Scandium Canada develops aluminum-scandium alloys for metallic 3D printing

The Canadian company Scandium Canada Ltd. recently announced progress in the development of new aluminum-scandium alloys for use in industrial 3D printing. The focus is on an innovative alloy that is specially designed to significantly reduce the formation of micro-cracks during the solidification process in the printing process. The company had already communicated initial details of the planned expansion of its activities in this area in November 2024.

In September last year, Scandium Canada filed a corresponding patent application with the Canadian Patent Office for two aluminum-scandium alloys that were specially developed for additive manufacturing processes. The first test samples (“coupons”) have now been successfully printed. Over the next two months, these samples will be subjected to extensive tests to determine their mechanical properties. In particular, the effects of heat treatment on strength and material behavior will be investigated.

Scandium Canada’s aim is to use these alloys to address markets with a rapid innovation cycle and an acute need for improved materials. These include the aerospace industry, the automotive industry and the defense sector. In the aerospace sector in particular, lightweight yet robust alloys are urgently needed, for example for the manufacture of aircraft structures, gears and valve components.

Dr. Luc Duchesne, who is responsible for the project, sees great potential in rapidly introducing the new technology to the market through targeted cooperation with companies. Interested trade visitors can find out more details about the development at the PDAC 2025 conference in Toronto, where Duchesne will present the project in detail.

With this step, Scandium Canada Ltd. is establishing itself in the growing market for metallic materials in 3D printing and is particularly targeting industries with high innovation pressure and short implementation times.