New Alcoa Factory for Metal Powders Used in 3D Printing

Alcoa has opened a 3D printing metal powder production facility to produce proprietary nickel, aluminum, and titanium powders used in 3D printed aerospace parts, the New York City-based company announced Wednesday. The company said the plant is part of a $60 million investment in expanding Alcoa’s advanced 3D printing materials and processes.

The company “is forging a leadership path in additive manufacturing with a sharp focus on the critical input material – metal powders,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa’s chairman and chief executive officer in a statement. “We are combining our expertise in metallurgy, manufacturing, design, and product qualification to push beyond the possibilities of today’s 3D printing technologies for aerospace and other growth markets.”

The opening of the facility at the Alcoa Technology Center near Pittsburgh, PA – the world’s largest light metals research center – allows Alcoa to expand its production of metal powders used for 3D printing, particularly materials with properties needed for high-performance components.

The plant will become part of Arconic after it separate’s from Alcoa’s commodity business in the latter half of 2016, the company said. Recently, aircraft producer Airbus selected Alcoa to supply 3D titanium fuselage and engine pylon parts for commercial aircraft.