1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced new export controls on high-purity titanium metal powder used in defense-related additive manufacturing, citing national security concerns. This move has sent ripples through the global supply chain, pushing buyers to reassess sources, specifications, and alternatives like molybdenum or tungsten powders for certain high-temp applications.
Titanium powder—often called ti powder—is far from a one-size-fits-all material. Depending on its composition, shape, and purity, it can be used to 3D-print jet engine parts, create wear-resistant coatings, or even fuel pyrotechnic effects. In this deep dive, we’ll compare the most critical types of titanium powder, unpack their uses, and break down real-world pricing—from titanium powder price per kg to niche variants like titanium flash powder.
2. Pure Titanium Powder vs. Titanium Alloy Powder
2.1. Pure Titanium Powder
Pure titanium powder (Grade 1 or 2) is prized for its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. It’s commonly used in medical implants and chemical processing equipment. Most pure titanium powder is produced via the HDH (Hydride-Dehydride) process, resulting in irregularly shaped particles ideal for pressing and sintering—but less so for 3D printing.
For additive manufacturing, spherical titanium powder made through gas atomization is preferred due to better flowability. However, this form significantly increases cost. Expect titanium metal powder price for spherical, gas-atomized Grade 2 to range from $150–$300 per kg, depending on purity and supplier.
2.2. Titanium Alloy Powder (Ti6Al4V / Ti64)
Ti6Al4V powder—also known as ti64 powder—is the workhorse of aerospace and medical 3D printing. This alpha-beta alloy offers high strength-to-density ratio, excellent fatigue resistance, and weldability. Over 50% of titanium powder for 3d printing is Ti6Al4V.
Gas-atomized Ti6Al4V powder dominates the market for laser powder bed fusion. Current ti6al4v powder price hovers between $200–$400/kg, though bulk orders from a trusted titanium powder supplier can reduce this. Note: 3d printing titanium powder price is highly sensitive to oxygen content—lower O2 means higher cost.
3. Specialty Titanium-Based Powders
3.1. Titanium Nitride and Carbide Powders
Titanium nitride powder (TiN) and titanium carbide powder (TiC) aren’t used for structural 3D printing but serve as hard coatings or additives in cutting tools. TiN gives that gold-like finish to drill bits, while TiC enhances wear resistance in cermets.
These ceramic powders are synthesized at high temperatures and cost significantly less than metal powders—typically $50–$120/kg—but their applications are highly specialized.
3.2. Titanium Diboride (TiB2) and Boride Powders
Titanium diboride powder (also called titanium boride powder) is an ultra-hard ceramic with high thermal conductivity. It’s used in armor, crucibles, and aluminum smelting electrodes. TiB2 powder price ranges from $80–$200/kg, depending on particle size and purity.
Unlike ductile titanium metal powder, TiB2 is brittle and not suitable for additive manufacturing of load-bearing parts—but it’s invaluable in composite reinforcement.
4. Niche and Hazardous Forms
4.1. Titanium Flash Powder and Dust
Titanium flash powder—a mix of fine titanium dust and an oxidizer like potassium perchlorate—is used in pyrotechnics for bright white sparks. However, titanium powder is pyrophoric in fine form: it can ignite spontaneously in air, especially below 10 microns.
Handling titanium dust requires strict inert-atmosphere protocols. Never confuse industrial-grade titanium powder for sale with pyrotechnic blends—safety risks are extreme.
4.2. TiH2 Powder and Burnt Coatings
Titanium hydride (TiH2) powder is a precursor in powder metallurgy and foaming agents for metal matrices. When heated, it releases hydrogen, aiding pore formation. Meanwhile, ‘burnt titanium powder coat’ isn’t a standard term—it likely refers to oxidized surface layers from improper sintering, which degrade mechanical properties.
5. Titanium vs. Molybdenum and Tungsten Powders
While titanium powder excels in lightweight, corrosion-resistant applications, engineers sometimes consider molybdenum powder or tungsten powder for extreme-temperature environments (>1,000°C).
Molybdenum metal powder (moly powder) is used in furnace parts and aerospace alloys. Molybdenum disulfide powder (MoS2 powder) serves as a dry lubricant—moly disulfide powder uses include space mechanisms where oils fail. MoS2 powder price is around $30–$80/kg.
Tungsten powder, with the highest density among common metal powders (~19.3 g/cm³), is ideal for radiation shielding and kinetic penetrators. Tungsten carbide powder price per kg can exceed $50 for fine grades. Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation is a major player in this space.
However, neither moly nor tungsten matches titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio—so substitution isn’t straightforward. Titanium 3d printing powder remains unmatched for lightweight structural parts.
6. Sourcing and Pricing Realities
When you buy titanium powder, verify: particle size distribution, oxygen content, morphology (spherical vs. angular), and whether it’s gas atomized or HDH. Reputable titanium powder suppliers often provide certificates of analysis.
Current titanium powder cost varies wildly: pure HDH powder may be $80/kg, while aerospace-grade spherical Ti6Al4V can hit $400/kg. TiO2 nano powder (titanium dioxide) is unrelated—it’s a white pigment used in sunscreens and paints, not metal fabrication.
Beware of misleading listings: ‘titanium coated diamond powder’ or ‘titanium nanopowder’ serve entirely different markets (abrasives and catalysis, respectively). Always confirm if you’re buying titanium metal powder—not TiO2 powder.
7. Conclusion
From life-saving implants to dazzling pyrotechnics, titanium powder’s versatility is unmatched—but only if you select the right type. Whether you need ti6al4v powder for 3d printing, tib2 powder for ceramics, or are comparing titanium powder price per kg against molybdenum or tungsten alternatives, understanding composition and processing is key. As export regulations tighten and additive manufacturing grows, knowing your powder could mean the difference between innovation and inventory waste.
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