Titanium is one of the most commonly used metals in additive manufacturing, extensively employed in aerospace, joint replacements, surgical tools, racing and bicycle frames, electronic products, and other high-performance applications. Titanium and its alloys are highly valued across industries for their high mechanical strength, superior strength-to-weight ratio, and better corrosion resistance than stainless steel. Using this material allows rockets and aircraft to be lighter, thus saving fuel and increasing payload capacity. It is also utilized in manufacturing lighter electronic products like smartphones and VR goggles, as well as in the field of medical implants.
Titanium 3D printing has been widely used in producing various products such as medical devices, high-performance bicycles, luxury watches, and consumer electronics.
In 2023, Panerai released the Submersible S Brabus PAM01283, equipped with a 3D-printed titanium case, while on the right, Holthinrichs Deconstructed introduced the first 3D-printed titanium watch. The aim is to provide lightweight and robust products through innovative, often customized designs.
3D printing can manufacture extremely thin-walled, intricate titanium metal parts, often used in producing watch cases, as seen in the Panerai and Holthinrichs watches in the image above. It's said that titanium alloy watch cases will also be components of the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra.
The 2023 model of the Honor Magic V2 foldable smartphone features a 3D printed titanium alloy hinge displacement cover. Honor, a smartphone manufacturer, introduced the new foldable Magic V2 in 2023, employing a 3D printed titanium hinge displacement cover that is lighter than the previous aluminum version and offers a 150% increase in strength. Honor stated that the thousands of small titanium pieces that can be 3D printed are crucial for the product's durability and smooth folding and unfolding.
High-performance bicycles
3D printing with titanium alloy is prevalent in today's high-performance bicycles. Titanium is used for cranks, brake levers, handlebars, derailleur hangers, and even the entire frame of the bicycle. It offers the strength of aluminum and the lightness of carbon fiber without the sustainability issues associated with carbon fiber. Bicycle manufacturer Carbon Wasp explains why they chose to abandon aluminum and carbon fiber in favor of 3D printed titanium for their latest aftermarket crank arms.
In the aerospace industry, some titanium-based additive manufacturing components are currently used for both commercial and military purposes. In 2023, Gecan Aerospace announced plans to build a massive 3D printing unit as part of its new Global Technology Center in Texas. This center will focus on 3D printing titanium aircraft structures. The printer, named Cell 3, will be capable of printing titanium alloy components up to five meters in length.Because NASA only requires one, 3D printing titanium alloy components for the lunar deployable arm makes more sense than traditional manufacturing methods.
In conclusion, the future development of 3D printing titanium holds promise and will play a greater role in numerous fields. Through continuous technological innovation and expanded applications, 3D printing titanium will bring more convenience, efficiency, and high-quality metal components to society.
