1. Introduction
In the past 48 hours, global demand for high-performance metal powders has surged due to new aerospace contracts awarded in Europe and North America, with titanium powder for 3D printing at the center of supply chain discussions. As additive manufacturing scales up for jet engines and biomedical devices, understanding titanium powder—its types, costs, and applications—has never been more relevant.
Whether you’re an engineer sourcing materials, a researcher exploring metal powders, or a procurement specialist comparing titanium powder price per kg against alternatives like molybdenum powder or tungsten powder, this guide delivers a clear, practical overview.
2. What Is Titanium Powder?
Titanium powder refers to finely divided particles of titanium metal or its compounds. It comes in various forms, including pure titanium powder, titanium alloy powder (like Ti6Al4V powder, also known as Ti64 powder), and ceramic derivatives such as titanium nitride powder, titanium carbide powder, and TiO2 powder (titanium dioxide).
Unlike bulk titanium, powder enables advanced manufacturing techniques—especially additive manufacturing (3D printing)—where precision, lightweight strength, and biocompatibility are essential. Note that ‘titanium dust’ is often used informally but typically refers to irregular or non-spherical particles not suited for high-end applications.
3. Key Types of Titanium Powder
Not all titanium powders are created equal. The right type depends on your application:
- Pure titanium powder: Used in chemical processing and some biomedical implants.
- Ti6Al4V powder (Ti64 powder): The most common titanium alloy powder, ideal for aerospace and medical 3D printing.
- Spherical titanium powder: Produced via gas atomization for smooth flow in additive manufacturing.
- HDH titanium powder: Made by the hydride-dehydride process; cost-effective but less spherical.
- TiO2 nano powder: A white pigment used in sunscreens, paints, and cosmetics—not for structural use.
- Titanium diboride powder (TiB2 powder) and titanium boride powder: Extremely hard ceramics used in cutting tools and armor.
- TiH2 powder: Titanium hydride, often a precursor in powder production or foaming agents.
- Titanium flash powder: A pyrotechnic mix—highly reactive and not used in industrial manufacturing.
- Burnt titanium powder coat: Not a standard industrial term; likely refers to oxidized or contaminated powder.
- Titanium coated diamond powder: Used in specialized grinding and polishing applications.
4. Titanium Powder Uses
Titanium powder uses span multiple high-tech sectors:
- Additive manufacturing: Titanium powder for 3D printing is critical for lightweight aerospace parts and custom orthopedic implants.
- Metal injection molding (MIM): Enables complex small components.
- Thermal spray coatings: For wear and corrosion resistance.
- Pyrotechnics and welding: Limited, niche applications (e.g., titanium flash powder).
- Catalysts and pigments: TiO2 powder dominates here, not metallic forms.
In additive manufacturing, gas atomized titanium powder is preferred for its spherical shape, which ensures consistent layer deposition and high-density prints.
5. Pricing and Market Trends
The titanium powder price varies widely based on purity, particle size, morphology, and alloy type. As of mid-2024:
- Pure titanium powder price: $80–$150 per kg.
- Ti6Al4V powder price: $120–$250 per kg, depending on certification and particle size distribution.
- Titanium powder for 3D printing price: Typically at the higher end due to stringent quality controls.
- TiO2 powder is far cheaper ($5–$20/kg) but serves entirely different purposes.
Factors influencing titanium metal powder price include raw material costs (titanium sponge), production method (gas atomized vs. HDH), and certification (e.g., ASTM F3049 for medical use).
For comparison, molybdenum powder price ranges from $30–$70/kg, while tungsten powder price per kg is $40–$100. Tungsten carbide powder price per kg can exceed $100 due to its extreme hardness.
6. Suppliers and Procurement
When you buy titanium powder, sourcing from a reputable titanium powder supplier is crucial—especially for regulated industries. Leading global suppliers include:
- International titanium powder producers in the U.S., Germany, and Japan.
- Specialized vendors offering spherical titanium powder certified for aerospace or medical use.
- Online marketplaces for research-grade or small-batch titanium powder for sale.
Always verify certifications, particle size distribution (PSD), oxygen content, and flowability—especially for titanium powder additive manufacturing.
Similarly, molybdenum powder suppliers and tungsten powder suppliers often serve overlapping markets in high-temperature and wear-resistant applications. Companies like Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation dominate the tungsten space, while molybdenum disulfide powder for sale is common in lubricant formulations.
7. Related Metal Powders: Molybdenum and Tungsten
While titanium powder excels in strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, molybdenum metal powder and tungsten metal powder offer superior high-temperature performance.
Molybdenum powder uses include furnace components, electronics, and alloying (e.g., ferro molybdenum powder). Molybdenum disulfide powder (MoS2 powder) is a dry lubricant—often called ‘dry moly powder’—used in automotive and aerospace systems.
Tungsten powder uses center on radiation shielding, filaments, and cutting tools. Spherical tungsten powder is emerging in additive manufacturing, while tungsten carbide powder is standard in drill bits and wear parts. Tungsten powder density (~19.3 g/cm³) makes it ideal for counterweights and kinetic penetrators.
Note: Wolfram powder is simply another name for tungsten powder (from its German name ‘Wolfram’).
8. Conclusion
Titanium powder is a versatile, high-value material driving innovation in 3D printing, aerospace, and medicine. Understanding the differences between pure titanium powder, Ti64 powder, and specialty variants like titanium diboride or TiO2 nano powder is essential for effective sourcing. With titanium powder cost influenced by production method and certification, partnering with a trusted titanium powder supplier ensures quality and performance. As additive manufacturing grows, so too will demand for reliable, high-spec titanium 3D printing powder—making now the perfect time to understand this critical material.
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