To create a platform for titanium industry enterprises and related institutions to gather, exchange, and promote open, shared development, the “2019 China Titanium Melting, Forging, and Bar & Powder Innovation Development Forum” was held from November 20–22 at the Jianguo Hotel in Baoji. The forum was organized by the Titanium Industry Information Council, Baoji Titanium Industry Association, and Baoji High-Tech Zone Management Committee, and hosted by Titanium Industry Information · ZhiTi Sharing Platform and the Baoji Titanium & Titanium Alloy Industry Investment Promotion Bureau. The theme of the forum was: Sharing Industry Development. The meeting was presided over by Qi Haigang, General Manager of the Titanium Industry Information Council.
Industry experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across China in the titanium and titanium alloy melting and forging sectors gathered in Baoji to discuss the latest developments in titanium and titanium alloy melting processes, forging techniques, precision casting, large titanium castings and forgings for aerospace equipment, and materials used in aircraft landing gear, aerospace structures, armor, orthopedic applications, and large-scale titanium alloy bars, forgings, and rings. The forum focused on open dialogue, exploring new challenges, sharing solutions, and exchanging insights on high-performance titanium powders, enterprise quality management systems, and other topics.
Opening Ceremony
Li Xianmin, Executive Vice President of the Baoji Titanium Industry Association, and Wang Haifeng, Deputy Director of the Baoji High-Tech Zone Management Committee, delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.
Li Xianmin warmly welcomed leaders, experts, entrepreneurs, and guests to Baoji, the “hometown of bronzes” with over 3,000 years of metal smelting history since the Western Zhou Dynasty. He emphasized that Baoji is the cradle of China’s titanium industry and home to “China Titanium Valley.” Experts and entrepreneurs gathered to share achievements and discuss technological advancements in titanium and titanium alloy melting, forging, and processing, aiming to enhance enterprise management, technical equipment, product quality, and sustainable development, thus strengthening China’s titanium industry.
Wang Haifeng highlighted Baoji’s strategic position on the western Guanzhong Plain as Shaanxi Province’s second-largest industrial city. Baoji’s comprehensive industrial base includes titanium materials, heavy and medium-sized automotive components, petroleum machinery, CNC machine tools, aerospace electronic instruments, switchgear, and high-speed rail equipment, ranking among the top in China or globally. The High-Tech Zone, known as “China Titanium Valley,” hosts over 530 enterprises focused on titanium and other rare metals, employing more than 40,000 people with an annual industrial output of 45 billion RMB. It has developed a complete industrial chain from titanium melting and forging to rolling and deep processing, supplying products to Europe, the U.S., and Southeast Asia. Baoji’s titanium production accounts for 60% of domestic supply and 20% of global output. The zone has contributed to major projects, including China’s first hydrogen bomb, nuclear submarines, Shenzhou spacecraft series, Chang’e lunar projects, and the C919 aircraft. Notably, Baoji Titanium developed a 4,500-meter manned deep-sea submersible hull, achieving domestic production of critical deep-sea components.
The forum also marked the launch of the Titanium Industry Information Doctoral Team. This initiative leverages PhD expertise to address common technical challenges, cultivate industry talent, and promote collaborative development. The launch ceremony featured notable participants including Ukrainian Academy of Sciences Academician Alexander Molyar, Professor Zhu Zhishou of Beijing Aero-Materials Institute, Li Xianmin, Dr. Ouyang Haibo of Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, and other industry representatives.
Forum Sessions
Over one and a half days, 20 experts and entrepreneurs delivered presentations. Topics included:
- Advantages and challenges of electron-beam vacuum self-consumption (VER) and electron-beam cold hearth (EB) furnaces for high-quality titanium and titanium alloy ingot production
- Process quality control for large titanium and titanium alloy forgings and castings
- Application requirements and material performance of titanium alloys in aerospace, nuclear power, heavy machinery, and medical devices
- Titanium sponge production technology improvements and R&D of 3D printing titanium powders and intermediate alloys
The forum emphasized open discussion, cooperation, and knowledge sharing. Experts and scholars presented their recent R&D achievements, addressing industry challenges and sharing solutions for the high-quality development of the titanium industry.
Exhibitions and Site Visits
The forum featured product exhibition areas showcasing the specialties and innovations of over ten titanium enterprises. Following the main forum, participants visited the production sites of Baoji Titanium Group, Yongshengtai Titanium, Topda Titanium, Ensite Metals, and Xigong Titanium Forging, with over 130 attendees participating.
Participants
Key participants included:
- Academician Alexander Molyar, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences
- Wang Haifeng, Deputy Director, Baoji High-Tech Zone
- Ma Xinguang, Deputy Director, Baoji Science & Technology Bureau
- Li Xianmin, Executive Vice President, Baoji Titanium Industry Association
- Wang Jian and Wang Dingchun, Vice General Managers, Baoji Titanium Group
- He Shulin, Deputy Chief Engineer, Baoji Titanium Group
- Zhu Zhishou, Beijing Aero-Materials Institute
- Zhang Xuhu, Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation
- Wang Longxiang, Vice Chief Engineer, Guizhou Anda Aerospace Forging
- Experts from Tsinghua University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and dozens of other titanium enterprises
Over 380 industry leaders, technical staff, and enterprise representatives attended, including co-sponsors Baoji Yixin Metals, Topda Titanium, Yongshengtai Titanium, Tailisong New Materials, Ouyuan New Metals, Ensite Metals, Chongqing Jinshili, Luoyang Shuangrui Wanji Titanium, and Luoyang Hexin Titanium.