1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, a major aerospace manufacturer announced a new partnership with an international titanium powder supplier to scale up production of spherical Ti6Al4V powder for jet engine components using additive manufacturing. This move highlights growing demand—and pricing pressure—in the high-performance metal powder market.
If you’re researching how much titanium powder costs or whether to buy pure titanium powder versus an alloy like Ti64 for your 3D printing project, you’re not alone. With prices fluctuating and dozens of powder types available—from gas atomized titanium powder to HDH titanium powder—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
2. Understanding Titanium Powder Variants
Not all titanium powder is created equal. The properties, cost, and best uses vary dramatically based on composition and production method.
- Pure titanium powder: Often used in biomedical implants due to its biocompatibility. Comes in Grades 1–4, with Grade 2 being most common.
- Ti6Al4V powder (also called Ti64 powder): A titanium alloy powder containing 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. Dominates aerospace and medical 3D printing thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio.
- Titanium nitride powder and titanium carbide powder: Hard, wear-resistant ceramics used in coatings and cutting tools—not typically for 3D printing metal parts.
- TiB2 powder (titanium diboride powder) and titanium boride powder: Ultra-hard materials for armor and composites.
- TiH2 powder: A hydrogenated form used in pyrotechnics and as a precursor in powder metallurgy.
3. Production Methods: Gas Atomized vs. HDH
Two dominant methods shape today’s titanium metal powder market: gas atomization and hydride-dehydride (HDH).
Gas atomized titanium powder is spherical, flows well, and is ideal for titanium powder additive manufacturing. It’s more expensive but essential for high-quality 3D printing.
HDH titanium powder is irregularly shaped, cheaper, and often used in traditional powder metallurgy or as feedstock for further processing. It’s less suitable for laser-based 3D printers due to poor flowability.
Spherical titanium powder commands a premium—often 2–3x the price of HDH powder—because of its performance in additive manufacturing systems.
4. Titanium Powder Price Breakdown
So, what’s the real titanium powder price per kg in 2024?
Pure titanium powder typically ranges from $80 to $150/kg, depending on purity and morphology. Ti6Al4V powder price sits between $150 and $300/kg for aerospace-grade spherical powder.
The titanium powder for 3D printing price reflects stringent quality controls: low oxygen content (<1000 ppm), tight particle size distribution (15–45 µm), and high sphericity.
In contrast, titanium dust or irregular HDH powder may cost as little as $50/kg but isn’t suitable for most additive manufacturing applications.
Specialty powders like titanium nanopowder or TiO2 nano powder can exceed $500/kg due to complex synthesis and niche uses in catalysis or cosmetics.
5. Titanium Powder Uses Beyond 3D Printing
While titanium powder for 3D printing grabs headlines, other applications are equally vital.
Titanium dioxide powder (TiO2 powder) is widely used in sunscreens, paints, and food—not to be confused with reactive titanium metal powder.
Titanium flash powder (a mix of titanium and oxidizer) is used in pyrotechnics but is highly flammable and regulated.
Burnt titanium powder coat refers to surface oxidation during processing, which can degrade print quality—hence the need for inert atmospheres in AM.
Titanium coated diamond powder enhances grinding tools, combining hardness with thermal stability.
6. How Titanium Compares to Molybdenum and Tungsten Powders
For context, titanium isn’t the only high-performance metal powder in demand.
Molybdenum powder (moly powder) and molybdenum disulfide powder (MoS2 powder) serve high-temp and lubrication roles. Molybdenum metal powder price hovers around $40–70/kg, significantly lower than titanium.
Tungsten powder—especially spherical tungsten powder—is denser and used in radiation shielding and heavy alloys. Tungsten powder price per kg ranges from $30 to $100, while tungsten carbide powder price per kg can hit $200+.
Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation and other suppliers dominate this space, but titanium remains king in lightweight, corrosion-resistant applications.
7. Where to Buy and What to Watch For
When you buy titanium powder, work with a reputable titanium powder supplier who provides certificates of analysis (CoA) for oxygen, nitrogen, and particle size.
Beware of misleading listings: “titanium powder for sale” might refer to TiO2 (safe, inert) or reactive titanium metal powder (pyrophoric in fine forms). Always confirm the material type.
International titanium powder markets are tightening due to export controls and rising energy costs in production—expect modest price increases through 2024.
8. Conclusion
Whether you’re sourcing titanium powder for 3D printing, exploring Ti64 powder for aerospace prototypes, or comparing titanium metal powder price against alternatives like molybdenum or tungsten, understanding the nuances is critical. From production method to particle shape and alloy composition, every factor impacts performance—and cost. As additive manufacturing grows, so will the sophistication (and segmentation) of the titanium powder market.
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