Elmet Technologies, a US manufacturer of tungsten and molybdenum products, has signed a distribution agreement with Taniobis GmbH, a leading producer of high-quality tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb) materials.
Additive manufactured AMtrinsic powders
The goal of the strategic partnership is to create a robust and flexible supply chain for AMtrinsic additive manufacturing powders based on niobium-hafnium-titanium (C-103) and niobium-tantalum-tungsten-zirconium (FS-85) in the United States and North America. In addition, the agreement provides the opportunity to further expand distribution of other AMtrinsic powders, particularly niobium and tantalum-based alloys.
Alloys for critical applications
Elmet Technologies and Taniobis are pooling their expertise in refractory metals, powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing as part of this cooperation. Together, they will work to strengthen and further develop the supply of their alloys for critical high-performance applications to Western supply chains.
Common roots
Both companies were originally closely associated with the German H.C. Starck GmbH, a major chemical and metallurgical industry group. Commenting on the distribution partnership, Dr. Ole Brettschneider, Chief Commercial Officer at Taniobis, said: "With Elmet, we have found an ideal partner to further establish our niobium-based powders in North America. Together we can offer comprehensive customer and application support to the US aerospace and defense industry."
Molybdenum and tungsten product portfolio
Specializing in the manufacture of molybdenum and tungsten products, Elmet Technologies will leverage its existing manufacturing techniques, infrastructure and powder metallurgy expertise to continue to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance products and materials.
Alloy C-103: Temperature resistant and lightweight
Elmet Technologies intends to enter into similar partnerships and alliances. "This collaboration also improves supply chain stability and reliability in key Western, European and North American industries," says Scott Knoll, Executive Vice President of Strategy at Elmet. Alloy C-103 (Nb-10Hf-1Ti), for example, meets the requirements of space propulsion applications with its high temperature strength, ductility and high creep resistance. The lower weight of this alloy has advantages for aerospace applications at a lower cost compared to platinum group metals.