Abstract: A method for atomizing a titanium-based material to particulates in a controlled atmosphere. In the method, titanium is skull melted in a crucible. The molten titanium-based material is transferred to a heated tundish. The molten titanium-based material may be stabilized in the heated tundish and then formed into a free-falling stream. The free-falling stream of the molten titanium-based material is impinged with an inert gas jet to atomize the molten titanium-based material. The method also includes cooling the atomized titanium-based material, and collecting the cooled atomized titanium-based material.

Abstract: A system and method for atomizing a titanium-based material to particulates in a controlled atmosphere. The system includes a crucible for skull melting a titanium-based material. The molten titanium-based material is transferred to a tundish for receiving the molten titanium-based material. The tundish has a bottom portion with an aperture formed therein and is heated. A molten metal nozzle for forming the molten titanium-based material into a free-falling stream exiting from the tundish is provided, the molten metal nozzle being coaxially aligned with the aperture of the tundish. A baffle may be disposed in the tundish for stabilizing the free-falling stream of the molten titanium-based material. The molten titanium-based material is atomized by impinging the free-falling stream of the molten titanium-based material with an inert gas jet issuing from a gas nozzle.

Abstract: A method for producing titanium particles suitable for powder metallurgy applications by atomizing a free-falling stream of molten titanium. Prior to atomization the molten titanium is maintained in a crucible lined with a solidified layer of titanium which separates the molten mass of titanium from the crucible interior to protect it against contamination. The bottom of the crucible has a nozzle through which the titanium passes to form the free-falling stream. The nozzle may be likewise lined with a layer of solidified titanium which maintains the molten titanium passing through the nozzle out of contact with the nozzle material further protecting the titanium from contamination. The free-falling stream is contacted by an inert gas jet to atomize the stream into spherical particles, which are solidified and collected.