Atomisation is a process where liquid metal is converted into fine powder, which is then used in various applications such as additive manufacturing, coatings, and metal injection moulding. Titanium recycling through atomisation holds significant potential for creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly titanium supply chain.

Here are the key aspects and requirements for effective titanium recycling for atomisation:
Efficient Scrap Collection and Pre-Processing
Source Segregation: Implement systems for segregating titanium scrap at the source to ensure high purity and reduce contamination.
Pre-Processing: Clean and prepare titanium scrap, removing contaminants and non-metallic inclusions to improve the quality of the final powder.
Advanced Atomisation Techniques
Gas Atomisation: Utilise gas atomisation techniques where molten titanium is broken into fine droplets by a high-velocity gas stream. This method is suitable for producing high-quality powders with controlled particle size distribution.
Plasma Atomisation: Employ plasma atomisation, where a plasma torch melts titanium wire, and the molten metal is atomised by a gas stream. This technique produces spherical powders with excellent flowability and packing density.
Process Optimisation for Energy Efficiency
Energy Recovery Systems: Incorporate energy recovery systems to capture and reuse the heat generated during the atomisation process, reducing overall energy consumption.
Automation and Control: Implement advanced automation and process control systems to optimise atomisation parameters, ensuring consistent quality and minimising waste.
Quality Assurance and Material Standards
Particle Size Distribution: Establish stringent controls on particle size distribution to meet the requirements of specific applications, such as additive manufacturing and metal injection moulding.
Material Certification: Certify recycled titanium powder to meet industry standards and specifications, ensuring it performs comparably to virgin material.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Reduced Environmental Impact: Focus on minimising emissions and waste generated during the atomisation process. Utilise eco-friendly gases and ensure proper disposal or recycling of by-products.
Cost Competitiveness: Optimise the recycling and atomisation processes to reduce costs, making recycled titanium powder economically competitive with virgin material.
Regulatory and Policy Framework
Supportive Regulations: Advocate for regulations that support the use of recycled materials in critical applications, providing a market for recycled titanium powder.
Incentives for Recycling: Encourage governments to offer incentives for companies that invest in titanium recycling and atomisation technologies.
Collaboration and Innovation
Industry Partnerships: Foster partnerships between recycling companies, atomisation technology providers, and end-users to develop integrated solutions and share best practices.
Research and Development: Invest in R&D to advance atomisation technologies, improve powder characteristics, and develop new applications for recycled titanium powder.
Consumer and Industry Awareness
Education and Training: Educate industry stakeholders about the benefits and applications of recycled titanium powder. Provide training on handling and using recycled materials.
Market Development: Promote the use of recycled titanium powder in various industries, highlighting its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness.
Recycling titanium through atomisation not only helps reduce the environmental impact of titanium production but also supports the growing demand for high-quality titanium powder in advanced manufacturing applications. By focusing on efficient collection, advanced atomisation techniques, and strong quality assurance, the titanium industry can move towards a more sustainable and green future. Embracing these practices will foster innovation, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in the evolving green economy.
For more information on how to atomise titanium or emerging requirements for the industry, contact PSI today and discuss your capital equipment needs.
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