Spherical Titanium Powder

Overview

Spherical Titanium Powder is a highly versatile material used extensively in various industries, from aerospace to medical implants. Known for its excellent properties such as high strength, low density, and resistance to corrosion, it plays a critical role in advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and additive manufacturing. This guide will delve into the specifics of spherical titanium powder, covering its types, properties, applications, and more.

Types of Spherical Titanium Powder

Spherical Titanium Powder comes in various grades and compositions, each tailored for specific applications. Here are ten specific models:

Model	Composition	Particle Size	Purity	Application
Ti-6Al-4V	90% Ti, 6% Al, 4% V	15-45 µm	99.5%	Aerospace components
CP Ti Grade 1	99.9% Ti	25-53 µm	99.9%	Medical implants
Ti-5Al-2.5Sn	92.5% Ti, 5% Al, 2.5% Sn	20-60 µm	99.5%	Marine applications
Ti-15Mo	85% Ti, 15% Mo	10-50 µm	99.7%	Biomedical devices
Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al	85% Ti, 10% V, 2% Fe, 3% Al	20-70 µm	99.5%	Automotive parts
Ti-3Al-2.5V	94.5% Ti, 3% Al, 2.5% V	15-45 µm	99.6%	Structural components
Ti-6Al-7Nb	87% Ti, 6% Al, 7% Nb	20-60 µm	99.5%	Orthopedic implants
Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo	86% Ti, 6% Al, 2% Sn, 4% Zr, 2% Mo	25-53 µm	99.5%	High-stress applications
Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V	90% Ti, 8% Al, 1% Mo, 1% V	20-50 µm	99.6%	Jet engine components
Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr	82% Ti, 5% Al, 5% Mo, 5% V, 3% Cr	15-60 µm	99.5%	High-performance sports equipment

Properties of Spherical Titanium Powder

Spherical Titanium Powder is prized for its unique properties, which make it suitable for various high-performance applications. Here are some key characteristics:

Property	Description
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio	Titanium’s high strength and low density make it ideal for applications requiring lightweight yet strong materials.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance	Resistant to a wide range of corrosive environments, including seawater and body fluids.
Biocompatibility	Non-toxic and well-tolerated by the human body, making it suitable for medical implants.
High Melting Point	Melting point around 1668°C (3034°F), allowing it to maintain structural integrity at high temperatures.
Low Thermal Expansion	Minimizes deformation and maintains stability under varying thermal conditions.
Good Fatigue Resistance	Suitable for applications subject to cyclic loading and repeated stress.

Applications of Spherical Titanium Powder

Spherical Titanium Powder is utilized in various industries due to its superior properties. Below are some of the primary applications:

Industry	Application
Aerospace	Jet engine parts, airframe components, and spacecraft structures.
Medical	Orthopedic implants, dental implants, and surgical instruments.
Automotive	High-performance engine parts, exhaust systems, and chassis components.
Marine	Propeller shafts, boat fittings, and submersible vehicle parts.
Energy	Components for nuclear reactors, power generation turbines, and fuel cells.
Sports Equipment	Golf clubs, bicycle frames, and high-performance sports gear.
Industrial	Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and chemical processing equipment.

Specifications and Standards for Spherical Titanium Powder

When selecting Spherical Titanium Powder for specific applications, it’s crucial to consider the specifications and standards. Here are some common specifications:

Specification	Description
ASTM F67	Standard specification for unalloyed titanium for surgical implant applications.
ASTM F136	Standard specification for wrought titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium ELI (extra low interstitial) alloy for surgical implant applications.
ISO 5832-2	Standard specification for unalloyed titanium for surgical implants.
AMS 4911	Aerospace material specification for titanium alloy sheets and plates.
ISO 5832-3	Standard specification for titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium alloy for surgical implants.

Suppliers and Pricing of Spherical Titanium Powder

The price of Spherical Titanium Powder can vary based on the composition, particle size, and purity. Here are some examples of suppliers and pricing details:

Supplier	Model	Price per kg	Contact Information
ATI Metals	Ti-6Al-4V	$300	www.atimetals.com
Praxair	CP Ti Grade 1	$250	www.praxair.com
Advanced Powders & Coatings	Ti-5Al-2.5Sn	$280	www.apc-powders.com
TLS Technik	Ti-15Mo	$320	www.tls-technik.com
GKN Hoeganaes	Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al	$310	www.gknpm.com
LPW Technology	Ti-3Al-2.5V	$290	www.lpwtechnology.com
Sandvik	Ti-6Al-7Nb	$330	www.materials.sandvik
H.C. Starck	Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo	$340	www.hcstarck.com
Oerlikon Metco	Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V	$315	www.oerlikon.com
Carpenter Technology	Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr	$350	www.cartech.com

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spherical Titanium Powder

Advantages

1. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Perfect for aerospace and automotive industries where performance and fuel efficiency are critical.
2. Corrosion Resistance: Ideal for marine and biomedical applications.
3. Biocompatibility: Essential for medical implants.
4. High Melting Point: Suitable for high-temperature applications.
5. Low Thermal Expansion: Maintains structural integrity under varying temperatures.

Disadvantages

1. Cost: More expensive compared to other materials like aluminum or steel.
2. Processing Complexity: Requires specialized equipment and techniques for processing.
3. Brittleness: Can be brittle in certain forms, requiring careful handling and processing.
4. Limited Availability: High-grade powders may have limited suppliers, impacting availability and lead times.

Comparing Spherical Titanium Powder Models

When choosing between different models of Spherical Titanium Powder, it’s essential to consider various factors:

Model	Strength	Density	Cost	Best For
Ti-6Al-4V	High	Low	Medium	Aerospace
CP Ti Grade 1	Medium	Low	Low	Medical
Ti-5Al-2.5Sn	High	Medium	High	Marine
Ti-15Mo	Medium	Low	High	Biomedical
Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al	High	Medium	High	Automotive
Ti-3Al-2.5V	Medium	Low	Medium	Structural
Ti-6Al-7Nb	High	Medium	High	Orthopedic
Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo	High	Medium	High	High-stress
Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V	Medium	Low	High	Jet engines
Ti-5Al

FAQs

Question	Answer
What is Spherical Titanium Powder used for?	It is used in aerospace, medical, automotive, marine, energy, and sports equipment industries.
Why is titanium powder spherical?	Spherical shapes ensure better flowability and packing density, which are crucial for additive manufacturing.
How is Spherical Titanium Powder made?	It is typically made using gas atomization or plasma rotating electrode process (PREP).
What are the benefits of using Spherical Titanium Powder in 3D printing?	Improved part density, mechanical properties, and surface finish.
Is Spherical Titanium Powder safe?	Yes, especially in medical applications, due to its biocompatibility. However, handling precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation.
How do I choose the right titanium powder?	Consider the specific application requirements, such as strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
Can Spherical Titanium Powder be recycled?	Yes, it can be recycled, but the process must ensure that the powder retains its properties.
What are the limitations of Spherical Titanium Powder?	High cost, processing complexity, and brittleness in certain forms.
Where can I buy Spherical Titanium Powder?	Various suppliers like ATI Metals, Praxair, and Advanced Powders & Coatings.
What is the difference between CP Titanium and Ti-6Al-4V?	CP Titanium is commercially pure, while Ti-6Al-4V is an alloy with aluminum and vanadium, offering higher strength.

Conclusion

Spherical Titanium Powder stands out as a superior material in various high-tech applications, from aerospace to medical devices. Its unique properties, such as high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, make it indispensable in modern manufacturing. While it comes with challenges like higher costs and processing complexity, the benefits often outweigh these drawbacks, particularly in demanding applications. Whether you’re an engineer, a manufacturer, or a researcher, understanding the nuances of Spherical Titanium Powder can help you make informed decisions and achieve better outcomes in your projects.

know more 3D printing processes