Sandvik inaugurated its highly automated titanium powder plant in Sandviken (Sweden) last month — seen as an important step in meeting the increasing market demands for titanium powder for additive manufacturing.

Mikael Schuisky, head of R&D and operations at Sandvik’s Additive Manufacturing (AM) division, said: “The additive process results in far less material waste than traditional subtractive techniques, while also encouraging new levels of design freedom.

“This is opening up the use of titanium in industries such as automotive and tooling.

“Titanium is noted for having exceptional material properties, being strong yet light and offering high levels
of corrosion-resistance.

“At the same time, it is bio-compatible. However, the cost and complexity of machining from titanium billet have historically restricted its use to high-value low-volume industries such as aerospace and medical.”

Sandvik is a ‘world-leader’ in metal powder for AM, offering a comprehensive alloy programme.

Keith Murray, head of global sales at the Additive Manufacturing division, said: “With the addition of titanium powder, the Sandvik materials offering to AM is complete.

“In addition, we can also tailor powders to any printing process, thanks to our extensive in-house capabilities in additive manufacturing.”