Australian metal 3D printer manufacturer Titomic has announced a powder supply agreement with GE Additive company, AP&C, a Québec-based materials producer, for its Titomic Kinetic Fusion (TKF) additive manufacturing process. In addition to this agreement, both partners have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop materials for TKF systems.
Jeff Lang, Managing Director of Titomic, stated, “AP&C is a global leader in the production of the aerospace grade Titanium and Titanium alloy powders, using its Plasma Atomisation Manufacturing process, which have the ideal characteristics for Titomic Kinetic Fusion process.”
“These Agreements provide Titomic with not only with a secure metal powders supply from AP&C, a reputable multinational company, but also allows for continuous improvement under a strong collaboration between the parties of their own unique capabilities for future digital manufacturing solutions for industries.”
Titomic and AP&C
AP&C, initially purchased by Arcam, specialises in the production of high purity spherical powder of titanium and reactive metals. Such materials are used to build high-quality components for the aerospace, defence, biomedical, and industrial sectors.
The new agreement will supply aerospace grade Titanium Ti6Al4V powders to Titomic for its defence and aerospace clients. Moreover, the MoU will foster the cooperation in the field of developing Titanium and Titanium alloy powders for TKF 3D printing systems.
Areas in which the partners are collaborating include co-development of industry standards of best practice for the storage and safe handling of Titanium and Titanium alloy powders; custom-made homogenization powder systems for use in TKF; and the exploration of the optimisation of coarse (50um – 150um) Titanium and Titanium Alloy powders with the aim of significantly reducing the cost of TKF manufactured products.
Titomic Kinetic Fusion
TKF is patented by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Titomic holds the exclusive rights to the titanium cold-spray 3D printing technique. Thus far, the company has signed an agreement with FLSmidth, a leading equipment supplier for the mining industry, to help reduce production downtime costing companies in the sector up to $3,000 p/hr.
Prior to this, Titomic entered into an agreement with German international metal parts manufacturer C.A .PICARD to produce prototype 3D printed parts for extruders used in the production of food & feed products, cellulose pulps, bio-sourced plastics and chemicals.
Alain Dupont, President & CEO of AP&C, added, “This agreement is a significant milestone in the supply of large volumes of Titanium and Titanium Alloy powders. We’re delighted to be working with a recognised leader and manufacturing innovator Titomic, to produce best practice standards for the future to lead the development of industry standards for Titanium powders.”
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