Media & News

Beam Shaping in LPBF of IN718: Top-Surface Morphology and Defect Mechanisms — Doubling Build Rate via Small Hatch Spacing and High Scan Speed Process Window

Robin Prudlik, Jonas Grünewald, Simon Sankaré, and Katrin Wudy from the Laser Additive Manufacturing team at the Technical University of Munich published a paper in Additive Manufacturing (October 2026 issue, DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2026.105402) systematically investigating the effects of laser power, scan speed, and hatch spacing on the top-surface morphology and defect formation in IN718 processed by laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M), comparing Gaussian and ring beam profiles. The study shows that surface tension-driven melt pool instability is the core factor limiting productivity, particularly at high scan speeds (≳1600 mm/s) and large hatch spacings (≳0.15 mm). Hatch spacing is the primary trigger of surface irregularity, acting through control of inter-track remelting and transverse melt pool confinement; scan speed determines the morphology type and characteristic wavelength. Increasing hatch spacing reduces inter-track overlap, suppresses remelting-induced planarization, and induces unstable surface features; increasing scan speed shrinks the melt pool size, driving the surface from continuous to discontinuous states. Using ISO 25178 areal roughness parameters and a regularized classification framework, process maps were constructed: a planar top surface is achieved only at small hatch spacings, independent of beam shape; however, the combination of small hatch spacing and high scan speed maintains a planar top surface while increasing build rate by more than twofold compared to typical existing processes. Value for powder buyers: This study provides a new process window for IN718 powder under beam-shaping processes that balances surface quality and productivity. The small hatch spacing and high scan speed strategy imposes higher demands on powder batch consistency—sphericity, particle size distribution, and flowability directly affect melt pool stability at high scan speeds. When purchasing, verify the supplier's batch data and quality traceability documentation.

Read

Titomic Awarded $250,000 Contract by Bechtel BPMI: TKF Cold Spray Technology to Evaluate U.S. Navy Submarine Repair Materials

Titomic USA (ASX: TTT) announced on October 16 that it has been awarded a contract by Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. (BPMI) to evaluate and develop advanced material solutions supporting the U.S. Navy submarine industrial base, with an initial order valued at $250,000 (approximately AUD 361,000). The collaboration centers on Titomic's proprietary TKF™ (Titomic Kinetic Fusion) cold spray additive manufacturing technology, which uses solid-state metal powder deposition (without melting) to achieve high-performance coatings, repairs, and near-net-shape components with minimal heat-affected zones and preserved material properties. The two parties will jointly explore advanced repair materials and manufacturing processes for future U.S. Navy programs, including submarine repair. Titomic plans to further introduce the TKF cold spray process into broader defense applications such as rapid production, component repair, and advanced material development to enhance readiness and reduce lifecycle costs. The announcement was made from Huntsville, Alabama, USA. CEO Jim Simpson stated that the future belongs to companies that dare to challenge traditional manufacturing methods and co-develop entirely new capabilities. Previously in an exploratory collaboration phase, this contract marks a substantive advancement of the partnership. Value to powder buyers: ① The defense repair demand signal for spherical metal powders (titanium, aluminum, nickel-based, refractory metals, DED/cold spray feed-grade particle sizes) is strengthening; ② if the U.S. submarine industrial base repair material evaluation is successful, it will bring opportunities for supporting powder supply and qualification; ③ Titomic's deeper integration into the U.S. defense supply chain benefits long-term order expectations for its partner powder suppliers.

Read

Rolls-Royce 2026 Innovation Award Goes to MIM Sinter Joining Research: A New Route for Forming Complex Inconel 713LC Parts

On October 16, the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) reported that a metal injection moulding (MIM) sinter joining study by Rolls-Royce Deutschland and Fraunhofer IFAM received the Rolls-Royce 2026 Innovation Award in the publication category. Conducted under the German aviation research programme LuFo KOMPAKT, the paper "A study on a method of sinter joining in the metal injection moulding process" was co-authored by Mikael Luoto, Enrico Daenicke, Ralf Müller and Thomas Hartwig (presented at Euro PM2024). The study validated a new process route: separately formed MIM green parts are solvent (acetone) debound, butted together with a bonding paste, and then integrated through sintering, enabling geometries that cannot be formed by conventional single-shot moulding. The test material was the low-carbon nickel-based superalloy Inconel 713LC, and three pastes were compared—a system-specific polymer paste, a standard polymer paste, and a filler-containing polymer paste. Mechanical testing showed that the tensile strength of joined parts was comparable to that of unjoined parent material (with a slight decrease in elongation), creep (stress-rupture) performance matched the parent material, and fatigue performance was somewhat reduced, with each of the three pastes showing different strengths. The team successfully produced a "shell" demonstrator that cannot be formed by conventional MIM, indicating the method's feasibility for volume production. Value for powder buyers: (1) sinter joining opens up multi-part assembled complex structures for MIM, favouring demand for superalloy MIM feedstocks such as Inconel 713LC (fine powder grades plus binder systems); (2) the adoption of MIM for assemblies such as turbochargers and small aviation parts will expand fine powder procurement scenarios, and suppliers can position ahead of time according to MIM particle size standards; (3) fatigue performance still needs improvement, so track Rolls-Royce's aviation part qualification progress and the pace of process scale-up.

Read

Amaero Raises $15.7M Net in Nasdaq IPO, Expects to Need More Capital in 2027

Powder producer Amaero completed its Nasdaq IPO, issuing 4.706 million shares. Priced at $4.25 per share, the offering raised $20 million in gross proceeds. After fees, net proceeds were approximately $15.7 million, trading under the ticker AMRO. The company relocated from Australia to the United States, previously trading on the ASX under the ticker 3DA. Its Tennessee plant currently has an annual capacity of 680 tons, with a fourth facility scheduled to come online in June 2027. The company anticipates it will still require additional capital in 2027.

Read

Drones, Rockets, and Smartphones Drive 40% Revenue Growth in Industrial 3D Printers, Desktop Market Shows Signs of Saturation

The global 3D printer hardware market rebounded in the second quarter. CONTEXT data shows overall revenue grew 31% year-over-year. Industrial-grade equipment revenue increased 40%, while entry-level grew 36%. Metal systems accounted for 75% of industrial revenue, with shipments up 36%. Drone, rocket, and smartphone production emerged as major new demand drivers. Aerospace and defense orders fueled metal printing growth. The entry-level market is showing signs of saturation. Industrial-grade has once again become the growth engine.

Read

Freemelt to Test Whether 3D Printing Can Improve Heat-Resistant Metal Parts for Defense

Swedish metal 3D printing company Freemelt has received a prototype order from a defense company operating in Sweden. The two parties are investigating whether additive manufacturing can enhance the performance of refractory metal components. Freemelt uses electron beam powder bed fusion technology to produce various parts for testing. The research focuses on material properties, manufacturing quality, and reliability. Interest in additive manufacturing within the defense sector is rising. The company recently received an order for tungsten components for fusion research.

Read

Pre-approval Public Notice for Guangdong Xinda Alloy's Superalloy R&D and Manufacturing Project (Heyuan)

On October 15, 2026, Guangdong Xinda Alloy Co., Ltd.'s 'Superalloy R&D and Manufacturing Production Project' entered the pre-approval public notice stage for planning and architectural design adjustments. The project is located in Heyuan, Guangdong, with a total planned land area of 8,782.32 square meters. The notice concerns design adjustments requested by the company based on actual needs, involving architectural details such as optimization of external cantilevered decorative components. The project focuses on superalloy R&D and manufacturing; superalloys are key material systems for aero-engine hot-end components, gas turbines, and powder metallurgy powder production. Value for powder buyers: ① The establishment of this superalloy R&D and manufacturing project in Heyuan will increase supply options for superalloy master alloys and powder feedstock in South China; ② As the project is still in the planning stage, it is advisable to monitor subsequent environmental assessment and construction progress to evaluate its superalloy grade positioning and powder atomization support plans.

Read

US Metal Powder Maker Amaero Lists on Nasdaq: IPO Priced at $4.25 to Raise $20 Million, Circuit Breaker Triggered on First Day

Amaero, a US-based supplier of titanium and refractory metal powders for defense and aerospace 3D printing, completed its Nasdaq cross-listing pricing on October 15, 2026: 4.7 million shares at $4.25 per share, raising approximately $20 million under the ticker AMRO. The offering price was slightly below the ASX latest close converted value of about $4.31. Baird and Lake Street Capital Markets served as joint book-running managers. On the first day of trading, the stock rose as much as 7%, triggering a stock exchange circuit breaker. Headquartered in McDonald, Tennessee, Amaero produces spherical refractory metal and titanium alloy powders for additive manufacturing (covering niobium, tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, rhenium, and titanium alloys) and manufactures large near-net-shape components via powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP). Its products target hypersonic weapon systems, satellite propulsion, strategic missiles, aerospace, and medical fields. The company initially filed in September to offer 7.5 million shares and raise over $50 million (at a converted price of $7.06), but later adjusted the scale due to market conditions, with the final raise shrinking about 60% from the original target. For the 12 months ended June 30, 2026, the company reported revenue of approximately $12 million. Net proceeds from this offering are about $15.7 million, of which up to $10 million is planned for capital equipment purchases over the next 12 months, with the remainder for working capital and R&D. Value to powder buyers: 1) Amaero is a core US domestic supplier of spherical refractory metal and titanium alloy powders; the IPO will support its capital expenditures and capacity expansion, potentially enhancing supply stability for overseas customers purchasing its specialty powders such as niobium, tungsten, tantalum, and rhenium; 2) The PM-HIP large-component route is expanding concurrently, which will increase in-house use of upstream spherical powders and change the market supply structure; watch for subsequent equipment procurement announcements; 3) Note the going-concern risks and loss status disclosed in the prospectus.

Read

Yangchun Quanda Metal Products Powder Metallurgy Project Filed: Water Atomization Plant to Produce 3,000 Tons of Metal Powder Annually

On October 15, 2026, Yangchun Quanda Metal Products Co., Ltd. completed the enterprise investment project filing for its powder metallurgy project (filing application date: October 15). The project is located in the Guangdong Yangjiang Yangchun Industrial Transfer Park, with a total investment of approximately RMB 30 million, leasing a plant area of 2,868.7 square meters. The main production equipment planned for the project includes medium-frequency furnaces, high-pressure water atomization towers, powder dryers, and injection molding equipment. The primary purchased raw materials are various alloys and stainless steel. The production process is as follows: alloys and stainless steel are melted in medium-frequency furnaces, water-atomized under high pressure, dried, then formed by MIM injection molding or press molding. After passing inspection, the products are packaged and stored. Once completed, the project will produce 3,000 tons of metal powder annually. Value for powder buyers: ① Adds 3,000 tons/year of stainless steel and alloy water-atomized powder capacity, serving both MIM and press-sintering downstream sectors, providing a nearby supply option in the Pearl River Delta MIM industry cluster; ② The small-scale water atomization line has a short commissioning cycle; attention should be paid to whether its stainless steel grades and particle size distribution match mainstream MIM requirements; ③ The investment scale is relatively small, so supply capacity will mainly serve as a regional supplement.

Read

Ganzhou Nankang Aerospace High-Performance Metal Additive Manufacturing Pilot Base Filed: 171 Sets of Equipment to Be Procured

Filing information publicized on October 15, 2026 shows that the construction project for the Aerospace High-Performance Metal Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing Pilot Base in Nankang District, Ganzhou City, has completed filing. The project is located in the Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park in Longhui Town, Ganzhou. The project will renovate existing standard factory buildings and build a pilot workshop, testing laboratory, and supporting facilities. It plans to procure a total of 171 units (sets) of equipment, including metal printers, copper printers, resin printers, vacuum furnaces, wire-cutting machines, X-ray DR imaging systems, abrasive flow machines, and 3D scanning inspection systems. It is positioned as a pilot platform for high-performance metal additive manufacturing dedicated to aerospace applications. Value for powder buyers: (1) Pilot bases typically undertake full-chain validation of materials, processes, and testing. The configuration of 171 units (sets) of equipment shows that it covers the entire process of printing, heat treatment, and non-destructive testing, which will create sustained pilot-scale procurement demand for titanium alloy, superalloy, and copper alloy powders. (2) The positioning of the Ganzhou Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park is directly related to commercial aerospace and low-altitude aircraft component printing, presenting nearby supply opportunities for surrounding powder suppliers.

Read

Synchronized Multi-Laser Scanning Achieves Superlinear LPBF Productivity Gains: Build Rate Increased by Up to 2.32x

A paper published in the October 2026 issue of Additive Manufacturing, titled 'Superlinear increase in productivity of laser powder bed fusion through synchronized multi-laser scanning,' proposes a synchronized multi-laser scanning strategy that breaks through the theoretical productivity ceiling of dual-laser laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) systems. Using a multi-laser system architecture with fully overlapping fields of view (multiple scanners fully covering the build plate), the study achieved simultaneous action of multiple laser beams on a single part: high-density multi-layer builds experimentally demonstrated a 2.32x increase in build rate (or an equivalent 16% gain in laser efficiency). The optimal beam spacing predicted by the thermal model was experimentally validated, and alignment and synchronization tolerances were quantified to ensure process robustness. Previously, multi-laser system operators typically assigned parts to individual lasers to avoid beam-to-beam interactions (vapor plume interference, melt pool cross-effects), which limited path optimization freedom. This study demonstrates that synchronized scanning can keep all lasers continuously engaged on the same part while ensuring density, offering a new pathway for increasing hourly output of large and small-batch LPBF parts. Value for powder buyers: (1) A multiplied LPBF build rate means metal powder consumption per unit of equipment capacity scales up accordingly; rising multi-laser equipment installations will drive demand for commonly used printing powders such as titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, and stainless steels. (2) Synchronized multi-laser operation places higher demands on powder batch consistency and recoating quality, making powders with high sphericity and low satellite content better suited for synchronized multi-laser conditions.

Read

Zhongke Yuchen RS650H Metal 3D Printing System Serves Nuclear Industry: Expanding from Aerospace to Nuclear Power Components

Taicang Daily reported on October 15, 2026, that Suzhou Zhongke Yuchen Laser Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. is operating its independently developed RS650H selective laser melting (SLM) system to provide 3D printing services for nuclear industry equipment components for multiple nuclear enterprises, marking an expansion from aerospace into the key field of nuclear industry. The RS650H has a maximum build size of 650 mm × 650 mm × 1100 mm, equipped with 4 × 500 W single-mode fiber lasers (four- or six-laser options), a maximum scanning speed of ≥7.0 m/s, and layer thicknesses of 20–120 μm. To meet the stringent requirements of nuclear components under high-temperature, high-pressure, and irradiation environments, the system addresses the challenge of maintaining a stable build environment for long-duration continuous printing and effectively controls oxidation defects in reactive metal powders such as titanium alloys and nickel-based superalloys during printing. Nuclear equipment components feature complex internal cavities, thin walls, and high density, requiring tighter defect control than typical industrial applications; metal 3D printing offers time and cost advantages for rapid validation and iteration of new nuclear components. Zhongke Yuchen is continuously investing in process parameter solidification, quality inspection standard development, and mass production capacity building. The company's earlier large-scale intelligent laser powder-fed additive manufacturing equipment was recognized as a Jiangsu Province first-of-its-kind major equipment. Value for powder buyers: (1) Nuclear component printing places extremely high demands on oxygen content control and batch traceability for titanium alloy and nickel-based superalloy powders; powder suppliers with nuclear quality assurance systems will gain a barrier-to-entry advantage. (2) The release of batch printing tasks in the nuclear industry will create high-value-added niche demand for domestic high-end metal powders.

Read

Study on Residual Stress and Fatigue Crack Growth in LPBF-Manufactured AlSi10Mg: Crack Closure Dominates Performance Differences

A paper published in the October 2026 issue of Additive Manufacturing journal: The LPBF process generates complex thermal gradients and residual stresses during AlSi10Mg manufacturing. This study systematically evaluates the effect of residual stress on fatigue crack growth rates. The study used two sets of LPBF process parameters known to produce high and low residual stresses, measuring crack growth in the Paris region and near-threshold region using compact tension specimens at a load ratio of 0.1. Residual stresses were determined by neutron diffraction, the cut-compliance method, and the online compliance method. Results show that: the compressive residual stress at the center of 'high-stress' as-built parts leads to a higher crack closure level and a higher fatigue threshold, outperforming 'low-stress' as-built parts and annealed 'stress-free' samples. After correcting for crack closure and crack-tip residual stress, the crack growth data for all groups essentially converge onto a single curve—the differences in crack closure levels can explain most of the fatigue performance differences between as-built and annealed samples in both orientations. Value to powder buyers: ① The study provides a basis for selecting low-residual-stress LPBF process parameters, which can reduce the scatter in fatigue performance of as-built AlSi10Mg; ② The parameter window and powder characteristics jointly determine fatigue performance, and high-quality aluminum powder suppliers can leverage process synergy to endorse product consistency.

Read

3D Printing News Briefs (October 14): AML3D Tackles Aerospace Tooling, Mears Dedicated Machine Prints Copper-Nickel Parts

On October 14, 2026, 3DPrint.com published a news brief covering four developments in medical, aerospace metal additive manufacturing, and water treatment. In the medical sector, Myrava (formerly Ricoh 3D for Healthcare) received FDA 510(k) clearance for its 3D-printed patient-specific tissue compensators (bolus) used to precisely control radiation therapy doses. The device is printed directly to conform to each patient's anatomy and treatment plan; its flexible, translucent material enhances wearing comfort and allows for reuse. In aerospace metal additive manufacturing, Australia's AML3D announced its participation in a three-year advanced aerospace manufacturing R&D project, collaborating with an unnamed global aerospace OEM, aiming to elevate the maturity of AML3D's Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAM) technology to meet aerospace tooling production qualification requirements. Meanwhile, Mears Machine purchased a Velo3D Sapphire XC system dedicated to printing copper-nickel alloy (CuNi) components. In water treatment, Canadian researchers developed a low-cost 3D-printed filter cartridge that efficiently removes microplastics from water, demonstrating the potential of additive manufacturing for low-cost customized environmental filtration devices. Value to powder buyers: ① If the AML3D aerospace tooling project enters the qualification phase, it will drive demand for wire arc additive-specific wire and associated metal powders; ② Mears' Sapphire XC dedicated machine focuses on CuNi alloy, confirming the resilient demand for copper-nickel powders in marine and offshore engineering components; powder suppliers may monitor CuNi30-type grades; ③ Medical and water treatment applications are polymer-based, with weak relevance to metal powders.

Read

Gränges Powder Metallurgy Partners with Pint and IRT M2P to Develop Two LPBF Aluminum-Scandium Alloys; First Demonstrator Parts Expected in 2027

Sweden's Gränges Powder Metallurgy (GPM), the advanced aluminum materials division of Gränges, has partnered with metal component company Pint and French research institute IRT M2P to develop two aluminum-scandium alloys for LPBF 3D printing: Al-Si-Sc and Al-Mg-Sc. Al-Si-Sc targets high-temperature performance and dimensional accuracy applications, building on GPM's experience with hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloys and the AluScal research project completed in 2025. IRT M2P is responsible for atomization trials to evaluate the effects of composition, while Pint is developing LPBF process parameters. Preliminary results indicate a broad processing window. Material testing is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026, and the alloy has already attracted interest from defense and automotive users. Al-Mg-Sc targets components for hydrogen environments at 100-250°C, with fatigue performance as the core metric. Pilot production has been completed and a patent application has been filed. LPBF printing trials are set to begin in Q4 2026, with characterization and qualification to be completed in Q1 2027. Industrial partners from the energy sector are participating in testing. The partners are advancing material production, process trials, and qualification activities, with the first demonstrator parts expected to roll off the line in 2027. Value for powder buyers: ① New aluminum-scandium LPBF powder grades address hydrogen energy storage and transport as well as high-temperature lightweighting needs; ② Track GPM's mass production and qualification progress, and monitor Al-Si-Sc/Al-Mg-Sc powder specifications and supply windows; ③ Scandium cost and supply stability are key variables for industrialization.

Read

X-Bow Additively Manufactured Rocket Motor Selected for U.S. Army LCCM Low-Cost Cruise Missile Booster Stage

Albuquerque-based solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturer X-Bow Systems has been selected by Leidos to develop and produce booster motors for the U.S. Army's new low-cost LCCM (Low-Cost Containerized Munition) cruise missile. X-Bow announced the agreement on October 12 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The agreement covers design, qualification testing, and static fire tests, with X-Bow planning to enter full-rate booster manufacturing in 2027; Leidos will mass-produce LCCM munitions under the U.S. Department of War's "Arsenal of Freedom" initiative. The LCCM booster is one of six propulsion programs X-Bow was selected for in 2026, spanning the U.S. Navy, Army, and Missile Defense Agency; the company recently completed its first major production contract, delivering more than 2,100 combat-grade rocket motors. X-Bow uses a proprietary additive manufacturing process to produce solid rocket motors, positioning itself to break the roughly 50-year capacity bottleneck in the U.S. SRM sector; the company's revenue and backlog have more than doubled since 2023. Value for powder buyers: 1) The scaling of additive manufacturing for solid rocket motors will drive demand for aerospace-grade metal powders; 2) Pay attention to specification requirements for refractory/high-strength alloy powders in X-Bow's supply chain; 3) U.S. defense AM demand continues to concentrate in the SRM sector, and powder suppliers with export or overseas footprint capabilities can track opportunities.

Read

3D Printing News Briefs, October 14: Myrava Radiotherapy Bolus Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance, Mears Purchases Velo3D CuNi Printing System

On October 14, 2026, 3DPrint.com released its daily news brief: Myrava (formerly Ricoh 3D for Healthcare) announced that its patient-specific 3D printed radiotherapy bolus received FDA 510(k) clearance; AML3D is advancing an aerospace manufacturing tooling project; Mears Machine has purchased a Velo3D Sapphire XC system dedicated to printing copper-nickel alloy (CuNi) parts; and Canadian researchers have developed a low-cost 3D printed filter that can remove microplastics from water on a large scale. Myrava's radiotherapy bolus is 3D printed directly based on patient anatomy and treatment plans, using a flexible, translucent material that can be reused throughout the same patient's treatment cycle, replacing traditional temporary solutions such as wet cloths and gel sheets. Mears' Sapphire XC system will be dedicated to CuNi part production for its defense and industrial customers. The brief covers multiple lines in medical, aerospace, and metal 3D printing: on the medical side, personalized radiotherapy devices are entering the regulatory clearance pathway, while on the metal side, dedicated CuNi printing capacity continues to expand, reflecting the deepening penetration of additive manufacturing in regulated industries. Value for powder buyers: ① With dedicated equipment installations, CuNi copper-nickel alloy powder is releasing stable demand—pay attention to powder batch consistency and military certification requirements; ② As more medical additive manufacturing clearances occur, more application scenarios are opening up for medical-grade powders such as titanium alloys; ③ This brief is a summary of multiple events, and specific sub-events should be verified one by one against the original announcements.

Read

Freemelt Secures Refractory Metal Prototype Order from Swedish Defense Company, Launches Feasibility Study for Defense Applications

October 14, 2026, Gothenburg, Sweden: Freemelt announced that it has received a prototype order from a defense company operating in Sweden as part of a feasibility study agreement between the two parties. The study focuses on additive manufacturing of refractory metal components for defense applications, including the production of parts with various geometries for testing and evaluation. The agreement aims to explore how additive manufacturing can support the development and future production of qualified refractory metal components in the defense sector, assess how the combination of digital design, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing can improve component performance, and establish a scalable, efficient, and resilient manufacturing foundation. Freemelt CEO Daniel Gidlund stated that the study goes beyond verifying whether existing components can be produced with additive manufacturing; it is about exploring ways to combine the three to optimize component performance and shorten development cycles. Freemelt's core technology is E-PBF (electron beam powder bed fusion), and it provides both production systems and manufacturing services for fields such as medical, defense, and fusion. In September, the company had just received a batch order for tungsten components from Fusion for Energy for one of the world's most advanced fusion research facilities; this defense order further consolidates its position in high-end refractory metal applications. Value for powder buyers: ① The defense and fusion lines continue to generate demand for refractory metal powders (tungsten, tantalum, niobium, and their alloys), with attention to sphericity and batch consistency specifications; ② the E-PBF process route has different requirements for powder characteristics compared with LPBF, allowing targeted development of suitable grades; ③ orders in the early feasibility study stage are small in volume, but they map out the long-term threshold for qualified supplier qualifications.

Read

AMCRC Leads AU$2.7M Project with Stärke-AMG and Flinders University to Build Australian Sovereign Metal AM Capability

October 14, 2026: The Australian Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) has announced a AU$2.7 million ($2.7M) industry-led project, spearheaded by Stärke-AMG and Flinders University, with the University of Adelaide and Metal Powder Works providing support in materials development, powder characterization, and process optimization over a four-year term. The project will establish manufacturing processes, qualification data, and quality frameworks for certified metal additive manufacturing components in the defense, maritime, and medical sectors. Using three Renishaw AM400 systems, it aims to create a path from prototyping to qualified mass production for strategic alloys, reducing dependence on overseas supply chains. Al Jawhari, CEO of Stärke-AMG, stated that the opportunity lies not in printing parts but in qualified mass production—defense and medical customers require repeatable, fully traceable suppliers. Professor Maziar Ramezani, research lead at Flinders University, said the project will bridge the gap between additive manufacturing research and industrial deployment. Value for powder buyers: ① Australia's advancing sovereign manufacturing qualification will drive demand for locally qualified supply of strategic alloy powders; ② With Metal Powder Works involved in powder characterization, powder traceability and quality data will become硬性 entry criteria; ③ The three certification scenarios—defense, maritime, and medical—have differing powder specification requirements, warranting early study.

Read

Zeta New Materials' Chengdu Facility Environmental Impact Assessment Accepted; Plans for 175 Tons/Year Titanium 3D Printing Parts and Plasma Atomization Powder Production

On October 14, 2026, the Qingbaijiang Ecological Environment Bureau of Chengdu issued a public notice for the acceptance of a commitment-based construction project environmental impact assessment: Zeta New Titanium (Chengdu) Metal Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s 'Zeta New Materials High-end Titanium Materials and Components Manufacturing Base Project' entered the acceptance publicity period from October 14 to October 20. The project is located in Qingquan Town, Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu, renting a standard factory building of approximately 2,683.8 square meters and building four production lines: 400 tons/year of titanium wire, 35 tons of titanium filter elements, 175 tons of titanium 3D printing parts, and 100 tons of tower tray shells. Major equipment includes two plasma atomization units and five wire DED printers, forming an integrated titanium production capacity of 'powder production - printing - finished products.' This project represents new additive manufacturing capacity on the application side for titanium materials in Southwest China: it combines self-produced spherical titanium powder via plasma atomization with wire DED printing, covering filter elements and structural components for chemical, energy, and precision manufacturing applications. Value for powder buyers: ① The project includes captive plasma atomization powder production capacity; if supplied externally, it will add new spherical titanium powder supply in Southwest China; ② The wire DED route corresponds to demand for titanium wire and coarse powder, competing in a different segment from conventional LPBF fine powder specifications; ③ There is still a cycle from environmental acceptance to production, so subsequent approval and equipment tender milestones can be tracked.

Read