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3D Printing Titanium

Introduction

Professionals can use additive manufacturing techniques to create end-use engineering products. There are two main technologies for producing metal parts using additive technologies; Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The processes involve melting metal powders to create an object layer by layer, according to a 3D model. Manufacturers can use these metal technologies to create tools, fixtures, cooling channels, rotors, and other motor elements.

3D printing titanium produces components with superior mechanical properties compared to other metals. Experts can use materials like aluminium, cobalt, copper, steel, and tungsten to create 3D-printed metallic parts. The choice of material often depends on qualities like corrosion resistance, elasticity, and tensile strength.
This article expounds more on the benefits and uses of titanium in rapid prototyping, including where to find metal printing services.

gears cogwheels

Additive fabrication using titanium

Titanium is a lightweight metal with significant mechanical strength, good high-temperature resistance, and exceptional corrosion resistance. Thanks to its properties, the additive fabrication of titanium can be perfect for producing precision parts with complex geometries. The material offers numerous advantages in industrial fabrications.

They include:

Biocompatibility

Titanium may be utilized in the human body without triggering an undesirable reaction since it is biocompatible. It can be the perfect material for manufacturing prosthetics and medical implants that do not degrade or cause adverse reactions in the body.

Complex design capabilities

This material is very ductile and malleable. Industrialists can utilize it to make machine parts with complex design requirements that are not practical to produce using conventional techniques like CNC machining and milling. Experts can use topology optimization to achieve intricate design aspects, such as internal channels and lattice infills that enhance a product’s functional qualities.

Corrosion resistance

This metal is remarkably resistant to many chemicals, including acids, alkalis, salt water, and other environmental factors. Hence, it can be perfect for creating components that are highly resistant to corrosion. 3D-printed titanium parts also offer long lifespans, reducing the frequency of maintenance operations.

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio

Compared to metals like aluminium and stainless steel, titanium offers a high strength-to-weight ratio when fabricating metal components. It also has a low density of 4.5g/cm³. The material is as durable as steel and can produce parts that benefit from lightweight attributes like aircraft, bicycles, and tennis rackets.

High melting point

Titanium has a high melting point of about 1,668 °C. It can be suitable for fabricating components like missiles and rockets, which require high-temperature processing to withstand extreme conditions. This characteristic is attractive to experts in the aerospace industry.

Sustainable

Given its excellent durability and recyclable nature, titanium is highly sustainable. It might be the best choice for companies looking to lessen the negative consequences of industrialization on the environment.

Titanium offers numerous benefits, and many enterprises can use it to manufacture components with exceptional mechanical properties and relatively high strength.

titanium mouth piece

Applications of titanium additive manufacturing

Titanium additive fabrication can support industry sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical. Its uses are versatile.
In the medical industry, titanium additive manufacturing can create biocompatible prosthetics to facilitate efficient point-of-care treatment plans and improve healthcare quality. On the other hand, the automotive and aeronautics industries use it to manufacture lightweight parts with high aerodynamic attributes that reduce drag. The metal is also suitable for producing common user items like jewelry, kitchenware and sports equipment.

Why choose Sculpteo?

Sculpteo provides a variety of rapid prototyping services, including 3D printing titanium. Companies can rely on our expertise in additive fabrication to find the solutions they need in a time frame that meets their requirements. Get in touch with us today!

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