1. Introduction
In a major development just 24 hours ago, VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation—the world’s largest titanium producer—announced a strategic partnership with a leading European additive manufacturing firm to scale up production of spherical Ti6Al4V powder for aerospace 3D printing. This move signals growing global demand for high-performance titanium powder and underscores the importance of understanding the nuances between different powder types, grades, and suppliers.
Whether you’re sourcing titanium powder for 3D printing, metallurgy, or coatings, not all powders are created equal. From gas atomized spherical particles to HDH (Hydride-Dehydride) irregular shapes, and from pure titanium powder to complex alloys like ti64 powder, each variant serves distinct purposes. In this guide, we’ll break down the key categories, compare production techniques, analyze pricing trends—including titanium powder price per kg—and even touch on related advanced materials like molybdenum powder and tungsten powder.
2. Types of Titanium Powder and Their Unique Properties
2.1 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, its mechanical strength is limited compared to titanium alloy powder. The most widely used alloy is Ti6Al4V (also called ti64 powder), which contains 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. This alloy delivers superior strength-to-density ratio, heat resistance, and fatigue performance—critical for aerospace and defense applications.
2.2 Specialty Titanium-Based Powders
Beyond metallic forms, several compound powders leverage titanium’s reactivity and hardness:
- Titanium nitride powder: Used in wear-resistant coatings and cutting tools due to its gold-like appearance and extreme hardness.
- Titanium carbide powder: Common in cermets and hardfacing applications.
- Titanium diboride powder (TiB2 powder): Known for high melting point and electrical conductivity; used in cathodes and armor composites.
- TiH2 powder (titanium hydride): A precursor in powder metallurgy and foaming agents.
- TiO2 nano powder: Not a metal, but widely used in sunscreens, paints, and photocatalysis—not to be confused with titanium metal powder.
Note: Titanium flash powder and burnt titanium powder coat are pyrotechnic or surface treatment terms and should not be conflated with industrial-grade titanium powder for manufacturing.
3. Production Methods: How Titanium Powder Is Made
3.1 Gas Atomized Titanium Powder
Gas atomization produces spherical titanium powder by melting titanium feedstock and disintegrating it with high-pressure inert gas (argon or nitrogen). The resulting spherical particles flow exceptionally well—essential for consistent layer deposition in titanium powder additive manufacturing. This method yields high-purity, low-oxygen powder but comes at a premium cost.
3.2 HDH Titanium Powder
The Hydride-Dehydride process involves hydrogenating titanium sponge, milling it into powder, then removing hydrogen under vacuum. HDH powder is angular, less expensive, and suitable for pressing and sintering—but not ideal for 3D printing due to poor flowability. It’s commonly used in traditional powder metallurgy.
4. Pricing and Market Trends
Titanium powder price varies dramatically based on type, purity, morphology, and volume. As of mid-2024:
- Pure titanium powder: $80–$150/kg
- Spherical Ti6Al4V powder for 3D printing: $300–$600/kg
- HDH titanium powder: $50–$100/kg
Factors influencing titanium powder cost include raw material (titanium sponge) availability, energy-intensive processing, and certification requirements (e.g., ASTM F1580 for medical use). When you see listings for ‘titanium powder for sale’ or ‘buy titanium powder,’ always verify oxygen content, particle size distribution (PSD), and supplier credentials.
For context, compare with other refractory metal powders:
- Molybdenum powder price: $40–$90/kg (depending on purity)
- Tungsten powder price per kg: $30–$70/kg
While molybdenum metal powder and tungsten metal powder are denser and used in high-temp applications, they lack titanium’s strength-to-weight advantage.
5. Key Applications Driving Demand
5.1 Titanium Powder for 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing is the fastest-growing segment for titanium powder. Aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus use titanium 3d printing powder to produce lightweight brackets, engine components, and landing gear parts. Medical device makers rely on ti6al4v powder for patient-specific implants. The 3d printing titanium powder price remains high but is gradually decreasing as production scales.
5.2 Industrial and Emerging Uses
Other titanium powder uses include:
- Metal injection molding (MIM)
- Thermal spray coatings
- Pyrotechnics (titanium dust creates bright white sparks)
- Catalyst supports (using TiO2 nano powder)
Meanwhile, niche products like titanium coated diamond powder serve ultra-precision grinding applications.
6. Choosing a Reliable Titanium Powder Supplier
When looking to buy titanium powder, prioritize suppliers with ISO certification, batch traceability, and experience in your target industry. Leading global players include AP&C (now part of GE Additive), Carpenter Additive, and international titanium powder producers like VSMPO and Allegheny Technologies. Always request material test reports (MTRs) covering chemistry, PSD, Hall flow rate, and tap density.
Beware of misleading terms: ‘titanium powder’ may sometimes refer to TiO2 in consumer contexts, but industrial users need titanium metal powder—clarify specifications upfront.
7. Conclusion
Selecting the right titanium powder hinges on your application’s mechanical, thermal, and economic requirements. For high-end additive manufacturing, invest in spherical, gas-atomized ti64 powder despite the higher titanium powder price per kg. For cost-sensitive bulk processes, HDH or pure titanium powder may suffice. And while related materials like molybdenum disulfide powder or tungsten carbide powder serve complementary roles, titanium remains unmatched in lightweight performance. Always partner with a reputable titanium powder supplier to ensure quality, consistency, and value.
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