Norsk Titanium - simplifying the titanium value chain

Titanium is vital for the aerospace industry – to produce a modern aircraft like the Airbus 380 approx 140 tons is needed

Norsk Titanium AS (NTi) has the vision to simplify the Titanium (Ti) process chain from Ti ore to finished Ti components. Titanium has unique properties both for strength, ductility and corrosion resistance especially in sea water. The market for complex components in titanium and titanium alloys is increasing and represents an interesting and promising business opportunity. NTi has two separate subsidiaries: 

• NTi Technology aims at developing and industrializing a cost effective and environmentally friendly method to produce titanium metal.

• NTi Components are commercializing a novel, proprietory method for 'near net shape' production of complex titanium components, primarily to the aerospace and oil & gas industries.
 
In both cases we take advantage of Norwegian titanium ore resources, as well as Norwegian competence within electrolysis and material science.
 
NTi Technology's Integrated Carbothermal-Electrolytic Titanium Process involves carbotermic upgrading of titanium slag feedstocks to a high-purity, titanium oxycarbide (TiOxCy) powder, which is subsequently refined, pressed and sintered into a dense, consumable electrode.  The electrolytic process is dissolving the electrode and simultaneously depositing high-purity titanium metal in the electrolyte. The titanium metal is then extracted and separated from the salt.
The main process steps have been succesfully demonstrated and titanium powder has been produced. Preparations for experimental scale-up is ongoing.

Near net shape couplings to Kvaerner’s Elastopipe fire protection products have been produced by NTi Components

NTi Components has developed and in the process of industrializing a new technology for efficient production of complex titanium components. The objective is to produce cost effective and near net shape complex titanium components with extensive freedom of design and short lead time. This is achieved through the new and patented technology using plasma transfer arc (PTA) in a fully automated direct metal deposition (DMD) production process.

Currently, the process is being optimized in the second generation pilot line, and the design of the first large-scale production unit has been completed and the production line will be operational by year end 2011. The company has entered into development contracts with large companies within aerospace and offshore industries in order to have the production process, material quality and finished components qualified for the respective industries. NORSOK qualification (approval for supply to the Norwegain Oil and Gas industry) has been received and the aerospace qualification is well under way.

Small scale production of components to fill customer contracts has commenced. NTi Components' technology has proved that production cost of components for the aerospace industry is significantly lower than that for the existing methods. The customer cooperation is very intense and rewarding.