1. Introduction
In the past 48 hours, additive manufacturing companies have reported a surge in demand for spherical titanium powder, driven by new aerospace contracts and expanded medical implant production using titanium alloy powders like Ti6Al4V. This renewed interest highlights titanium powder’s critical role in next-generation manufacturing—and raises questions about supply chains, pricing, and material selection.
Whether you’re an engineer sourcing materials for 3D printing or a researcher exploring advanced ceramics, understanding titanium powder—its types, costs, and applications—is essential. From pure titanium powder to complex blends like titanium diboride (TiB2) and titanium-coated diamond powder, this versatile material powers innovations across industries.
2. What Is Titanium Powder?
Titanium powder, often abbreviated as Ti powder, refers to finely divided particles of titanium metal or its compounds. It exists in multiple forms: elemental titanium metal powder, titanium alloy powder (like Ti6Al4V or Ti64 powder), and compound powders such as titanium dioxide (TiO2 powder), titanium nitride powder, titanium carbide powder, and titanium diboride powder (also called titanium boride powder).
Not all titanium powders are created equal. Particle shape matters—spherical titanium powder flows better in 3D printers, while irregular HDH (Hydride-Dehydride) titanium powder is cheaper but less suitable for high-precision additive manufacturing. Gas atomized titanium powder, though more expensive, offers superior sphericity and density, making it ideal for aerospace and medical applications.
3. Key Types and Variants of Titanium Powder
3.1 Pure and Alloyed Titanium Powders
Pure titanium powder is used where corrosion resistance and biocompatibility are paramount, such as in biomedical implants. However, most industrial applications rely on titanium alloy powder. The most common is Ti6Al4V powder (also known as Ti64 powder), which combines titanium with aluminum and vanadium for enhanced strength and heat resistance.
3.2 Compound and Specialty Powders
Beyond metallic forms, titanium appears in functional compounds. TiO2 nano powder is widely used in sunscreens, paints, and photocatalysts. Titanium nitride powder and titanium carbide powder serve as hard coatings and cutting tools. Titanium diboride (TiB2) powder and tib2 powder offer extreme hardness and thermal stability, useful in armor and refractory materials. Even niche products like titanium flash powder and burnt titanium powder coat exist for pyrotechnics and surface finishing.
Other derivatives include tih2 powder (titanium hydride), used as a foaming agent, and titanium nanopowder for advanced research. Titanium coated diamond powder merges hardness with thermal conductivity for specialized grinding applications.
4. Titanium Powder Uses Across Industries
Titanium powder uses span from life-saving to high-performance. In additive manufacturing—also called titanium powder additive manufacturing—it enables complex, lightweight parts for jet engines and prosthetics. The phrase ‘titanium powder for 3D printing’ has become synonymous with innovation in aerospace and healthcare.
Outside of 3D printing, titanium dust and fine powders are used in pyrotechnics (though caution is needed—some forms are pyrophoric), metallurgy (as alloying additives), and chemical processing. TiO2 powder remains a staple in cosmetics and food (e.g., as a whitening agent in powdered sugar), though regulatory scrutiny has increased recently.
5. Pricing and Market Trends
When considering ‘titanium powder price per kg,’ costs vary dramatically by type and quality. Standard HDH titanium powder may cost $50–$100/kg, while high-purity, spherical titanium powder for 3D printing can exceed $300–$500/kg. Ti6Al4V powder price typically falls within this premium range due to its alloy complexity.
Factors influencing titanium powder cost include purity, particle size distribution, morphology (spherical vs. angular), and production method. The ‘titanium powder for 3D printing price’ reflects stringent quality controls required for consistent layer fusion in laser-based systems. Meanwhile, tio2 powder and titanium dioxide nano powder are far cheaper, often under $10/kg in bulk.
For those looking to ‘buy titanium powder,’ prices also depend on volume and supplier reliability. Always compare ‘titanium metal powder price’ quotes from certified vendors to avoid substandard material that could compromise print integrity or safety.
6. Sourcing: How to Choose a Titanium Powder Supplier
Reputable titanium powder suppliers must provide certificates of analysis, particle size data, and oxygen content reports—critical for aerospace-grade applications. International titanium powder producers in the U.S., Germany, China, and Japan dominate the market, with many offering both gas atomized and HDH variants.
When you ‘buy titanium powder,’ ensure the supplier specializes in your intended use case. Medical or aerospace projects demand ISO-certified Ti64 powder, while research labs might prioritize titanium nanopowder or tio2 nano powder. Avoid unverified sellers when searching for ‘titanium powder for sale’ online—counterfeit or contaminated batches pose serious risks.
7. Related Metal Powders: Molybdenum and Tungsten
While titanium powder leads in lightweight strength, engineers often compare it with other refractory metal powders. Molybdenum powder (moly powder)—including molybdenum metal powder, ferro molybdenum powder, and molybdenum disulfide powder (MoS2 powder)—is valued for high-temperature stability. MoS2 powder uses include lubrication and catalysis, and its price fluctuates based on purity and form.
Similarly, tungsten powder (also called wolfram powder) and tungsten carbide powder are ultra-dense alternatives. Used in radiation shielding, cutting tools, and wear-resistant coatings, they command high prices—tungsten powder price per kg ranges from $30 to over $100, depending on grade. Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation and other suppliers offer spherical tungsten powder and fused tungsten carbide for specialized thermal spray applications.
Though distinct from titanium, these materials often appear in the same supply chain discussions, especially in additive manufacturing of high-performance components.
8. Conclusion
Titanium powder is far more than a raw material—it’s a gateway to advanced engineering. Whether you need pure titanium powder for research, Ti6Al4V powder for 3D printing implants, or TiO2 nano powder for coatings, understanding the nuances of form, function, and pricing is crucial. As demand grows and technology evolves, staying informed about titanium powder suppliers, costs, and innovations will keep you ahead in a competitive landscape.
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.
