Scandium Canada Ltd. (TSX-V: SCD) announced the execution of a mutual non-disclosure agreement with the University of Waterloo's Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (MSAM) to explore additive manufacturing of aluminum-scandium alloys. The collaboration, led by Professor Mihaela Vlasea, Ph.D., Co-Director of MSAM and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Additive Manufacturing, aims to accelerate the commercialization of these advanced materials.
Earlier this month, Luc Duchesne, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of Scandium Canada and Head of its Scandium+ division, visited MSAM at Catalyst137 in Kitchener, Ontario, to initiate research trials. MSAM, recognized as one of Canada's leading additive manufacturing research centres, operates with over $25 million in state-of-the-art equipment and specializes in metal 3D printing, process optimization, and development of specialized alloys for industrial applications.
“Collaborating with one of the most respected additive manufacturing laboratories in the world marks an important step forward for Scandium Canada and for our Scandium+ division,” said Guy Bourassa, Chief Executive Officer of Scandium Canada. “This initiative reflects our commitment to generating concrete commercial opportunities for aluminum-scandium alloys. Working alongside MSAM, a top-tier Canadian research and development organization with deep market expertise and a strong business network, represents a significant step toward achieving our objectives.”
The initial focus of the partnership will be to develop processes that reduce the cost of advanced manufacturing using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), a common metal additive manufacturing technique. By optimizing the use of aluminum-scandium alloys in L-PBF, the collaboration aims to broaden the spectrum of market opportunities for these lightweight, high-performance materials.
“Our first target is to develop processes to reduce the cost of advanced manufacturing using Laser Powder Bed Fusion to broaden the spectrum of market opportunities,” said Duchesne. “It is exciting to engage with the industry ecosystem to address pressing supply chain needs for metal additive manufacturing,” added Vlasea.
Scandium Canada is a public company focused on bringing the world's leading primary source of scandium into production, enabling the development and commercialization of aluminum-scandium alloys. The company's Scandium+ division is dedicated to research, development, and commercialization of innovative scandium uses through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology.
This collaboration underscores the growing importance of scandium in advanced manufacturing. Aluminum-scandium alloys offer superior strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance compared to traditional aluminum alloys, making them attractive for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications. By partnering with MSAM, Scandium Canada aims to overcome technical barriers and accelerate the adoption of these materials in additive manufacturing.
The partnership also highlights the role of academic institutions in driving industrial innovation. MSAM's expertise in process optimization and alloy qualification will be critical in developing reliable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. The collaboration aligns with Canada's strategic investments in advanced manufacturing and clean technologies.
For more information about Scandium Canada, visit www.scandium-canada.com. Forward-looking statements in this article are based on assumptions and subject to risks detailed in the company's filings on www.sedarplus.ca.
