Norsk Titanium AS (NTi), Norway, announces that RTI International Metals Inc., Pittsburgh, has become a strategic investor and minority partner with the company. RTI made an investment of an undisclosed amount for strategic cooperation projects surrounding Norsk’s Direct Metal Deposition technology, which is the basis for its patented process for the manufacture of premium quality titanium components.
NTi’s patented plasma-arc based Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) technology is the first globally and commercially available technology of its kind. The technology enables large-scale, fully programmable means of achieving large and complex near-net-shape parts for industrial applications.
By melting wire, metal is deposited directly onto a substrate, building up a near-net-shape component with greatly reduced need for machining. This method provides substantially lower material waste, greater production flexibility, reduced costs, and greater environmental benefits than traditional production methods
NTi has achieved technology readiness level six (TRL6), which demonstrates its ability to meet stringent A&D material requirements. NTi expects to achieve technology readiness level eight (TRL8) by the fourth quarter of this year. The A&D industry is the largest and most demanding segment for titanium components. In addition, oil & gas, automotive and other industries require high quality, complex titanium component.
Watch a video of the process here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHfFERy6294
