30 - Future prospects for titanium powder metallurgy markets

Abstract

This chapter begins by discussing the market sectors that have been penetrated to date by wrought and cast titanium products. Established applications for titanium powders are also briefly discussed. In relation to the interest in PM titanium, reported R&D activity is then separated into two broad application sector categories: (a) those that are already committed to (wrought or cast route) titanium and titanium alloys as a “material of choice” and are therefore fully aware of the high raw material costs involved and (b) those where titanium alloy products are not currently being specified, with the high costs involved being seen as the major impediment. Potential new PM titanium applications and consequent R&D activities in a range of application sectors that fall within the broad category (a) are then discussed, with particular reference to aero-engine, airframe, health care, and jewelry applications. Prospects in a number of application sectors in category (b) are then considered in the context of the raw material types and PM forming technologies that are being addressed in the reported R&D activity. Finally, some projections are attempted of potential market penetration in a 5-year time frame for PM titanium products of various types.