1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced new export controls on high-purity titanium powder due to its critical role in defense and aerospace additive manufacturing—a move that sent ripples through global supply chains. This highlights how strategically vital titanium powder has become in cutting-edge industries.
Titanium powder—often referred to simply as ti powder—is far more than just ground-up metal. It’s a high-performance material enabling innovations from lightweight jet engines to custom medical implants. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about titanium powder: how it’s made, what it’s used for, current pricing, and how it compares to other advanced metal powders like molybdenum and tungsten.
2. What Is Titanium Powder?
Titanium powder is a fine particulate form of titanium metal or its alloys. Unlike bulk titanium, which is dense and hard to machine, titanium powder offers versatility in manufacturing—especially in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
Common forms include pure titanium powder, titanium alloy powder (like ti6al4v powder, also known as ti64 powder), and specialty variants such as titanium nitride powder, titanium carbide powder, and tib2 powder (titanium diboride powder). Note that tio2 powder (titanium dioxide) is chemically different—it’s an oxide used in paints, sunscreens, and food—not a metal powder.
3. How Is Titanium Powder Made?
3.1 Gas Atomization
Gas atomized titanium powder is produced by melting titanium under vacuum or inert gas and then spraying it with high-pressure argon or nitrogen. This creates spherical particles ideal for 3D printing due to excellent flowability and packing density.
3.2 HDH Process
The hydride-dehydride (HDH) method involves hydrogenating titanium sponge to make it brittle, crushing it into powder, then removing the hydrogen. HDH titanium powder is angular and less expensive but less suitable for high-end additive manufacturing.
Other niche types include tih2 powder (titanium hydride), used in pyrotechnics and as a foaming agent, and titanium flash powder—highly reactive and used in special effects (not for industrial use).
4. Key Applications of Titanium Powder
4.1 Additive Manufacturing
Titanium powder for 3d printing is one of the fastest-growing segments. Spherical titanium powder, especially ti6al4v powder, dominates aerospace and medical implant production. The demand has pushed titanium powder additive manufacturing to new heights, with companies racing to optimize build quality and reduce waste.
4.2 Industrial & Chemical Uses
Beyond 3D printing, titanium metal powder is used in welding rods, pyrotechnics, and as a catalyst support. Titanium boride powder and titanium diboride powder serve in wear-resistant coatings and composites.
Note: Titanium dust can be flammable—proper handling is essential. Burnt titanium powder coat residues require specialized cleaning due to oxidation.
5. Pricing and Market Trends
Titanium powder price varies widely based on purity, particle size, and morphology. As of mid-2024, titanium powder price per kg ranges from $80–$300+.
- Pure titanium powder: ~$80–$150/kg
- Spherical ti6al4v powder for 3d printing: ~$200–$400/kg
- Titanium nanopowder or tio2 nano powder: significantly higher due to processing complexity
Factors affecting titanium powder cost include raw material (titanium sponge) availability, production method (gas atomized vs. HDH), and certification requirements (e.g., ASTM standards for medical use).
When you see ‘titanium powder for 3d printing price’ quoted online, always verify if it includes testing certificates and particle size distribution data.
6. Where to Buy Titanium Powder
Reputable titanium powder suppliers include international titanium powder producers like VSMPO-AVISMA, Carpenter Technology, and AP&C (a GE Additive company). When you buy titanium powder, ensure it matches your application—e.g., spherical for AM, HDH for pressing.
Many vendors list ‘titanium powder for sale’ with options for small R&D batches or bulk industrial orders. Always request a certificate of analysis (CoA) to confirm composition and oxygen content.
7. Related Advanced Metal Powders
While titanium powder grabs headlines, other refractory metal powders are equally critical:
- Molybdenum powder (moly powder): Used in high-temp furnaces and electronics. Molybdenum disulfide powder (mos2 powder) is a dry lubricant; molybdenum carbide and tzm powder serve in tooling.
- Tungsten powder (wolfram powder): Extremely dense (19.25 g/cm³), used in radiation shielding and filaments. Spherical tungsten powder and tungsten carbide powder are staples in wear parts and thermal spray coatings.
Global tungsten & powders corporation and similar firms supply high density tungsten powder and fused tungsten carbide powder globally. Prices for tungsten powder per kg hover around $30–$70, while tungsten carbide powder price per kg can exceed $100.
These materials often complement titanium in hybrid systems—e.g., tungsten sharpening powder for titanium tool maintenance.
8. Safety and Handling Notes
Titanium powder is not water-reactive but can ignite in air if finely divided—especially below 45 microns. Store in inert atmospheres. Never confuse titanium metal powder with tio2 powder, which is generally safe but regulated in food and cosmetics.
Avoid inhaling titanium dust or tungsten carbide dust—use proper PPE and ventilation.
9. Conclusion
Titanium powder is a cornerstone of modern advanced manufacturing, especially in aerospace, medical tech, and defense. With evolving production techniques and rising demand for titanium 3d printing powder, understanding its types, costs, and suppliers is crucial for engineers, researchers, and procurement specialists. Whether you’re evaluating ti powder price or comparing it to molybdenum or tungsten alternatives, quality and application fit should always guide your decision.
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