The hybrid event of the Expert Committee Titanium provided a platform for professional exchange on current developments in titanium research, both in person and online. As in previous years, a group of experienced experts and long-standing members of the Expert Committee met, joined by a growing number of young scientists, including participants from other European countries. 

The expert committee spokesperson Carsten Siemers opened the meeting with an overview of new research activities and provided information on the status of preparations for the next international titanium conference, Ti-2027, which will be hosted by the DGM in Berlin in 2027. Numerous commitments to participate in the National Organizing Committee and to provide scientific review have already been received. The host institute then presented its current research work. 

This year's presentations focused on developments in the additive manufacturing of titanium. Microstructural investigations of an α"-Ti-Nb alloy produced using PBF-LB/M and the newly developed Ti-36Nb-2Zr-3Ta-0.3O alloy for implant technology were discussed in particular detail. A recurring theme in several presentations was the martensitic transformation into the α" phase and its effects on material properties. 

An industry presentation on the explosion characteristics of titanium powders also provided practical insights into safety aspects and handling recommendations for powder-based additive manufacturing processes. The relevance of this topic continues to grow with the increasing establishment of 3D-printed titanium components in aviation. 

At the end of the session, participants were given a tour of the institute's laboratory areas. The focus was on a newly installed DED (Directed Energy Deposition) system that can be operated with wire or powder and features synchrotron coupling for in-situ phase analysis. The flexible powder mixing system allows new alloy variants to be developed in a targeted manner and characterized during the process. 

Outlook:
The next meeting of the Titanium Expert Committee will take place on 25 November 2026, at the Department of Materials Engineering at KU Leuven (Belgium). An informal meeting is already planned for the evening before, on 24 November 2026. Hybrid participation via video stream will also be possible next year. The meeting is open to all interested parties – especially members of other DGM expert committees. 

We would like to thank the organizers, the expert committee chair Siemers, and the Institute for Materials Engineering at the University of Kassel for hosting the event.