Manufacturing project to assess Australian-made titanium powder for advanced production

A new research project will evaluate the performance of an Australian-produced titanium powder for advanced manufacturing applications, with the aim of assessing its suitability for producing high-value titanium components using additive manufacturing and other production methods, according to the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC).

Led by Coogee Titanium in partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ) and supported by the AMCRC, the $677,000 project will examine whether the locally produced TiRO® titanium powder can be used to manufacture high-quality components while potentially reducing production costs and environmental impacts.

According to the AMCRC, the project will benchmark TiRO® powder against conventional titanium powders commonly used in additive manufacturing, including gas atomised and hydride-dehydride materials. 

Researchers will also investigate how trace impurities, such as magnesium and chlorine, affect the microstructure and mechanical performance of manufactured components.

The material will be evaluated using manufacturing processes including Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIPing) to determine where the powder can compete with existing titanium feedstocks.

Coogee Titanium Technical Director Peter Duxson said the research was intended to validate the performance of the company’s titanium powder for advanced manufacturing applications.

“This project is about proving that TiRO® powder can meet the performance demands of advanced manufacturing while delivering cost and sustainability benefits,” Duxson said.

“We’ve developed a unique production process and invested in multiple facilities here in Australia, and this research will help unlock its full commercial potential across both domestic and international markets.”

University of Queensland project lead Associate Professor Michael Bermingham said the research would provide insights into the material’s manufacturing performance.

“Understanding how this new titanium powder behaves during manufacturing is essential,” Bermingham said.

“By comparing it directly with established materials and studying the role of impurities, we can determine whether it is suitable for producing high-quality, reliable components.”

AMCRC Managing Director Simon Marriott said the project aligned with efforts to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector through industry and research collaboration.

“This collaboration highlights the importance of connecting industry and research to accelerate innovation,” Marriott said.

“Developing a competitive, locally produced titanium feedstock has the potential to transform Australia’s additive manufacturing ecosystem and reduce reliance on imported materials.”

According to the AMCRC, the project is expected to provide data on the manufacturability and performance of TiRO® powder, helping Coogee Titanium identify potential markets and support adoption in sectors including aerospace, defence and medical manufacturing. 

The research is also intended to contribute to the development of an Australian titanium supply chain spanning raw materials through to finished components.