Metalysis to make 3D printable aluminium-scandium alloy powder in an international partnership

<p>A UK-based producer of metal powders for 3D printing and other manufacturing technology, Metalysis, has announced a partnership for making aluminium-scandium alloys. When combined with aluminium, the metallic element gains benefits like high strength to weight ratio that makes it suitable for aerospace and automotive applications.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/Materials-Powders.jpg" alt="News" width="517" height="226" /></p> <p>The world produces around 10 tonnes of scandium per year while the demand for the metal is about 50% higher than that making it a very expensive material. &nbsp;Through this partnership, Metalysis aims to &ldquo;aid in resolving cost constraints encountered in manufacturing aluminium-scandium alloys&rdquo; through its patented Fray, Farthing, Chen (FFC) technique.</p> <p>The opening of Metalysis&rsquo;s specialist Materials Discovery Center revealed about its powdered metal processes to the 3D Printing Industry. &nbsp;The basic fact that differentiates FFC from other powdered metal production is that it extracts metal alloys from oxides rather than the expensive metals. &nbsp;</p> <p>The company which has signed a partnership with Metalysis has not disclosed its details, but the release specifies its international operations. The research &amp; development programme says that the companies will work together to create a &ldquo;scandium-rich feedstock addition, supporting master alloy production.&rdquo;</p> <p>{googleAdsense}</p> <p>Commenting on this partnership, Metalysis CEO Dion Vaughan says,</p> <p>&ldquo;If Metalysis&rsquo; process can contribute to traversing processing issues which pose historic barriers to creating a wider competitive market for aluminium-scandium alloys for 3D printing, it will be a technological breakthrough of revolutionary proportions for our company, our project partner and for end-users.&rdquo;</p> <p>The use of the metal powders depends upon the size of its particles. Metalysis R&amp;D team has confirmed that they will produce aluminium-scandium alloy powder refined for use in 3D printing industry.&nbsp;</p>