Tekna, a Canadian supplier of plasma-atomized metal powders and plasma processing systems, has received a purchase order valued at CAD 1.5 million for titanium powder used in Laser Powder Bed Fusion additive manufacturing. The order was placed by an undisclosed Tier-1 supplier serving the U.S. defense sector, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2026, according to a company statement.
Volume associated with the new purchase represents a threefold increase compared with previous orders from the same customer. The Canadian supplier stated that the expanded requirement applies to its Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) titanium powder, specifically within the prime particle size range used in LPBF systems. The order will be recorded as part of the company’s first-quarter 2026 order intake.
This purchase follows a separate CAD 2.0 million order announced on January 6, 2026, also placed by a U.S. defense Tier-1 supplier. That earlier contract was included in Tekna’s fourth-quarter 2025 order intake. Both orders relate to titanium powder supply for additive manufacturing applications, though the company did not disclose specific programs or end-use components.
For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported total order intake of CAD 12.2 million. Materials accounted for CAD 9.1 million of that figure, while Systems contributed CAD 3.1 million. Included in the quarterly total were titanium and aluminum powder orders valued at CAD 1.3 million from a European aerospace and defense original equipment manufacturer.
Commenting on recent order activity, Claude Jean, Chief Executive Officer of Tekna, said: “The strong Q4 order intake and this significant order early in the year may signal a rebound in the additive manufacturing industry, supported by rising defense budgets. We are seeing encouraging momentum, particularly in aerospace and defense, as well as continued strength among medical customers.”
Tekna’s materials operations focus on producing spherical metal powders using plasma atomization for additive manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing processes. Its systems segment supplies plasma systems used in powder production and materials processing. Orders announced to date extend deliveries into 2026, contributing to the company’s reported backlog entering the new financial year.
An interim financial report covering the fourth quarter of 2025 is scheduled for publication on February 12, 2026. Tekna did not disclose forward guidance beyond the reported order intake figures
Tekna’s recent materials collaborations in additive manufacturing
In 2025, Tekna collaborated with Renishaw to develop a coarser-cut Ti-6Al-4V titanium powder for Laser Powder Bed Fusion systems. The project focused on producing a titanium alloy powder with a larger particle size distribution than conventional LPBF materials. Tekna supplied the powder using its radio-frequency induction plasma atomization process, while Renishaw conducted material validation on its LPBF platforms, including laser parameter optimization, density measurements, and flow testing. According to the companies, the coarser Ti64 powder enabled layer thicknesses of approximately 90 microns, compared with conventional 30 or 60 micron layers used in LPBF, allowing faster build rates while maintaining density and mechanical performance.
Also in 2025, Tekna entered a partnership with Burloak Technologies to supply metal powders for the production of more than 50,000 3D printed satellite components manufactured for the MDA Space Aurora program. Under the agreement, Tekna delivered aluminum powders produced using its Plasma Atomization process. The powders were certified to AS9100D aerospace standards and supported by Tekna’s Nadcap accreditation for metallic powder manufacturing. Burloak used the materials to manufacture flight hardware, including satellite antennas, mounts, and structural components, as part of its additive manufacturing production activities for space applications.
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Featured photo shows Close-up of titanium alloy powder. Photo via Tekna.
