Media & News

Titomic Secures U.S. Defense Component Order from EOS Defense Systems, Delivered Within One Week

Titomic's U.S. subsidiary has received an order from EOS Defense Systems USA to supply critical components for its U.S. defense production program, with delivery completed within one week. The order value was not disclosed. The order involves the rapid re-manufacturing of critical components using cold spray additive manufacturing. Cold spray is a solid-state deposition process used to fabricate and repair metal parts without melting the material. Rapid re-manufacturing and short-lead-time delivery of defense spare parts are typical applications of cold spray technology. This order validates the practical value of cold spray in the defense supply chain. Value for powder buyers: ① Demand for metal powders used in cold spray (aluminum, copper, titanium and their alloys) is linked to the defense repair market—relevant grades and particle sizes should be monitored. ② Domestic cold spray equipment and powder suppliers may find opportunities in the military repair sector. ③ As the order value was not disclosed, ongoing monitoring is needed to determine whether sustained orders will follow, which would clarify the scale of powder demand.

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TRUMPF Acquires Cutlite Penta to Expand Laser Tube Cutting Product Line

TRUMPF has announced the acquisition of Italian laser cutting equipment manufacturer Cutlite Penta to expand its laser tube cutting product line. The acquisition amount was not disclosed. Cutlite Penta specializes in customized large-format, high-power laser cutting and ultra-long tube cutting equipment, with 34 years of industry experience. The company will retain its independent brand, manufacturing, and sales operations after the acquisition. TRUMPF, a manufacturer of lasers and laser processing equipment, also supplies lasers for metal additive manufacturing systems. The acquisition will broaden TRUMPF's product coverage in the laser processing market. As a core supplier of lasers for metal AM equipment, the company's expanded scale is expected to enhance supply stability and cost control of laser sources. Value for powder buyers: (1) Laser costs account for a significant portion of metal AM equipment expenses, and changes in the upstream supply landscape indirectly affect equipment pricing, which in turn impacts printing service costs. (2) The direct impact on the powder side is limited, making this primarily a supply chain dynamic. (3) It is worth monitoring TRUMPF's future investment in its additive manufacturing business line, as laser technology iterations could drive improvements in equipment process capabilities.

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America Makes Announces 2026 Ambassadors and Outstanding Collaboration Award

America Makes has announced its nine ambassadors for 2026 and awarded the 2026 Outstanding Collaboration Award to Brett Conner, Chief Manufacturing Officer of SME. The organization also elected a new executive committee during the same period. The nine ambassadors, drawn from government, industry, and academia, represent sectors including defense, aerospace, energy, and equipment research, and will contribute to the promotion of additive manufacturing technologies and industry collaboration. America Makes is the U.S. national innovation institute for additive manufacturing, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio. America Makes' membership and ambassador network serve as a key channel for U.S. additive manufacturing policy, standards, and program funding. Its annual project selections reflect the direction of U.S. industry resource investment. Value for powder buyers: ① Monitor America Makes' annual projects and challenge themes (e.g., collaborations with the U.S. Department of Defense's OIB), as these directions often drive demand for specific materials and processes. ② Companies doing business in the U.S. can leverage the ambassador network to gain insight into technology promotion priorities. ③ Evolutions in the U.S. standards system may impact powder certification requirements for exported products, so ongoing tracking is essential.

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Tianxiong Industrial Breaks Ground on $140M Aerospace 3D Printing Rocket Component Facility

In August 2026, Tianxiong Industrial launched its "High-Performance 3D Printing Technology and Product R&D Industrialization Project for Aerospace Applications" in Xinchang County, Zhejiang Province. With a total investment exceeding RMB 1 billion (approx. $140 million) and covering roughly 130 mu (about 21.5 acres), the project is included in the first batch of Zhejiang Province's 2026 "Thousand Projects, Trillion Investments" new construction initiatives. Tianxiong Industrial holds 104 patents (including 26 invention patents), and its 3D-printed products have been applied in rocket engine nozzles, aerospace thermal products, and engine heat exchangers. The project will be built in two phases, with Phase I scheduled for completion around July 2027, producing metal powder materials such as high-temperature alloys and titanium alloys. Commercial aerospace is one of the fastest-growing downstream sectors for metal additive manufacturing. Upon completion, the project is planned to achieve an annual output value of RMB 800 million (approx. $110 million) and profits of RMB 200 million (approx. $28 million), creating sustained demand for high-temperature alloy and titanium alloy powders in the region. Value for powder buyers: ① During the construction phase, trial validation of high-temperature alloy and titanium alloy powders will be required—early engagement can secure long-term supply qualifications. ② Aerospace component powders must pass process and quality system audits, giving qualified powder suppliers a clear first-mover advantage. ③ It is recommended to monitor the Phase I completion milestone in 2027 and the production ramp-up pace to avoid overstocking ahead of demand.

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America Makes Announces Winners of $15M OIB Modernization Challenge

America Makes, in partnership with NCDMM, has announced the winners of the 2026 Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization Challenge, with total awards reaching $15 million. Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense's Manufacturing Technology (OSD ManTech) program, the challenge prioritizes advanced technologies including additive manufacturing, digital operations, AI-driven planning, and in-situ quality inspection, with the goal of accelerating the transition of mature technologies into the OIB. The initiative aims to strengthen the defense industrial base, boost production efficiency, and enhance supply chain resilience—delivering a direct impact on defense applications within the metal additive manufacturing sector.

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Rocket Lab Establishes German Subsidiary to Build European Space Manufacturing Hub

Nasdaq-listed Rocket Lab has announced the formation of its German subsidiary, Rocket Lab Germany GmbH, headquartered in Munich, to advance satellite and component manufacturing operations across Europe. The new entity will integrate the technical capabilities of Mynaric AG, a Munich-based optical communications company previously acquired by Rocket Lab, and will offer launch services for both the Electron and Neutron rockets to the European market, enabling rapid deployment of satellite constellations. With Europe's demand for sovereign space capabilities on the rise and commercial and defense satellite launches expected to surge over the next decade, this move positions Rocket Lab to further penetrate the European space supply chain.

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Farsoon Technologies 2026 Interim Report: H1 Revenue RMB 341M (+42%), Net Profit RMB 8.43M (+87%), Driven by Equipment Sales

On August 11, 2026, Farsoon Technologies (688433) released its 2026 interim report: H1 revenue reached RMB 341 million, up 42.27% year-on-year, with net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 8.43 million, up 87.09% year-on-year. The company stated that demand in the additive manufacturing market continues to grow, with a notable increase in 3D printing equipment sales. R&D expenses amounted to RMB 69.4 million, accounting for 20.38% of revenue. Net profit growth (+87%) significantly outpaced revenue growth (+42%), signaling a preliminary confirmation of a profitability inflection point. The RMB 3.91 billion private placement plan (the largest single fundraising in China's AM industry), disclosed on August 7, has been accepted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company has launched several large-format metal additive manufacturing systems, and accelerating equipment shipments indicates expanding downstream installed capacity. As a leading domestic LPBF equipment manufacturer, Farsoon's interim results serve as a bellwether for the industry. The acceleration in equipment sales validates growing investment in metal additive manufacturing across downstream manufacturing sectors. Implications for powder buyers: (1) Faster equipment shipments → larger installed base → directly amplified consumption of supporting metal powders, with particular focus on rising procurement demand for titanium alloys (TC4/Ti64) and superalloys (GH4169/IN718); (2) The RMB 3.91 billion placement will boost production capacity and further increase equipment market share, amplifying the multiplier effect on powder demand; (3) Monitor procurement demand shifts among Farsoon equipment users in aerospace, mold, and medical device sectors.

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AVIMET Achieves Volume Production of GH4169 Superalloy Powder: 500-Ton Annual Capacity Breaks Import Dependence and Exports to Europe and America

On August 11, 2026, AVIMET Additive Manufacturing (Xuzhou) Co., Ltd. launched mass production of GH4169 nickel-based superalloy powder at Xuzhou Airport Economic Zone, with an annual capacity of approximately 500 tons. Known as the "king of superalloys," GH4169 is a critical raw material for high-temperature components such as aerospace blades and fasteners, previously priced at over 10,000 RMB/kg when imported. After nearly 50 rounds of atomization process trials to optimize yield, AVIMET achieved powder sphericity, oxygen content, and batch-to-batch consistency on par with international first-tier standards. The end-to-end process, from raw material input to finished powder, takes just 4 hours. The product is now being exported to European and North American markets. GH4169 (equivalent to Inconel 718) is the most widely used nickel-based superalloy grade in additive manufacturing. This 500-ton domestic production capacity will directly replace imported powder, reducing procurement costs for aerospace and gas turbine applications. Key value for powder buyers: (1) Domestic GH4169 powder is typically 30-50% cheaper than imports, with lead times cut from 3-6 months to 2-4 weeks; (2) The 500-ton annual capacity can cover a significant share of domestic aerospace AM powder demand; (3) Successful exports to Europe and America confirm international-grade quality, ensuring low procurement risk.

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Velo3D Q2 2026 Financial Results: Revenue $20.7M (+52%), Gross Margin Turns Positive at 21.5%, New Livermore Production Facility Announced

On August 11, 2026, Velo3D (NYSE: VLD) reported Q2 2026 results: revenue of $20.7M (+52.3% YoY), significantly beating the analyst consensus of $13.95M. Gross margin reached +21.5% (vs. -11.7% in the prior year), marking the company's first positive gross margin. Order backlog doubled to $31M, and shares rose 19.8% in after-hours trading to $16.40. The company announced a new production facility in Livermore, which is expected to triple manufacturing capacity. Cash reserves increased to $91.1M, and Velo3D was added to the Russell 3000 index. Mears Machine Corporation ordered its fifth Sapphire XC system, and the company entered a strategic partnership with Aurelia Technologies for gas turbine systems. Velo3D and Farsoon Technologies both released interim results on the same day, with both companies showing signs of profitability inflection—indicating that the metal AM equipment industry is transitioning from cash-burn expansion to profitability validation. The Sapphire XC series primarily prints Inconel and titanium alloys, and accelerating equipment shipments imply sustained growth in demand for high-end metal powders. Key implications for powder buyers: ① The Sapphire XC series primarily uses Inconel 718/625 and Ti64; increased equipment shipments will drive demand for high-end nickel-based and titanium powders. ② Velo3D's customer base (aerospace, gas turbines, defense) has stringent powder quality requirements—monitor updates on its powder supplier certifications. ③ The new Livermore facility, located near Silicon Valley, may attract more West Coast aerospace customers.

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MPW Accelerates DirectPowder Capacity Expansion to 800 Tons, Secures First Press & Sinter Production Order

Australian-listed metal powder company Metal Powder Works (ASX:MPW) released an ASX announcement on August 11, bringing forward its 800-ton annual capacity target from 2028 to the first half of 2027. Total capital expenditure is approximately US$2 million (H2 2026 + H1 2027), fully funded from existing cash reserves. Key catalysts: the company has secured its first production order in the Press & Sinter market (customer: Advantage), copper powder supply chains are disrupted by tariffs and trade interruptions, and DirectPowder™ technology offers a localized alternative. DirectPowder™ is a patented non-thermal process (room-temperature bar-to-powder) claiming a 95%+ sellable yield, with customer qualification in just 3–6 weeks (versus the industry standard of 6–12 months). Modular deployment costs approximately US$250,000 per 100-ton unit. Current customer trial demand stands at approximately 1,500 tons per year, already exceeding the planned 800-ton capacity. MPW's production facility is located at Neighborhood 91 in Pittsburgh. Founder John Barnes states the company is at an "inflection point" — NextGen equipment is ready for scale-up and the sales team has been reorganized to capitalize on the supply chain restructuring window in the P&S market.

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SBO Expands Metal 3D Printing Capacity in US and UK: Houston Facility Grows 50%, Adds 7 Metal Printers, 3T Wins Tech Company of the Year Award

On August 11, 2026, Austria-based SBO AG announced Q2 progress in its additive manufacturing (AM) business expansion: its Houston facility has grown to over 2,100 m² (+50%), with two Renishaw 500Q units and one VELO XC metal printer installed in Q2, and two more VELO XC units scheduled for Q3. In the UK, subsidiary 3T Additive Manufacturing (Newbury) added an EOS M400 in Q2, ordered another for Q3, and won the "SME Technology Company of the Year" award at the Thames Valley Tech & Innovation Awards 2026. SBO positions AM as a core diversification pillar across aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, with AM business revenue growing at over 20%. As a long-established European downhole oilfield tool manufacturer (annual revenue >€300M), SBO's accelerated AM push reflects a strategic bet by traditional manufacturers on additive manufacturing. The shift of conventional oilfield service companies toward AM is a key industry trend—these firms already hold aerospace and defense customer relationships, allowing AM technologies to be integrated directly into existing supply chains. Value for powder buyers: ① Seven new industrial metal printers translate into annual demand growth of tens of tonnes for Inconel and titanium alloy powders ② The dual-base footprint in Houston and the UK gives powder suppliers on both sides of the Atlantic opportunities to enter SBO's supply chain ③ Keep an eye on SBO's powder procurement standards and certification requirements (aerospace-grade powder thresholds are high).

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Heyi Aerospace Raises RMB 20M in Angel Round: AI-Driven New Alloys + Topology Optimization to Target Commercial Aerospace Additive Manufacturing

On August 11, 2026, Hangzhou Heyi Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. disclosed its angel round fundraising plan via 36Kr, aiming to raise RMB 20 million at a post-investment valuation of RMB 200 million. The company positions itself as a full-chain metal additive manufacturing service provider for the commercial aerospace sector, employing a three-in-one model of "new material R&D + upfront DfAM design + engineering-grade quality system," covering the complete closed loop from materials and design to mass production and delivery. Key technical highlights include AI-driven design of new alloy compositions, industrializable results such as a 400°C heat-resistant aluminum alloy and high-strength aluminum matrix composites, and DfAM methods like topology optimization, integrated configuration, and conformal cooling. On the quality front, the company has secured GJB 9000C military standard certification, ISO triple-system certification, and a second-level confidentiality qualification. Commercial aerospace is one of the fastest-growing downstream applications for metal powder additive manufacturing (e.g., rocket engines, satellite structural components). Heyi Aerospace's full-chain "material R&D + design + manufacturing" model means its powder selection and process parameters will directly influence upstream powder supplier choices. Value for powder buyers: ① 400°C-grade aluminum alloy powder is a domestic gap—traditional aluminum alloys suffer severe high-temperature strength degradation, making heat-resistant aluminum alloys a critical need for commercial aerospace; ② Heyi Aerospace's powder selection will reshape the upstream supplier landscape—watch its subsequent material certifications and supplier screening; ③ The commercial aerospace track demands extremely high powder quality and batch-to-batch consistency (military-grade), giving qualified powder suppliers a greater opportunity.

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Chinalco Research Institute × Vilary: First Short-Process Continuous Gas Atomization Powder Production Line Accepted, 1-Ton AlSi10Mg Contract Signed

On August 11, 2026, Chinalco Academy of Science and Technology and Jiangsu Vilary completed the acceptance of the 'first short-process continuous gas atomization powder production line' and simultaneously signed a contract for the sale of 1 ton of AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy powder, marking the official transition of this production line into the commercial sales phase. The production line is designed to address two key bottlenecks: insufficient batch-to-batch powder consistency and limitations of continuous production. Traditional gas atomization operates in batch mode, leading to significant variations in oxygen content and particle size distribution between batches. The short-process continuous method is expected to fundamentally improve consistency. AlSi10Mg is one of the most widely used aluminum alloys in LPBF, with demand continuously growing in aerospace and automotive lightweighting applications. Vilary previously completed a RMB 310 million financing round for capacity expansion. This collaboration with Chinalco Academy has secured a critical step from R&D to industrialization. If the short-process continuous gas atomization technology is successfully commercialized, it has the potential to reduce batch variation in domestic high-end aluminum powders. Value for powder buyers: ① Batch consistency is the largest pain point for domestic aluminum powders—the continuous process promises to improve oxygen content and particle size distribution uniformity at the source. ② The initial 1-ton AlSi10Mg contract is a key market validation step; monitor quality data and price competitiveness after scaling. ③ Vilary's capacity expansion (RMB 310 million financing) means more supplier options for buyers.

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Snowbird 3D Prints 316L Parts Aboard USS Essex During RIMPAC 2026

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, US-based Snowbird Technologies used its SAMM Tech system to manufacture 316L stainless steel parts aboard the USS Essex amphibious assault ship. The platform integrates laser-wire directed energy deposition with CNC machining, enabling part fabrication while the vessel is underway. The demonstration was led by the Naval Postgraduate School's CAMRE consortium as part of a distributed manufacturing experiment, validating the feasibility of producing critical replacement parts on-site, far from shore-based support. The successful demonstration shows that expeditionary manufacturing can deploy production capability directly to the mission site, significantly reducing dependence on shore-based supply chains and logistics. It opens new defense-related maritime applications for metal additive manufacturing.

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3D Systems Secures Additional $9M U.S. Air Force Contract, Bringing Large-Format Metal AM Validation Program to $27.4M with 2-Year Extension

On August 10, 2026, 3D Systems announced an additional $9 million contract award from the U.S. Air Force to continue its GEN-II DMP-1000 large-format metal additive manufacturing advanced technology validation program. Launched in 2023 with an initial contract of approximately $10.76 million, the program has been expanded multiple times to a total value of $27.4 million, with a 2-year extension. R&D is being conducted simultaneously at facilities in San Diego, California, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, with the goal of developing a large-format metal 3D printing system capable of meeting the high-temperature, high-speed, and flight-critical component requirements of aerospace applications. The Air Force's continued funding increases and program extension signal that early technical achievements have met or exceeded expected milestones—typically, such validation programs are terminated after the initial phase if interim targets are not met. The combination of an extended timeline and additional budget is a strong indicator that the technology's maturity has been recognized. The GEN-II represents a leap in LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) from small- to medium-format systems (250–400 mm build volumes) to ultra-large formats (1000 mm+), redefining the "printable boundary" for aerospace structural components. This shift also introduces new demands on the powder supply chain—large-format printing requires significantly tighter control over powder batch consistency, flowability, and oxygen content compared to smaller systems. Value to powder buyers: ① Ultra-large-format LPBF systems like the GEN-II can consume hundreds of kilograms of powder per single print run; once deployed in procurement, each machine could drive annual powder consumption of tens to hundreds of tons ② Demand for aerospace-grade titanium alloys (Ti64/Grade 23) and nickel-based superalloys (IN718/IN625) is expected to grow significantly ③ Large-format printing demands extremely high powder batch consistency and supply chain traceability, giving certified aerospace powder suppliers a first-mover advantage.

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Xi'an aerospace and Xi'an Jiaotong University jointly achieve high-quality EBSM forming of "unweldable" nickel-based superalloys DZ125/DD6

On August 10, 2026, Xi'an Aerospace Intelligent Manufacturing (a national-level "Little Giant" specialized and innovative enterprise) teamed up with Professor Chen Kai's team at Xi'an Jiaotong University to successfully achieve high-quality, stable forming of DZ125 and DD6 nickel-based superalloys—both highly crack-sensitive materials—using their self-developed M100 electron beam selective melting (EBSM) equipment. The core technology lies in a synergistic control pathway of "high-temperature preheating, melt pool morphology regulation, and scanning strategy matching": a discrete, fixed-point melting scanning approach replaces conventional continuous line scanning, allowing precise control of electron beam melt pool energy. Validation through CT non-destructive testing, metallographic observation, and EBSD grain structure analysis confirmed that the specimens are free of internal cracks, porosity, lack-of-fusion, and other metallurgical defects, with the ability to achieve directed columnar or equiaxed grain growth as required. DZ125 and DD6 are critical materials for hot-section components such as aircraft engine turbine blades and are widely recognized in the industry as "unweldable" nickel-based superalloys. Traditional precision casting relies on mold cores and suffers from low yield rates, while laser additive manufacturing faces large temperature gradients and difficult-to-control thermal cracking. This breakthrough provides a new domestic solution for manufacturing integrated aviation hot-section components with thin walls, hollow structures, and multiple cooling channels. The transition from "unweldable" to "high-quality forming" signals that additive manufacturing is challenging the irreplaceable position of traditional casting in the core hot-section components of aircraft engines. Value for powder buyers: ① DZ125/DD6 powders are high-value-added, aviation-grade superalloy powders; while current annual domestic demand is limited (hundreds of tons), unit prices far exceed those of conventional nickel-based powders. ② The EBSM breakthrough opens new possibilities for powder metallurgy routes to replace precision casting; if scaled to engineering application, it will drive demand for directionally solidified/single-crystal superalloy powders like DZ125/DD6. ③ These specialty powders require extremely high sphericity and purity during production (via PREP or EIGA), and only a few manufacturers have the capability, making this a high-barrier niche market.

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Asia Advanced Materials' Cu15Ni8Sn Beryllium-Free Copper Alloy Powder Achieves SLM Forming with Strength Exceeding 1000 MPa, Positioning It as a Beryllium Copper Alternative

On August 10, 2026, Asia Advanced Materials officially launched a Cu15Ni8Sn pre-alloyed powder produced via vacuum inert gas atomization (VIGA). SLM forming trials have demonstrated a tensile strength of ≥1000 MPa and a hardness of ≥34 HRC, with performance comparable to traditional beryllium copper yet entirely non-toxic and safe throughout the entire process. Leveraging the rapid melting and solidification characteristics of SLM, Sn segregation is suppressed to the micron level—a persistent challenge in conventional casting—while the powder's laser absorptivity exceeds 35%. The alloy offers superior corrosion resistance (in seawater, acidic, and oil & gas environments) and wear resistance compared to beryllium copper. Its limitation lies in an electrical conductivity of only 9% IACS, making it unsuitable for high-conductivity applications. Target applications include aerospace landing gear bearings and elastic sealing rings, 5G connectors and chip test sockets, marine engineering equipment, and high-load bearings. The Cu-Ni-Sn system is widely recognized by academia as the most promising non-toxic copper alloy alternative to beryllium copper. This breakthrough underscores the competitiveness of domestic metal powder producers in specialized alloy segments—not as a replacement for commodity powders like 316L or TC4, but as a first-mover advantage in the high-performance copper alloy arena, specifically in the beryllium copper substitution track. Asia Advanced Materials' SLM-ready powder pushes the material to the forefront of industrialization. Value for powder buyers: (1) With aerospace and electronics industries trending away from beryllium copper due to its toxicity, Cu15Ni8Sn is the leading non-toxic substitute material; its SLM powder form opens up additive manufacturing applications. (2) Target applications such as aerospace landing gear bearings and elastic sealing rings demand extremely high fatigue performance, so subsequent fatigue test data should be closely monitored. (3) With electrical conductivity at only 9% IACS, beryllium copper remains necessary for scenarios requiring both high conductivity and high strength (e.g., resistance welding electrodes); evaluation should be based on specific application requirements.

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NUWC Keyport Becomes First U.S. Navy Warfare Center Certified for NAVSEA Metal AM Process

On August 10, 2026, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport Division officially received NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command) certification for its powder bed fusion (PBF) process using 17-4PH stainless steel, becoming the first Navy warfare center to achieve this qualification. The seven-year effort began under the Navy Innovation in Science and Engineering (NISE) program and was completed with support from the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) initiative. Validation was performed on an EOS M290 system. During qualification, the Keyport team conducted power-outage simulations, pausing prints for 12 hours before restarting; destructive testing confirmed the interruption had no impact on final part quality. The next step is certification for 316L stainless steel. The qualified process is being shared across the Navy supply chain via the Digital SEA platform, allowing other Organic Industrial Base (OIB) sites to replicate it directly. With this official NAVSEA certification, Navy additive manufacturing moves from "project pilot" to "standard operating procedure." Following Keyport's approval, more than ten other Navy warfare centers are expected to adopt the process, creating systematic AM powder demand. Value for powder buyers: ① Official Navy certification of 17-4PH and 316L will trigger systematic AM powder procurement, scaling demand from kilogram-level R&D quantities to ton-level maintenance spare part volumes. ② Currently, 17-4PH stainless steel powder is primarily supplied by Carpenter, Sandvik, and Oerlikon; domestic powder manufacturers should closely monitor NAVSEA certification standards and civil-military integration opportunities. ③ Future certifications of nickel-based alloys such as Inconel 625 will further expand the high-end powder market for Navy applications.

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Amaero Locks In CEO Hank Holland with 60 Million CDI Incentive Package Tied to Titanium Powder Expansion

On August 9-10, 2026, Amaero (ASX:3DA), a U.S. manufacturer of titanium alloy and refractory metal powders, announced a new four-year employment agreement with CEO and Chairman Hank Holland, effective through June 2030. The incentive package includes 60 million CDIs—30 million time-vested restricted shares plus 30 million performance shares—with performance targets linked to share price milestones of AUD 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00. His base salary rises to $750,000 per year, with an annual bonus target of 100% of base salary and a cap of 200%. If the company completes a U.S. listing during his tenure, Holland will receive an additional IPO bonus equal to 200% of his annual salary. Amaero is one of the few North American suppliers focused exclusively on titanium and refractory alloy powders, covering products such as Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64), Grade 23, Ti5553, tantalum, niobium, and tungsten. The CEO's compensation being closely tied to share price performance and a potential U.S. IPO reflects the company's clear timeline expectations for both titanium powder capacity expansion and listing. The U.S. Department of Defense's strategic emphasis on domestic titanium powder supply chains (e.g., via DPA Title III funding) provides a favorable policy environment for Amaero. The plan still requires shareholder approval. If all 60 million CDIs are fully vested, it will significantly dilute existing shareholders' equity, but it also provides management with a strong performance incentive. Value for powder buyers: ① If Amaero's expansion proceeds as planned, North American titanium alloy powder supply will gain a new independent source outside Carpenter, Sandvik, and ATI, supporting supply chain diversification. ② The 0.50–1.00 AUD share price targets serve as a practical reference for tracking Amaero's production ramp-up pace. ③ Refractory metal powders (tantalum, niobium, tungsten) remain a niche, high-barrier market, and Amaero is one of the few domestic suppliers capable of offering both titanium alloys and refractory alloys.

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Luzhou: The Rise of a New Additive Manufacturing Powerhouse in Southwest China

On August 9, 2026, the Economic Daily published a special report on the development of the additive manufacturing (AM) industry cluster in Luzhou, Sichuan Province. Since beginning its strategic布局 in 2017, Luzhou has built a complete industrial ecosystem anchored by leading enterprises and supported by a robust supply chain. Key highlights: 1) Hanfei Technology has established a 30,000m² production center equipped with more than 45 medium-to-large metal 3D printing systems, achieving mass production of key aerospace metal components since 2022; 2) Luzhou has attracted Ningbo Zhongyuan Advanced Materials to build 30 metal powder production lines, with the first five already commissioned in September 2025; 3) The Longmatan District AM industry cluster in Luzhou was recognized as a 2025 Sichuan Provincial Specialized and Innovative SME Cluster. Luzhou's approach demonstrates how a traditional industrial city can achieve transformation through targeted investment in additive manufacturing. The "tripod strategy" — a leading AM service provider (Hanfei Technology), a powder-making partner (Zhongyuan Advanced Materials), and formal cluster designation — has resolved the high-cost pain point of sourcing metal powders from provinces like Zhejiang and Jiangsu. For powder buyers, Luzhou offers significant value: once all 30 production lines are operational, Zhongyuan will become the largest powder base in Southwest China, potentially reshaping regional supply dynamics; growing demand from aerospace customers (e.g., AVIC Chengdu Aircraft, AECC Chengdu Engine) for locally sourced powders; and it's worth monitoring the expansion of alloy grades at the Luzhou plant, which currently focuses on titanium alloys and superalloys.

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