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Titanium Powder: A Complete Guide to Types, Uses, Pricing, and Suppliers

1. Introduction

In the past 48 hours, additive manufacturing leaders like EOS and GE Additive have announced expanded use of spherical titanium powder in aerospace components, highlighting growing demand for high-purity ti powder in next-gen jet engines. This surge underscores titanium powder’s critical role in advanced manufacturing—and why understanding its types, costs, and suppliers matters more than ever.

Molybdenum disulfide for thermal management in aerospace components
Molybdenum disulfide for thermal management in aerospace components

Titanium powder isn’t just another industrial material. It’s a cornerstone of modern engineering, enabling everything from lightweight medical implants to high-performance rocket parts. But with so many variants—pure titanium powder, ti6al4v powder, tio2 nano powder, and even exotic blends like titanium diboride powder—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Let’s break it all down.

2. What Is Titanium Powder?

Titanium powder refers to finely divided particles of titanium metal or its compounds. Unlike bulk titanium, which is dense and hard to machine, titanium powder offers flexibility in processing—especially in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing.

Common forms include:

  • Gas atomized titanium powder (spherical, ideal for 3D printing)
  • HDH titanium powder (irregular shape, lower cost, used in pressing and sintering)
  • Pure titanium powder (Grade 1 or 2, high corrosion resistance)
  • Titanium alloy powder like ti64 powder (Ti6Al4V), the most widely used aerospace alloy

Note: Don’t confuse titanium metal powder with tio2 powder (titanium dioxide), which is a white pigment used in paints, sunscreens, and food—not structural applications.

3. Key Types and Specialized Powders

Beyond standard grades, specialized titanium powders serve niche roles:

  • Ti6Al4V powder: The go-to for titanium powder for 3d printing in aerospace and medical sectors.
  • Titanium nitride powder and titanium carbide powder: Extremely hard ceramics used in cutting tools and coatings.
  • Tib2 powder (titanium diboride powder): Known for high hardness and electrical conductivity; often used in armor and composites.
  • Tih2 powder: A hydrogenated form that’s easier to mill and dehydrogenate later for custom shapes.
  • Titanium flash powder: Pyrotechnic mix (not pure titanium)—handle with extreme caution!
  • Burnt titanium powder coat: Refers to oxidized surface layers, not a commercial product.
Titanium alloy powder for automotive exhaust systems
Titanium alloy powder for automotive exhaust systems

Also trending: titanium coated diamond powder for ultra-precise polishing, and tio2 nano powder for photocatalysis and UV-blocking applications.

4. Titanium Powder Uses Across Industries

Titanium powder uses span far beyond headlines. Here’s where it really shines:

  • Additive manufacturing: Titanium powder additive manufacturing builds complex, lightweight parts for jets, dental implants, and prosthetics.
  • Powder metallurgy: Pressed and sintered into gears, filters, and porous components.
  • Pyrotechnics and welding: Fine titanium dust creates bright white sparks (but is highly reactive!).
  • Chemical catalysts: Tio2 powder drives reactions in environmental cleanup tech.
  • Armor and composites: Titanium boride powder reinforces ceramics against penetration.

Medical and aerospace remain the biggest markets—thanks to biocompatibility and strength-to-weight ratio.

5. Pricing and Where to Buy

Wondering about titanium powder price? It varies wildly based on purity, particle size, shape, and alloy.

As of mid-2024:

  • Pure titanium powder: $80–$150 per kg
  • Spherical ti6al4v powder for 3d printing: $300–$600 per kg
  • HDH titanium powder: $50–$100 per kg
Molybdenum trioxide powder for semiconductor thermal management
Molybdenum trioxide powder for semiconductor thermal management

Factors affecting titanium powder cost include production method (gas atomization costs more than HDH), oxygen content, and certification (e.g., ASTM F1580 for medical use).

To buy titanium powder, look for reputable titanium powder suppliers like Carpenter Technology, Allegheny Technologies (ATI), or international titanium powder vendors in Germany, Japan, and China. Always verify specs—especially for titanium powder for sale online.

Pro tip: Compare ‘titanium powder price per kg’ quotes only after confirming particle size distribution (e.g., 15–45 µm for laser melting) and flowability.

6. How Titanium Powder Compares to Molybdenum and Tungsten Powders

While titanium dominates lightweight applications, molybdenum powder and tungsten powder serve high-temp niches.

Molybdenum metal powder (moly powder) excels in furnace parts and electronics. Common types include molybdenum disulfide powder (mos2 powder)—a dry lubricant—and tzm powder (titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy). Molybdenum powder price ranges from $30–$80/kg, much lower than ti powder.

Tungsten powder (wolfram powder) is ultra-dense (19.3 g/cm³) and used in radiation shielding, filaments, and tungsten carbide powder for cutting tools. Tungsten powder price per kg is $40–$100, but fused tungsten carbide powder can exceed $150/kg.

Unlike titanium, neither moly nor tungsten is common in 3D printing due to high melting points—but they’re vital in wear-resistant coatings and thermal spray applications.

7. Safety and Handling Notes

Titanium dust is flammable and can be pyrophoric in fine forms. Always store in inert atmospheres and avoid sparks. Tio2 powder is generally safe but nano-sized versions require respiratory protection.

Never mix titanium powder with strong oxidizers unless under controlled conditions—flash powder reactions can be explosive.

8. Conclusion

From life-saving implants to interplanetary rockets, titanium powder is reshaping modern industry. Whether you’re sourcing ti6al4v powder for 3d printing or comparing titanium metal powder price against alternatives like molybdenum or tungsten, knowing the right grade and supplier is key. As additive manufacturing scales, expect innovation—and competition—to drive both quality up and titanium powder cost down.

Our Website founded on October 17, 2012, is a high-tech enterprise committed to the research and development, production, processing, sales and technical services of ceramic relative materials such as Titanium. Our products includes but not limited to Boron Carbide Ceramic Products, Boron Nitride Ceramic Products, Silicon Carbide Ceramic Products, Silicon Nitride Ceramic Products, Zirconium Dioxide Ceramic Products, etc. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

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