Titanium (TiAl6V4) Material Guide

Titanium watch case
Introduction to TiAl6V4:

 Titanium TiAl6V4, also called Grade 5 or Ti-6Al-4V, is a titanium alloy celebrated for its strength, lightweight characteristics, and resistance to corrosion. It is created through a 3D printing process where titanium powder is precisely fused using a laser. The final parts feature a matte gray or satin-like finish with a slightly rough texture.

Titanium watch case

Design Guidelines:

Designing for 3D printing with titanium requires attention to detail to ensure optimal results and structural integrity. Here are some key guidelines:

  1. Minimum Wall Thickness:

    • Aim for a minimum wall thickness of 1 mm for robust structural integrity.
    • For high-stress applications, consider increasing this to 2-3 mm.
  2. Minimum Detail Size:

    • Ensure that the smallest feature size is at least 0.25 mm to maintain clarity.
    • Complex textures or fine engravings should also respect this minimum limit.
  3. Overhangs and Supports:

    • Limit overhang angles to 35° or more to reduce the need for support structures.
    • If supports are required, ensure that the design allows for easy removal without damaging the part.
  4. Hollow Structures:

    • Incorporate escape holes for powder removal if your design includes hollow or enclosed spaces.
    • Holes should be at least 3-5 mm in diameter.
  5. Clearance and Interlocking Parts:

    • Leave a gap of at least 0.5 mm between interlocking parts to ensure smooth movement and prevent fusing.
    • Larger assemblies may require a greater clearance based on part size and complexity.
  6. Surface Quality and Finish:

    • Be aware that unpolished titanium parts have a matte gray finish.
    • If a smoother finish is desired, post-processing like polishing or bead blasting can help.
  7. Design Complexity:

    • Take advantage of 3D printing’s freedom to create complex shapes, such as lattice structures or organic forms.
    • Consider topology optimization to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
  8. Build Size Limits:

    • Design within the build volume of the 3D printer, which typically ranges up to 250 x 250 x 250 mm.
    • Larger designs may need to be printed in multiple parts and assembled afterward.
  9. Heat Treatment and Stress Relief:

    • Post-print heat treatment may be necessary to relieve stress and enhance material properties.
    • Consider this during the design phase, especially for high-performance applications.
 
 

Pricing Information: Pricing is based on several factors:

  1. Material Volume: The total material required for the model in mm³.
  2. Bounding Box Volume: The space the model occupies in the printer.
  3. Surface Area: Larger surface areas may increase costs.
  4. Finish: Additional finishing steps will affect the price.

 

A minimum price applies per ordered piece, but the cost per unit decreases with larger orders.

Applications:

TiAl6V4 is used in various industries due to its strength, corrosion resistance and lightweight properties.
 
titanium electronic parts
custom titanium parts
titanium 3d printing Endoscopic parts
titanium components
titanium parts

Technology Overview:

  • Metal 3D Printing: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Select Laser Melting (SLM) use a high-powered laser to fuse layers of titanium powder into solid shapes. Supports are added automatically and manually removed after printing.

Key Considerations:

• Hypoallergenic Properties

Titanium is suitable for jewelry, especially for people with metal allergies or sensitive skin.

• Design Flexibility:

The technology allows for the production of intricate designs that traditional methods cannot replicate.

• Surface Quality:

Support structures may leave minor marks, and overhangs below 35° might appear less defined.
 

• Ideal Shapes:

  • Mesh-like designs typically yield the best results.
 

More Resources:

Titanium – Source: Wikipedia

Titanium Alloy – Source: Wikipedia

Titanium 3D printing – Source: JHMIM

Fabrication of Titanium – Source: Total Materia

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