位于英国的一家叫Metalysis的公司已经找到了以比以前更低的成本生产钛粉的方法。
这家公司说这是巨大的技术突破，这将使3D打印用的钛金属粉以经济的价格应用到小批量到中等批量的汽车、航空航天和国防工业的生产中来。
这个过程与现有的生产方法相比更环保，现有的生产方法需要消耗大量的能源并且Kroll过程是有毒的。
Metalysis生产钛粉的方法是直接从金红石砂-一种海滩砂钛矿使用电解的方法提取。
“我们相信，这个过程可以降低高达75%的钛价格，使其几乎跟特种钢一样便宜。”Metalysis公司首席执行官Dion Vaughan说。
到目前为止，这些金属粉末被Sheffield大学的研究人员用来做汽车配件行业。该大学副校长Keith Burnett教授说：“一提起3D打印，很多人都想到了塑料，但是通过Metalysis的钛粉，我们看到了该材料在金属零件制造方面的巨大潜力，可以从许多领域降低生产成本，提高生产效益。”
Titanium used to 3D print automotive parts
A UK company has found a way to produce titanium powder at a much lower cost than was previously possible.
The breakthrough, it says, will enable 3D printed metal parts to be created cheaply enough for low-to-medium volume production in the automotive, aerospace and defence industries.
The process is also said to be more environmentally-friendly compared to existing production methods, such as the energy-intensive and toxic Kroll process.
The development, made by Rotherham-based company Metalysis, enables titanium powder to be created directly from rutile sand – a naturally occurring titanium ore present in beach sands – using only electrolysis.
“We believe the process could reduce the price of titanium by as much as 75%, making it almost as cheap as specialty steels,” said company ceo Dion Vaughan.
So far, the metal powder has been used by researchers at Sheffield University to make parts for the automotive industry.
University Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Keith Burnett, commented: “Most people associate 3D printing with plastic parts, but, with Metalysis’ titanium powder, we have for the first time demonstrated its potential in the manufacturing of metal parts.
“This is potentially a significant breakthrough for the many sectors which can benefit from its low-cost production.”
