Titanium 3D Printers Open the Door to Industrial Manufacturing

Titanium 3D Printers Open the Door to Industrial Manufacturing

Traditionally, metals have been a prohibitively expensive material for mass production.titanium 3d printer Titanium 3D printing has changed that, opening the door to industrial manufacturing for high-stakes industries like aerospace and healthcare.

Titanium is an earth-abundant material that offers extraordinary strength, durability and corrosion resistance.titanium 3d printer It also has excellent thermal properties. These traits make it an ideal metal for aerospace components and surgical implants. It is non-toxic, does not reject the human body, and has an elastic modulus close to that of bone, making it suitable for use in medical applications.

Despite its many desirable properties, titanium is difficult to convert from its natural state to a finished product, which limits its use.titanium 3d printer This has made it difficult to produce titanium parts in traditional methods, making it more suited for one-off designs and prototypes. However, advances in 3D printing technology are allowing for the manufacture of titanium parts at scale.

The main challenges associated with titanium printing are the stringent temperature control required and ensuring consistent material sintering.titanium 3d printer The latter is especially crucial, as the structural integrity of titanium parts hinges on consistent and uniform sintering. Any variations in the printing process can result in weak points in the structure that could compromise its ability to withstand high stresses. The need for specialized support structures, which combat gravity and thermal distortion, is another obstacle. These supports must be removed without damaging the print, a task that requires meticulous techniques.

Achieving these results necessitates using a unique additive manufacturing process called Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Electron Beam Melting (EBM).titanium 3d printer During this process, titanium powder is spread on the bed of a 3D printer, then a laser melts and fuses each layer together to form the desired part. After each print, the unused powder is recycled and used to prepare the next layer. The titanium 3D printing process takes up to two days.

Once the printing is complete, a titanium 3D print comes out with a denser structure than a machined titanium component.titanium 3d printer As a result, it may require additional finishing. Standard finishing includes the removal of all support structures and a medium blast to create a smooth, uniform surface. For more precise finishes, the printed titanium can be subject to CNC machining or polishing.

In addition to reducing the cost of producing titanium parts, additive manufacturing can also help to shorten delivery times. This is particularly important for projects that have a strict time-frame to meet, such as medical devices or aerospace components.

When working with Fathom Engineering, you can rest assured that we will provide a high-quality titanium print in a timely manner to ensure your project stays on track. Whether you’re looking to test out titanium printing for your application or require a long-term solution, we have the experience and technology to deliver the results you need. Contact us today to get started.

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