Equispheres, a Canadian company specializing in advanced metal powders for additive manufacturing (AM), has released a new portfolio of oxygen-free copper powders for serial production. The Cu-OF (C10200) material uses Equispheres’ patent-pending atomization process to produce high-purity, uniform particles suitable for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems. These powders are manufactured in North America and aimed at applications across aerospace, automotive, and semiconductor sectors.
Validation testing of the Cu-OF powder on an AconityX high-performance system showed high sphericity, consistent flowability, and stable processing behavior. Validation data has been published from these trials. According to the Canadian powder specialist, its controlled particle formation method results in a thin oxide layer and precise particle size distribution, improving powder spread and laser energy absorption during printing.
“At Equispheres, we’ve harnessed our proven expertise in advanced powder technology—demonstrated through our success with aluminum AM—to introduce a next generation of copper powders,” said Kevin Nicholds, CEO of Equispheres. “By applying the same breakthrough technology that set our aluminum powders apart, we’ve achieved remarkable results in copper. We’re excited to offer manufacturers a new benchmark in quality and performance.”
Oxygen-free copper is widely used in components that demand high thermal and electrical conductivity, such as heat exchangers, induction coils, and electrical connectors. Applications requiring both conductivity and complex geometries are increasingly adopting additive manufacturing approaches. Localized production of Cu-OF powders in North America supports these sectors by providing a regional source of high-purity copper materials.
The firm reports that its Cu-OF powder delivers high electrical and thermal conductivity in finished components because of its oxygen-free formulation. That purity, combined with consistent morphology and flow characteristics, supports reproducible results during printing and post-processing. Data from validation testing indicate that the powder maintains its physical properties through multiple handling and processing stages.
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Equispheres develops and qualifies advanced metal powders for industrial AM. Its patent-pending atomization process improves particle uniformity, reduces oxide formation, and enables consistent material performance at scale. By extending its technology from aluminum to copper, the company expands the availability of high-conductivity materials for additive manufacturing and strengthens domestic supply capacity.
Metal Powder Development and Domestic Production
Continuum Powders, a U.S.-based metal powder producer, partnered with HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions to qualify high-performance metal alloys for binder jetting. Their collaboration focuses on OptiPowder M247LC, a low-carbon, nickel-based superalloy designed for high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance in aerospace and energy applications. Continuum’s Melt-to-Powder process enables control over chemistry, particle size distribution, and morphology, while HP’s Metal Jet S100 system achieves part densities above 98 percent of theoretical with consistent green strength and reliable sintering. The program also evaluates hardness and γ/γ′ phase distribution to confirm mechanical and metallurgical performance.
In parallel, Velo3D, a manufacturer of metal 3D printing systems for mission-critical components, and Linde AMT, a supplier of metal powders and coatings, signed an agreement to produce U.S.-made copper-nickel (CuNi 70-30) powder for the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Industrial Base Program. The partnership combines Linde AMT’s expanded atomization facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, with Velo3D’s Sapphire XC 1MZ printer to manufacture corrosion-resistant components for shipbuilding and fleet operations. Their systems are certified to Department of Defense cybersecurity standards and configured for continuous production of ITAR-compliant parts used in naval applications.
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Featured photo shows Equispheres Logo. Image via Equispheres.
