Advances in titanium metal injection molding

The approaches to production of titanium powder injection molded parts are reviewed. Historically, oxygen levels have been too high for structural use (particularly with the Ti-6AI-4V alloy). However, recent advances in starting powders, binders and sintering facilities now allow oxygen levels in the Ti6Al -4 V alloy to be controlled to about 0.2 wt. % oxygen. This should result in significant expansion of the titanium PIM marketplace into aerospace, automobiles, surgical instruments, dentistry, communication devices (such as computers and cell phones), knives and guns.