Arcam AB, Sweden, has announced that its metal powder manufacturing subsidiary AP&C, located in Montreal, is significantly expanding its titanium powder production capacity with the commissioning of three new plasma atomizers. The investment follows a surge in demand for AP&C’s titanium powders and, when completed, production capacity will reach at least 500 tons per year.
“With this investment we are committing to supply our present and future customers with superior quality materials to meet the high manufacturing standards of the biomedical and aerospace industries. With the new reactors and atomizing technology advancements, AP&C will triple production capacity in 2016,” stated Alain Dupont, President of AP&C.
Plasma atomization produces premium quality spherical powders of reactive and high melting point materials such as titanium. The process offers the highest purity possible and can produce powders of particle size distribution ranging from 0 to 250 µm with highly spherical particles and minimal satellite content. Plasma atomised powder exhibits exceptional flowability and packing properties.
“The need for high end titanium powder is driven by the fast growth and adoption of additive manufacturing. Arcam is determined to serve the industry through cost efficient solutions thus converting traditional manufacturing into additive manufacturing. A requisite is to offer highest quality powder for production at competitive cost,” added Magnus René, CEO of Arcam.
AP&C powders are extensively used in additive manufacturing, metal injection molding, hot and cold isostatic pressing, and thermal and cold spray coatings.
