Metalysis Produces Aluminum-Scandium Alloy Powder in the UK

Metalysis Produces Aluminum-Scandium Alloy Powder in the UK

The British company Metalysis has begun manufacturing aluminum-scandium alloy powder at its facilities in the UK. This advance is significant for industries requiring high-performance materials, as the supply chain previously relied almost entirely on Asia, generating logistical and availability risks. 🏭

An Innovative Process for Obtaining Metal Powders

Metalysis employs a patented electrolytic technology that extracts and alloys metals directly from their oxides. This method, which the company has developed over years, allows generating powders with high purity and controlled morphology. For the aluminum-scandium alloy, this route is more efficient than conventional processes, as it simplifies steps and can use raw materials from various sources.

• Produces metal powders directly from oxides, eliminating intermediate stages.
• Achieves high purity and control over the powder particle shape.
• Offers flexibility to process raw materials from different origins.

This local production of a strategic material strengthens the autonomy of Western industries in critical sectors.

The Impact of Scandium in Aluminum Alloys

Adding a small proportion of scandium to aluminum transforms its mechanical properties. The resulting alloy not only gains strength but also improves its heat tolerance and makes it easier to weld. These characteristics make it ideal for structural parts in aircraft or high-performance vehicles, where weight is a crucial factor. However, the high cost and complexity of obtaining pure scandium had limited its widespread adoption.

• Greater mechanical strength without increasing weight.
• Better behavior at elevated temperatures.
• Greater ease of welding components.
• Refined grain structure that optimizes performance.

Applications and Future of the Material

This alloy powder is poised to be fundamental in additive manufacturing (metal 3D printing), aeronautics, and competition automotive. Producing it in the UK mitigates global supply chain risks and brings the material closer to European design and engineering centers. The idea of using this alloy for a gaming computer chassis, though anecdotal, illustrates its potential to create lightweight, exclusive, and high-performance objects. The future of composite materials advances toward smarter and more efficient alloys. 🚀