Praxair to Begin Manufacturing & Supplying Titanium Powder for Industrial Metal 3D Printing

Titanium is synonymous with strength. As is 3D metal printing. Mix the two and you have a combination that can change the world.

With a process that is becoming more and more popular–and most especially in the industrial sectors responsible for producing high-quality components such as the automotive, aerospace, and medical–metal 3D printing means that companies across the globe are able to manufacture products at greater speed with better affordability–and often, they can now make things previously not possible with traditional technology.

Advanced applications are allowing manufacturers of many different types to explore the true potential of titanium, and Praxair Surface Technologies of Indiana will now be marketing the material known for its gray matte finish and super durability. Praxair is partnering right now with major aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), already working with them by supplying small amounts of their fine titanium powder during the R&D phase.

Soon, Praxair, with operations all over the world, will be unveiling a full effort in commissioning their titanium powder line, which is gas-atomized, and meant for 3D printing.

“Until now, there’s been limited availability of fine, titanium powder in the marketplace to create parts,” said Dean Hackett, Vice President of Advanced Materials and Equipment for Praxair Surface Technologies. “That won’t be the case for long as we move into full-scale production of aerospace-grade, fine, spherical, titanium powder starting in the third quarter of 2015. In addition to supplying the powder, Praxair also offers the associated industrial gases to the additive manufacturing industry.”

Experienced in providing advanced materials to their global client base, Praxair’s commitment is in improving productivity, eliminating extra costs, and manufacturing quality products that require less energy consumption. 3D printing obviously fits into this agenda perfectly, as using the specialized titanium powder not only produces strong, quality parts but reduces the bottom line in terms of raw material expenses, manufacturing overall, and also is able to improve fuel efficiency for many specialized designs.

These titanium powders, attractive due to their strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance, will be used as materials in 3D printing items such as aerospace brackets and biomedical implants.

“What makes our production of titanium powders different from those currently on the market is that we use close-coupled, high-pressure gas atomization to produce fine, spherical titanium powder in large quantities,” said Andy Shives, Additive Manufacturing Marketing Manager for Praxair Surface Technologies. “Adding titanium powder to our portfolio enables us to better support the manufacturing needs of aerospace and other industries.”

What sets Praxair apart is that they are able to produce the titanium 3D printing on the larger scale, with their proprietary atomization process which is specific to making batches of titanium. With a background and a solid foundation spanning five decades of experience making gas-atomized powers for the thermal spray coating industry, Praxair has the resources and research and development team in place for focusing their efforts on highly progressive materials and technology. Further development of a proprietary atomization process designed specifically for titanium allows the company to make some of the largest batches of fine, titanium powder in the world.

Discuss this latest news in metal 3D printing in the Titanium Powder for Industrial Metal 3D Printing forum thread over at 3DPB.com.