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| DongA Special Metal Titanium Gr.7 Ingot |
Titanium Grade 7 Ingot Production from Scrap Positions Korea in Strategic Alloy Market
South Korea's DongA Special Metal has become the first domestic producer of Titanium Grade 7 ingot from recycled scrap, leveraging plasma arc melting (PAM) and induction skull melting (ISM) technologies. This focus keyphrase, "Titanium Grade 7 ingot production from scrap," highlights a turning point in Korea's advanced alloy industry. The full 1-ton ingot batch was exported to a U.S.-based metals company, proving both technical viability and global market relevance.
PAM-ISM Technology Boosts High-Purity Alloy Recycling and Reduces Dependency
Titanium Grade 7 is valued for its corrosion resistance in chemical and nuclear applications, but production from scrap remains challenging due to its precise composition requirements. DongA’s PAM-ISM hybrid process refines and recasts simultaneously, offering greater control and lower impurity levels. This marks a departure from the vacuum arc remelting (VAR) method still used in over 75% of global titanium ingot production. As a result, DongA’s method improves circularity, lowers production cost, and reduces reliance on imported sponge titanium.
Strategic Impact for Chemical, Nuclear, and Desalination Industries
The 1-ton production facility, the largest of its kind in Korea, ensures domestic availability for key industries including semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, and seawater desalination. Titanium Grade 7 plays a critical role in ion exchange membrane systems, nuclear condensers, chlorine-based cooling systems, and heat exchangers. Furthermore, this milestone enables deeper collaboration with Korean R&D institutions and enhances the competitiveness of the national supply chain. The successful U.S. export further validates the quality of Korea-made alloys in global strategic applications.
ScrapInsight Commentary
DongA’s success in Titanium Grade 7 ingot production from scrap showcases Korea's ascent in strategic alloy manufacturing. This innovation not only lowers titanium import dependency but also elevates domestic capability in circular metallurgy—especially vital for high-spec sectors like nuclear energy, semiconductors, and desalination. Expect increased R&D synergy and stronger global positioning in high-purity corrosion-resistant alloys.
