Titanium is one of the most commonly used metals in additive manufacturing and is used in a wide range of applications including aerospace, joint replacement and surgical tools, racing car and bicycle frames, electronics and other high-performance products.
Titanium and titanium-based alloys offer high mechanical strength, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and better corrosion resistance than stainless steel. This material can make rockets and airplanes lighter, which saves fuel and increases payload capacity. It also makes electronics such as smartphones and VR glasses lighter in weight. The same goes for medical implants. In addition, when the inherent qualities of titanium are combined with the unique capabilities of 3D printing, the advantages increase exponentially.
3D printing technology can create this expensive metal more efficiently with lower raw material consumption and less waste. As a rapid prototyping technique, metal 3D printing typically uses only the amount of material needed to manufacture the part and a relatively small amount of support structure.
3D printing also allows for complex designs such as internal channels, hollow or lattice-filled parts to reduce weight, which is not possible with any other manufacturing method. With no molds or tooling required, titanium 3D printing technology can create cost-effective, one-of-a-kind components such as patient-specific implants, prototypes, and research tools.
3D printed titanium has numerous applications in manufacturing, healthcare, space exploration, and more. Let's take a look at why titanium is so well suited for additive manufacturing and its current application areas.
