1. Introduction
Just 48 hours ago, industry leaders at the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) conference highlighted a sharp rise in global demand for spherical titanium powder used in high-precision 3D printing—especially for aerospace components and biomedical implants. With supply chain constraints and growing adoption of additive manufacturing, understanding titanium powder has never been more relevant.
Titanium powder—often referred to as ti powder—isn’t your average metal dust. It’s a high-performance material prized for its strength-to-density ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Whether you’re looking to buy titanium powder for research, industrial use, or additive manufacturing, knowing the differences between pure titanium powder, alloy variants like ti64 powder, and specialty forms like tio2 nano powder can save time, money, and headaches.
2. What Is Titanium Powder?
Titanium powder is a fine particulate form of titanium metal or its compounds. Unlike bulk titanium, which is notoriously difficult and expensive to machine, titanium powder enables advanced fabrication techniques—most notably titanium powder additive manufacturing (also called metal 3D printing).
It comes in several forms:
- Pure titanium powder (Grade 1 or 2)
- Titanium alloy powder (e.g., Ti6Al4V or Ti64 powder)
- Compound powders like titanium nitride powder, titanium carbide powder, and titanium diboride powder (TiB2)
- Oxide forms such as tio2 powder and tio2 nano powder
- Reactive variants like tih2 powder (titanium hydride) and titanium flash powder
Each type serves distinct purposes, from cutting tools to sunscreen formulations.
3. How Is Titanium Powder Made?
3.1 Gas Atomized Titanium Powder
Gas atomization is the gold standard for producing spherical titanium powder used in 3D printing. Molten titanium is sprayed with inert gas (like argon), forming tiny, round particles ideal for smooth powder flow in printers. This method yields high-purity, low-oxygen spherical titanium powder critical for aerospace-grade parts.
3.2 HDH Titanium Powder
The Hydride-Dehydride (HDH) process involves hydrogenating titanium sponge, milling it into powder, then removing the hydrogen. The result is angular, irregular-shaped ti powder that’s cheaper but less suitable for high-end 3D printing—though still widely used in powder metallurgy and chemical applications.
Other niche forms include burnt titanium powder coat residues and titanium coated diamond powder for specialized abrasives.
4. Key Uses of Titanium Powder
4.1 Titanium Powder for 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing is the fastest-growing application. Titanium 3D printing powder—especially ti6al4v powder—is used to create lightweight, complex parts for jet engines, dental implants, and prosthetics. The titanium powder for 3d printing price varies widely based on purity, particle size, and morphology, typically ranging from $300 to $800 per kg.
4.2 Industrial & Chemical Applications
Tio2 powder dominates the pigment market (think white paint and cosmetics), while titanium carbide and titanium nitride powders enhance hardness in cutting tools. Titanium diboride powder (tib2 powder) is valued in armor and refractory ceramics.
Even titanium dust finds use in pyrotechnics and metallurgical additives—though it requires careful handling due to flammability risks.
5. Pricing and Sourcing
5.1 Titanium Powder Price Factors
The titanium powder price per kg depends on:
- Purity (pure vs. alloyed)
- Particle shape (spherical vs. irregular)
- Production method (gas atomized vs. HDH)
- Grade (e.g., ASTM standards for Ti6Al4V)
As of mid-2024, titanium metal powder price averages $250–$900/kg. Ti6al4v powder price sits near $500–$750/kg, while tio2 nano powder can cost over $1,000/kg due to nanoscale processing.
5.2 Where to Buy
Reputable titanium powder suppliers include international titanium powder producers like VSMPO-AVISMA, Carpenter Additive, and AP&C (a GE Additive company). When you buy titanium powder, verify certifications for oxygen content, particle size distribution, and flowability—especially for 3d printing titanium powder.
Many vendors offer titanium powder for sale online, but beware of unverified sources selling mislabeled or contaminated batches.
6. Related Industrial Powders: Molybdenum and Tungsten
While titanium powder dominates lightweight applications, molybdenum powder and tungsten powder serve complementary roles in high-temp and wear-resistant environments.
Molybdenum metal powder (moly powder) is used in furnace parts and electronics. Popular variants include molybdenum disulfide powder (mos2 powder)—a dry lubricant—and tzm powder (titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy). Molybdenum powder price ranges from $30–$100/kg depending on form.
Tungsten powder, known for extreme density and melting point, powers everything from radiation shielding to tungsten carbide powder for drill bits. Global tungsten & powders corporation and other tungsten powder suppliers cater to industries needing high density tungsten powder or spherical tungsten powder for AM. Tungsten powder price per kg typically falls between $40–$150, with fused tungsten carbide powder commanding premium rates.
7. Safety and Handling
Fine titanium powder can be pyrophoric—igniting spontaneously in air—so storage under argon or mineral oil is common. Always follow OSHA guidelines for titanium dust exposure. Similarly, tungsten dust and molybdenum carbide powder require proper ventilation and PPE.
8. Conclusion
From life-saving implants to next-gen aircraft, titanium powder is a cornerstone of modern advanced manufacturing. Whether you’re evaluating titanium powder cost for a startup, sourcing ti64 powder for prototyping, or comparing it to alternatives like molybdenum or tungsten powders, understanding its properties and market dynamics is essential. As additive manufacturing scales globally, expect innovation—and competition—to keep driving the evolution of titanium powder technology.
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