Powder Metallurgy: A New Path for Advanced Titanium Alloys in the EU Medical Device Supply Chain

Abstract

New beta titanium alloys are expected to present high mechanical properties with good biocompatibility to meet the demands of next-generation implants. This paper presents an overview of the current European Union titanium supply chain and several metallurgical processes and technologies required to develop the beta-based titanium alloy industry. The thermomechanical process involves manufacturing advanced beta titanium alloys, where cost reduction must involve every step of the entire process. When synergistically combined, powder metallurgical technology, together with a set metallurgical process, can produce advanced materials for the biomedical industry with a low-cost ratio compared to current melting and forging manufacturing routes. We propose a new strategy to increase the role of advanced titanium alloys in the European Union medical device supply chain.