The Need

Titanium alloy components produced by current additive manufacturing (AM) techniques may lead to columnar grains, which introduce undesirable anisotropic material properties to the structure. Additional steps can reduce or eliminate these properties, but the processes are costly and limit direct placement of the as-deposited material. As a result, applications for titanium alloy AM components are scarce. There is a need to develop AM techniques for titanium alloys that improve the properties of manufactured parts.

The Technology

Researchers at The Ohio State University, led by Brian Welk, have established a technique for AM that reduces or eliminates columnar structures typically observed in deposited titanium. Alloy materials are added to pure or alloy titanium to breakdown the columnar structures, which allows the parts to be put directly into service after manufacturing.

Commercial Applications

• AM components in aerospace and healthcare applications
• Titanium wires
• Powders for AM

Benefits/Advantages

• Eliminates additional processes, such as HIPing or heat treating, needed to remove anisotropic material properties
• Decreases manufacturing cost and time
• Broaden application titanium alloy AM components in aerospace and healthcare
• Allow titanium AM parts to be put directly into service