The Guide to 3D Printing with Titanium
Titanium is widely regarded for its strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in demanding environments.
Titanium—specifically Ti6Al4V for Laser Powder Poder Bed Fusion—has become a critical material for producing complex, high-performance parts across various industries.
This guide provides an overview of 3D printing with titanium, its advantages, typical applications, and post-processing techniques to achieve desired finishes.
3D Printing with Titanium Ti6Al4V
3D printing titanium involves an additive manufacturing process in which powdered titanium is fused layer by layer to create solid components. The most common method is Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), in which a high-powered laser melts the Titanium powder, resulting in precise, durable parts with intricate geometries.
Titanium Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) is the most popular titanium alloy for 3D printing due to its high strength, lightweight characteristics, and corrosion resistance. It’s widely used in industries requiring materials that can withstand extreme conditions. It comprises 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium.
| Property | Value As Built |
|---|---|
| Achievable Part Accuracy | +/- 0.3 mm for parts up to 100 mm +/- 0.3 % for parts beyond 100 mm |
| Min. Wall Thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Standard Build Size | 400 x 400 mm x 400 mm |
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Key Advantages of 3D Printing with Titanium
Titanium’s unique properties make it an excellent material for 3D printing:
High strength-to-weight ratio: Titanium is incredibly strong while lightweight, making it ideal for parts that must endure high stress without adding significant weight.
Corrosion resistance: Titanium is naturally resistant to corrosion, particularly in environments exposed to saltwater or chemicals, which is why it’s a top choice for industries like aerospace and marine applications.
Complex geometries: The LPBF process produces highly detailed parts with complex internal structures that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve. This makes it ideal for high-performance components in industries where precision is crucial.
Material efficiency: 3D printing only uses the material needed, minimizing waste compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing methods. This efficiency is incredibly beneficial because titanium is more expensive than other popular metals like aluminum and steel.
Typical Applications of 3D Printed Titanium
Thanks to its strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance, Titanium Ti6Al4V is used across various industries:
Aerospace: Titanium’s high strength and low weight benefit components such as turbine blades, brackets, and structural parts. 3D printing allows the aerospace industry to produce lightweight yet durable components for improving fuel efficiency and performance.
Medical Devices: Titanium’s biocompatibility makes It an excellent material for surgical implants, including hip and knee replacements, dental implants, and other custom medical devices. 3D printing enables personalized, patient-specific solutions.
Automotive: High-performance parts, such as engine components and exhaust systems, utilize 3D-printed Titanium to reduce weight and improve performance.
Industrial Applications: Industrial sectors rely on 3D-printed titanium for critical components, including valves, pumps, and heat exchangers, which must operate in harsh environments without corroding or breaking down.
Post-Processing Techniques for 3D-Printed Titanium
Post-processing is essential after a part is printed to achieve the desired mechanical properties and surface finish. Here are the most common post-processing techniques for titanium:
Heat treated: Heat treatment improves titanium’s mechanical properties, such as strength and toughness. It’s a critical step for parts subjected to high stress.
| Titanium TiAl4V Heat Treated | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength Rp 0.2% | 950-1050 MPa |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength Rm | 1000-1150 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 9-15% |
| Young’s Modulus | 105-125 GPa |
| Relative Density | 99.5% |
Hot isostatic pressing (HIP): HIP is a post-processing technique that eliminates internal porosity in titanium parts, making them denser and stronger. During the process, the alloy is heated to 1000⁰C in an argon atmosphere for 60 minutes and is then slowly cooled with continued argon input.
| Titanium TiAl4V HIP | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength Rp 0.2 % | 870-950 MPa |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength Rm | 950-1050 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 13-16 % |
| Young’s Modulus | 105-125 GPA |
| Relative Density | 99.5% |
Polished: Polishing creates a smooth, reflective surface, improving the aesthetics and functionality of Titanium parts, especially for medical and automotive applications where surface quality is essential.
Tumbled: Tumbling is an abrasive process that smooths out rough surfaces and gives parts a uniform matte finish. This is ideal for functional parts that need improved aesthetics or reduced sharp edges.
Painted: Parts can be painted for applications requiring an additional protective layer or aesthetic touch. Painting provides enhanced corrosion resistance and allows for custom colors and finishes.
CNC machined: CNC machining is often used to achieve tight tolerances and precise dimensions on critical features, such as threads or holes, ensuring that 3D-printed Titanium parts meet exacting specifications.
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Whether you are prototyping or producing parts at scale, MakerVerse offers extensive manufacturing technologies, including LPBF 3D printing with titanium.
With a full range of post-processing options and expert guidance, MakerVerse helps bring your designs to life with precision and quality. Upload your design today and discover the power of 3D printing with titanium.
