Australian-Made Titanium Powder Undergoes Advanced Manufacturing Testing
A new research collaboration is evaluating a domestically produced titanium powder, TiRO, to assess its viability for high-value industrial applications through additive manufacturing and other advanced techniques.
A significant research initiative has been launched in Australia to enhance the nation's advanced manufacturing capabilities by rigorously testing a locally produced titanium powder known as TiRO. This program, a collaboration between Coogee Titanium and The University of Queensland (UQ), with support from the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), aims to determine if TiRO powder can be effectively transformed into high-quality titanium components using additive manufacturing and other advanced processes.
The A$677,000 project will benchmark TiRO powder against established additive manufacturing titanium feedstocks, specifically gas atomized and hydride-dehydride (HDH) grades. A central focus of the research will be to understand the impact of trace impurities, such as magnesium and chlorine, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the final parts. The team plans to process the powder using techniques like Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIPing) to identify applications where TiRO can compete with or outperform existing materials.
Associate Professor Michael Bermingham from UQ highlighted the importance of acquiring comprehensive performance data for the new powder. "Understanding how this new titanium powder behaves during manufacturing is essential," he stated. "By comparing it directly with established materials and studying the role of impurities, we can determine whether it is suitable for producing high-quality, reliable components."
For Coogee Titanium, this project represents a crucial step in establishing a global market for Australian-made titanium powder and parts. Technical Director Peter Duxson explained, "This project is about proving that TiRO powder can meet the performance demands of advanced manufacturing while delivering cost and sustainability benefits." The company has invested in proprietary production processes and facilities within Australia, and this research is intended to unlock the commercial potential of TiRO for both domestic and international markets, potentially creating a sovereign supply chain from raw material to finished product.
This development is significant as it addresses the critical need for domestically sourced, high-performance titanium powders in additive manufacturing. By developing and testing TiRO, Australia aims to reduce reliance on imported materials, bolster its sovereign industrial capabilities, and potentially lower costs and environmental impact. Success could position Australia as a key player in the global titanium supply chain, particularly for demanding sectors like aerospace and defense.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.