titanium powder (often Grade 1 or 2) offers excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, making it ideal for medical implants and chemical processing equipment. However, it lacks the strength needed for structural aerospace parts.

In contrast, titanium alloy powder—especially ti6al4v powder (also known as ti64 powder)—dominates high-performance sectors. This alpha-beta alloy contains 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, delivering superior strength-to-density ratio, fatigue resistance, and weldability. Over 50% of titanium powder for 3d printing is ti6al4v due to its balance of printability and mechanical performance.

  • Pure titanium powder price typically ranges from $80–$150 per kg, depending on purity and morphology.
  • Ti6al4v powder price averages $120–$250 per kg, influenced by particle size distribution and sphericity.

3. Production Methods: Gas Atomized vs. HDH Titanium Powder

How titanium powder is made drastically affects its performance. Gas atomized titanium powder produces highly spherical particles ideal for smooth powder flow in laser-based 3D printers like SLM or EBM systems. This method yields consistent, low-oxygen-content powder but comes at a premium cost.

Gas atomized titanium powder for 3D printing
Gas atomized titanium powder for 3D printing

Hydride-dehydride (HDH) titanium powder, on the other hand, creates irregular, angular particles that are cheaper but less suitable for high-precision additive manufacturing. HDH powder is often used in powder metallurgy, brazing, or as a precursor for other titanium compounds.

For those seeking titanium powder for sale, gas-atomized spherical titanium powder commands higher titanium powder price per kg but delivers reliability in critical applications like jet engines or orthopedic devices.

4. Specialty Titanium Powders: Beyond Metal

Not all ‘titanium powder’ is metallic. Several ceramic and composite variants serve niche roles:

  • Tio2 powder (titanium dioxide powder), especially tio2 nano powder, is widely used in sunscreens, paints, and photocatalysts—not for structural use but for UV blocking and whitening.
  • Titanium nitride powder and titanium carbide powder offer extreme hardness and thermal stability, common in cutting tools and wear-resistant coatings.
  • Titanium diboride powder (tib2 powder or titanium boride powder) is prized in armor and refractory applications due to its high melting point and electrical conductivity.
  • Titanium flash powder and burnt titanium powder coat are pyrotechnic or surface treatment variants—handled with extreme caution due to reactivity.

Note: Titanium dust and fine nanopowders can be pyrophoric; proper handling protocols are essential.

A tin soldier made of 99.99% pure tin, illustrating high-purity metal forms distinct from pyrophoric titanium powders.
A tin soldier made of 99.99% pure tin, illustrating high-purity metal forms distinct from pyrophoric titanium powders.

5. Titanium Powder for 3D Printing: What You Need to Know

Additive manufacturing has revolutionized titanium use. Titanium powder additive manufacturing requires strict control over particle size (typically 15–45 µm), oxygen content (<1000 ppm), and morphology. Spherical titanium powder ensures uniform layer deposition and dense part formation.

The titanium 3d printing powder market is growing rapidly, with prices fluctuating based on global supply chains. Current titanium powder for 3d printing price averages $150–$300/kg for aerospace-grade ti64. International titanium powder suppliers like AP&C, Sandvik, and VSMPO-AVISMA lead the market.

When you buy titanium powder for AM, verify certifications (AMS, ASTM) and request flowability and Hall funnel data.

6. How Titanium Compares to Molybdenum and Tungsten Powders

While titanium excels in strength-to-weight ratio, molybdenum powder and tungsten powder dominate high-temperature and high-density applications.

Molybdenum metal powder (moly powder) is used in furnace components and electronics, with molybdenum disulfide powder (mos2 powder) serving as a dry lubricant. Molybdenum powder price is generally lower than titanium—around $30–$70/kg—but it’s denser and less corrosion-resistant.

Tungsten powder, especially spherical tungsten powder and tungsten carbide powder, offers unmatched density (19.3 g/cm³) and hardness. Used in radiation shielding, cutting tools, and kinetic penetrators, tungsten powder price per kg ranges from $40 to $120, though fused tungsten carbide powder can exceed $200/kg.

Unlike titanium, neither molybdenum nor tungsten is commonly used in biocompatible implants—but they complement titanium in multi-material systems.

7. Buying Guide: Cost, Suppliers, and Trends

Titanium powder cost varies widely based on form, purity, and volume. Pure titanium powder may start at $80/kg, while ti6al4v powder price can reach $300/kg for certified AM-grade material. Always compare titanium metal powder price quotes from multiple titanium powder suppliers.

Key considerations when you buy titanium powder:

  • Intended use (AM, PM, coating, pyrotechnics)
  • Required particle shape (spherical vs. irregular)
  • Oxygen and impurity limits
  • Certifications and traceability

Global players like Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation focus on tungsten, but specialized vendors such as Carpenter Additive, TLS Technik, and Allegheny Technologies supply high-end titanium alloy powder.

8. Conclusion

From life-saving implants to supersonic jets, titanium powder is a cornerstone of modern advanced manufacturing. Understanding the differences between pure titanium powder, ti64 powder, and specialty compounds like titanium diboride or tio2 nano powder empowers smarter material selection. As additive manufacturing expands, expect innovations in recycling, lower-cost production, and hybrid powders—making now the perfect time to get informed before you buy titanium powder.

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