Willari Unveils T70X High-Temperature Titanium Alloy Powder for Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing Components

After more than two years of dedicated research and development, Willari has successfully engineered a high-temperature titanium alloy powder—T70X—designed specifically for large-format Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing. Having undergone multiple rounds of rigorous testing across various projects, the powder consistently met its performance targets. Patent applications for the material are now underway. With the official release of these technological advancements, Willari aims to drive broader applications and unlock the full potential of this innovative material.

As the Mach numbers of aerospace vehicles continue to rise, the demand for lighter and more heat-resistant components—such as engine casings and turbine blades—has become increasingly exacting. Existing titanium alloys predominantly used in LPBF processes, including TC4 and TA15, suffer a significant degradation in mechanical performance above 500°C, limiting their applicability under extreme thermal conditions. While Ti₂AlNb alloys exhibit superior heat resistance, they are prone to cracking during the forming process, making them unsuitable for manufacturing large-scale components using Selective Laser Melting (SLM), thus impeding their widespread adoption.

To overcome this technological bottleneck, Willari has pioneered the development of the T70X high-temperature titanium alloy powder, bridging the domestic gap in heat-resistant materials for large-scale additive manufacturing.

By optimizing alloy element ratios and leveraging the synergistic effects of multiple elements, Willari has enhanced the high-temperature performance of the T70X powder while effectively mitigating its susceptibility to cracking. This results in significantly improved overall material performance and reliability. The powder has passed validation through thin-walled prints exceeding 500 mm in width, demonstrating minimal dimensional distortion, crack-free post-heat treatment, and defect-free inspection results. Repeated trials have confirmed the powder's print reliability, formability, dimensional consistency, and batch stability. Process refinements have enabled successful formation of walls as thin as 0.3 mm. At a 45° build angle, the material delivers smooth surface finishes, with overall forming performance comparable to TA15. Welding experiments further confirmed the material's weldability, paving a clear path for practical application and providing robust technical support.

The T70X alloy powder is produced using Electrode Induction Gas Atomization (EIGA), a process well-suited to manufacturing powders from titanium alloys, intermetallic compounds, and other highly reactive or refractory metals. Through continuous innovation, Willari has successfully optimized the EIGA equipment workflow and achieved a breakthrough in continuous feeding technology. This advancement not only streamlines and enhances equipment operation but also significantly improves production efficiency while drastically reducing manufacturing costs.

Upholding its spirit of innovation, Willari remains committed to expanding the frontiers of metal additive manufacturing. The company strives to provide the industry with increasingly advanced powder materials, thereby propelling the sector to new heights.