Canada - Rio Tinto has signed an agreement to supply a first commercial batch of high performance aluminum-scandium alloy to Amaero, a leader in metal-based additive manufacturing, from its North American facility.
This first sale builds on Rio Tinto's unique position as a producer of aluminum and scandium, as well as on its technical capacity to develop specialized alloys.
Under the agreement, Rio Tinto will deliver alloy billets made from responsible low-carbon aluminum from its Canadian hydropower-powered smelters, as well as high-purity scandium oxide from of the Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The billets will be processed by Amaero into powder form for 3D printing and marketed for high temperature applications.
The scandium oxide will come from a new plant that Rio Tinto is building in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, thus providing a primary source of North American supply. The plant will use an innovative process developed by scientists at Rio Tinto to extract high purity scandium oxide from tailings from the production of titanium dioxide, without the need for extract more ore.
The two companies will also work together to develop the supply chain for Amaero's high performance high temperature aluminum alloy, called 'Amaero HOT Al', and to commercialize this lightweight material for applications in the world. aerospace, defense and other industries.
Rio Tinto Aluminum Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Tolga Egrilmezer, said, 'As a global leader in the aluminum industry and the leading producer of high purity scandium oxide in North America, Rio Tinto enjoys uniquely positioned to provide a reliable source of aluminum-scandium alloy in the market. This alloy is the material of choice in situations where a light, robust, heat-resistant product with excellent weldability is required, especially in the defense and aerospace industries. . This first sale is a testament to our ability to develop products that meet the needs of our customers and leverage our expertise and world-class facilities. '
Amaero CEO Barrie Finnin said, 'We are delighted to enter into this agreement with Rio Tinto to purchase the first commercial batch of North American sourced aluminum-scandium alloy. This is an important step in the commercialization of this high performance alloy, which will be used in our revolutionary metal 3D printing technology. We look forward to working with Rio Tinto to advance the production of this alloy and begin the qualification process with key customers in the aerospace and other industries. '
About Rio Tinto Aluminum
Rio Tinto is an industry leader in responsible aluminum production. In 2016, Rio Tinto launched RenewAl, the first brand of primary aluminum certified as low in CO 2 . The Group helped establish responsible production standards for the benefit of the global industry as a founding member of the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI), becoming the first producer to offer ASI certified aluminum in 2018. Earlier this year, Rio Tinto also launched START, the first sustainability label for aluminum issued to customers through blockchain technology, allowing them to differentiate finished products based on their environmental, social and quality characteristics. governance.
About Amaero
Amaero International Limited is an Australian company that manufactures large complex metal components using laser additive manufacturing processes, commonly referred to as 3D printing. The company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker code (ASX: 3DA).
Amaero has worked with a number of leading global aerospace and defense manufacturers in both R&D and manufacturing functions, and the company has demonstrated its ability to deliver critical components. Alloy-based, 3D printed and compliant with military and aviation industry specifications.
Amaero was established with support from Monash University in 2013, to take advantage of business opportunities identified by the Monash Center for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM). Amaero shares its premises with MCAM in Melbourne, Australia. The company operates two additional facilities, one in Adelaide, South Australia, and the other in El Segundo, California, United States.
Contact:
Simon letendre
Tel: +1 514 796 4973
AMAERO INTERNATIONAL LTD 