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Desktop Metal announced it has qualified the use of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) for the Studio System 2 3D printing platform. With plans to begin shipping Ti64 next month, Desktop Metal claims it will be the first and only company to make the material commercially available for extrusion-based bound metal additive manufacturing technologies.

According to Desktop Metal, Ti64 is the most widely used titanium alloy; it is characterized by its high tensile strength, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. With a high strength-to-weight ratio, Ti64 is considered an ideal material for high-performance production applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, oil and gas. In addition, its biocompatibility makes it desirable in medical applications, such as with surgical devices and implants.

The Studio System 2 produces Ti64 with tensile properties that include 730 MPa yield strength, 845 MPa ultimate tensile strength and 17 percent elongation. Examples of key uses cases include machine brackets, small telescope focus rings, drone couplings and fuel injector nozzles for aerospace.

“3D printing with titanium is incredibly valuable in industries like aerospace because of the material’s ability to support complex and lightweight designs,” says Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Privateer Space, a new satellite company focused on monitoring and cleaning up objects in space. “With the Studio System 2, the team at Privateer Space will be able to achieve the affordability and lightweighting capabilities needed to pave the way for our satellite design and launch.”

The Studio System 2 is compatible with 316L stainless steel and Ti64, as well as all materials previously supported by the Studio System, including 17-4PH stainless steel, 4140 low-alloy steel, H13 tool steel and copper. Ti64 for Studio System 2 is expected to ship September 2021. A portfolio of additional materials is in active R&D, with new releases slated to roll out this year.