Scandium Canada has filed a provisional patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled ‘Aluminium Alloy Powders for Additive Manufacturing’.
The company has been working with McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, for three years to develop two aluminium-scandium (Al-Sc) alloys and their powders specifically designed for use in 3D printing.
Guy Bourassa, CEO: “We are very excited about this new step in the development of the Company. It confirms our objective to be recognized as a leader in the scandium markets, not only by developing the largest hard rock primary scandium project in the world but also by developing applications for scandium. Scandium is the metal of the future, and we are deeply engaged in its development and market growth. Over the next few months, Scandium Canada will explore options with commercial and research partners in Canada and abroad to monetize its 100% owned intellectual property to generate revenues and offtake agreements separate from its mining activities.”
The new patent marks a significant step in the company’s evolution as it develops technological applications for scandium in addition to its Crater Lake Scandium and Rare Earth Project. These developments strengthen Scandium Canada’s position in the rare metals market, particularly in the additive manufacturing sector. Scandium’s unique properties, such as its ability to strengthen aluminium alloys, make it particularly interesting for lightweight construction applications in the aerospace, automotive and marine industries.
Luc Duchesne, PhD. Chief Science Officer added, “The commercial emergence of aluminum powders in 3D printing represents a significant advancement in additive manufacturing technology. With the filing of patents such as the one by Scandium Canada Ltd., the potential for using aluminum alloy powders for 3D printing applications using aluminum scandium alloys has increased. This development creates new possibilities for manufacturing lightweight, high-strength components, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and maritime industries. 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the way metal components are manufactured, offering greater design flexibility and efficiency in production processes.”
The collaboration with McMaster University was a key factor in this technological advancement. Scandium Canada will now explore the possibilities of bringing this new technology to market and monetising it.
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