Timelines, page-48

Marc, our day in the sun is coming mate! Rio would be a good fit for a t/o but im not counting on one!


Making an impression: 3D printing beckons for titanium dioxide


A commodity made from ancient beach sands is finding its way into applications at the forefront of technology.
Rio Tinto mines the mineral ilmenite from ancient sand and hard-rock deposits. From ilmenite, Rio Tinto produces titanium dioxide (TiO₂) feedstock, which is further processed into TiO₂, a compound commonly used as a white pigment in applications like paint and plastics. Now, with support from Rio Tinto, research is under way to improve the use of TiO₂ in breakthrough 3D printing applications.
Diversifying demand
3D printing offers potential to diversify the market for TiO₂. The process involves taking a digital file of an image and slicing it into thousands of horizontal layers. The 3D printers then recreate each slice in plastic, metal or other materials.
A powdered form of the chosen material, such as titanium metal powder – produced from titanium dioxide – is used to create the three-dimensional object from a computer design. In the case of titanium, the powder is melted layer by layer with a laser to create the item.
The aerospace industry may stand to be the biggest beneficiary of titanium 3D printing, while other low-volume high-tech applications like the medical industry may also see some benefit. General Electric have built working aircraft parts using 3D printing and Ford is currently using 3D printing to prototype car parts such as cylinder heads, brake rotors and rear axles.
A fast-growing market
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, chief executive, Diamonds & Minerals, Alan Davies said that Rio Tinto is “positioning ourselves on a technical side and a production side” for a potential spurt in demand for 3D printing powder.
“If you have a process that systematically changes out some of the componentry or engines with a lighter and equally strong metal, it is really a compelling case,” Alan said.
One of the key constraints for 3D printing is the high cost of producing titanium powder. The process is also technically challenging so only a few manufacturing facilities have the ability to manufacture titanium powder at present.
Rio Tinto is currently working with École de technologie supérieure in Montreal and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to assess the potential for use of metal powders in 3D printing. The company also supports four academic R&D projects for the production of titanium metal powder which could be used in 3D printing.
The full article about mining’s role in the future of 3D printing is available to subscribers of The Wall Street Journal.

http://www.riotinto.com/ourcommitment/features-2932_16250.aspx