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Continuous cost optimization drives titanium powder 3D printing into the era of large-scale application

Once, titanium powder 3D printing was limited to high-end customization due to high material and equipment costs. However, in recent years, with advances in titanium powder preparation technology and the maturation of printing processes, costs have dropped significantly, transforming the industry from a niche high-end niche to a large-scale application. Data shows that the cost of titanium alloy 3D printing has dropped by approximately 60% compared to five years ago, and in some applications, it is now economically competitive with traditional forging processes. The core driving force behind this change is the development of the titanium powder industry.

The decline in titanium powder costs is primarily due to two breakthroughs: First, innovations in the preparation process. The widespread use of advanced atomization technology has increased titanium powder production efficiency by more than three times, resulting in more stable control of sphericity and purity, reducing scrap during the production process. Second, the effects of large-scale production. With surging demand in aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, and other fields, annual titanium powder production has increased significantly, further diluting unit production costs. For example, in the consumer electronics sector, the titanium alloy case of the Apple Watch Ultra is manufactured using 3D printing at a cost of only 82% of traditional CNC machining, demonstrating a significant cost advantage.

Falling costs have driven the large-scale application of titanium powder 3D printing. In the automotive industry, titanium powder 3D printed components such as engine mounts and suspension systems have entered mass production. These components not only reduce weight by 30% but also improve vehicle fuel efficiency and safety. In the energy equipment sector, corrosion-resistant components printed with titanium powder have been widely used in petrochemical and new energy equipment, increasing their lifespan by 3-5 times. More notably, the large-scale application of titanium powder 3D printing has also driven the development of upstream and downstream industries, forming a complete industrial chain from titanium powder preparation, equipment development, and post-processing. Industry forecasts predict that by 2032, the global market demand for titanium powder for 3D printing will reach US$1.4 billion, with annual consumption expected to increase sixfold. The era of large-scale application has arrived.