Elmet Technologies has signed a distribution agreement with TANIOBIS GmbH to provide high-performance alloys based on niobium and tantalum for the North American market. The focus is on AMtrinsic powder alloys such as C-103 (Nb-Hf-Ti) and FS-85 (Nb-Ta-W-Zr), which have been specially developed for additive manufacturing processes in the aerospace industry. The collaboration aims to build a more robust supply chain for strategic metal powders in critical applications.
C-103, a niobium-hafnium-titanium alloy, is often used in propulsion systems for aerospace applications due to its high creep strength, temperature resistance and ductility. Its comparatively low density enables significant weight savings compared to other refractory metals. FS-85, on the other hand, combines tantalum, tungsten and zirconium to form a high-strength structural alloy with excellent fatigue resistance, which is suitable for components subject to high thermal loads.
Elmet is contributing its existing expertise in molybdenum and tungsten processing as well as its powder metallurgy infrastructure to the collaboration. TANIOBIS, a manufacturer specializing in niobium and tantalum powders, will supply the starting materials and process engineering know-how for alloy development. Both companies have a shared history in the former H.C. Starck Group, which has resulted in technological overlaps and manufacturing experience built up over decades.
The new agreement strengthens the industrial independence of Western markets from non-European supply chains and creates a platform for the expansion of additive manufacturing with difficult-to-melt materials.
Elmet Technologies’ Executive Vice President of Strategy, Scott Knoll, commented: “We believe this strategic collaboration will garner strong support from end-users, and we intend to continue cultivating similar partnerships and alliances in line with our strategic objectives. In addition to unlocking a more comprehensive material, product, and service portfolio for our customers, this collaboration also enhances supply chain resilience and reliability across critical Western, European, and North American industries. Through our shared commitment to innovation and operational agility, this partnership is aligned on long-term growth, sustainability, and supply chain security.”
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