Titanium is an essential material for numerous high-tech industries, including aerospace, defense, and the automotive sector. Its high strength combined with low weight makes it particularly suitable for applications with demanding mechanical and thermal requirements. However, a significant portion of the titanium used worldwide is still sourced through complex, foreign supply chains. To reduce this dependency, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a funding program aimed at supporting the development of a domestic titanium production capability.
IperionX Limited, a company specializing in titanium production through additive manufacturing, has been awarded up to $47.1 million under this program. The goal is to establish a fully integrated, cost-efficient titanium supply chain, covering everything from raw material extraction to final processing. The production process will focus on two key technologies: Hydrogen-Assisted Metallothermic Reduction (HAMR) and Hydrogen Sintering and Phase Transformation (HSPT). These methods enable the production of high-purity titanium at relatively low costs while efficiently utilizing recycled materials.
The project’s initial phase involves an investment of $6 million to prepare the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee for rapid industrial deployment. In the second phase, vertical integration of the supply chain will be expanded, increasing processing capacities at the company’s manufacturing facility in Virginia. The DoD has emphasized that establishing a stable domestic titanium production is not only economically beneficial but also strategically critical, as many modern weapons systems rely on this material.
Anastasios (Taso) Arima, IperionX CEO said: “This award is a pivotal moment in IperionX’s mission to re-shore the U.S. titanium industry. For too long, American industry has been reliant on foreign-controlled supply chains for this critical high-strength metal. IperionX’s proprietary technologies, combined with the Titan Project, offer a pathway for a resilient end-to-end U.S. titanium supply chain. We are proud to be selected by the DoD as a key partner in strengthening U.S. industrial and defense capabilities.”
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense conducted a market analysis to identify alternatives to the current import-dependent titanium supply chains. IperionX was selected through a competitive process as it presented a comprehensive solution for independent titanium production.
Additive manufacturing plays a crucial role in this initiative, as it enables efficient processing of titanium materials while optimizing material usage. Through 3D printing, highly complex components can be produced with minimal waste, which is particularly beneficial in aerospace applications. The combination of new manufacturing methods and digital production technologies could, in the long run, help make titanium more widely available and expand its use across industrial sectors.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
