On September 3, 2026, RMIT University in Australia published a study in Advanced Materials: using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) to print Ti-6Al-4V hollow-rod lattices filled with polyurethane foam, they created the world's first titanium alloy structure capable of floating on water—remaining afloat in fresh water for over two months, and still unsinkable even after cracking or fracture at connection points. At equal density, it is 70% stronger than 316L stainless steel or HDPE. The team proposed a "skeleton density" design criterion, and a prototype buoy remained stable in a 45°-inclined seawater test tank without requiring a shell, coating, or additional flotation aids. This expands LPBF titanium powder applications from dense structural parts to functional lattice metamaterials, while hollow-rod printing introduces new demands on powder bed cleaning processes. Value for powder buyers: ① Titanium powder applications extend from dense components to functional lattice metamaterials, adding a new product line for titanium powder demand in the maritime and energy sectors; ② Hollow-rod lattice printing imposes new requirements for fine, highly flowable titanium alloy powder, making particle size and sphericity key bargaining points; ③ If titanium lattice metamaterials reach industrial scale, they will drive new demand for aerospace-grade titanium powder in lightweight floating structures.