Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) has announced that it is expanding its nickel-based superalloy powder capabilities to satisfy strong demand from the aerospace jet engine market and growing demand from the additive manufacturing industry, particularly for 3D printed parts used in the aerospace, medical, electrical energy and oil & gas markets. The self-funded expansion, which is projected to cost approximately $70 million and take two years to complete, will be located at the ATI Specialty Materials business unit’s operations near Monroe, North Carolina.
“This strategic growth project will strengthen ATI’s position in the production of technically demanding superalloy powders used to produce advanced mill products and forgings, primarily for next-generation jet engines,” said Rich Harshman, ATI’s Chairman, President and CEO. “A significant portion of the powders to be produced from this expansion are needed to meet requirements of existing long-term agreements with jet engine OEMs that run well into the next decade. The expansion also better positions ATI to continue as a leading innovator supplying advanced powders to the new and rapidly growing additive manufacturing industry.”
Nickel-based superalloy powders provide extreme alloy compositions and a refined microstructure that offer increased performance and longer useful lives in high-temperature and highly corrosive environments.