Rotherham-based Metalysis (www.metalysis.com), which is a producer of metal powders for 3-D printing and other technologies, has signed a joint commercial R&D programme with an unnamed international partner to co-create a high-value aluminium-scandium alloy.

The company will use its electro-chemical technology to provide a scandium-rich feedstock addition that supports ‘master alloy’ production. The research programme will take place in phases at the Materials Discovery Centre at the Sheffiled-based Advanced Manufacturing Park Innovation District.

In March, it was announced that Metalysis had signed an R&D partnership to research, develop and commercialise rare-earth metal alloys for use in 3-D printed magnets.

CEO Dion Vaughan said: “We are very pleased to welcome another international partner to our R&D project portfolio, and look forward to commencing a particularly exciting work programme together.

“Aluminium-scandium alloys are a subject of huge interest to Metalysis; and while their cost implications are well-known, so are their highly beneficial characteristics.”

Aluminium-scandium alloys are in increasing demand for high-specification manufacturing applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, due to their strength and weight characteristics. However, scandium can triple the cost of producing light alloys.

Mr Vaughan added: “We will use our Metalysis processes to explore opportunities to reduce the cost of these alloys and deliver a high-demand high-spec product. Achieving this would create an important area of potential growth for both parties.”