Scandium Canada announced the signing of a mutual non-disclosure agreement with the University of Waterloo to establish a research collaboration focused on the additive manufacturing of aluminum-scandium alloys. The partnership will leverage the expertise of the university’s Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (MSAM), one of Canada’s leading centers for research in metal additive manufacturing.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of aluminum-scandium alloys for advanced manufacturing applications. Earlier this month, Scandium Canada’s Chief Science Officer and Head of Scandium+, Dr. Luc Duchesne, visited the MSAM facility to initiate discussions and research trials aimed at expanding the use of these advanced materials.
Located at Catalyst137 in Kitchener, Ontario, MSAM is internationally recognized for its work in metal 3D printing, process optimization, advanced materials development, and alloy qualification. The laboratory operates more than $25 million in specialized additive manufacturing equipment and has developed strong industry relationships across multiple sectors.
The research initiative will be led by Dr. Mihaela Vlasea, Co-Director of MSAM and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Additive Manufacturing, with support from Research Associate Dr. Mohsen K. Keshavarz. Scandium Canada’s participation will be coordinated by Duchesne through the company’s Scandium+ division, which focuses on developing commercial applications for scandium-based technologies.
According to the companies, the initial objective is to develop manufacturing processes that reduce costs associated with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), a widely used metal additive manufacturing technology. Lower production costs could expand the commercial viability of aluminum-scandium alloys across a broader range of industrial applications.
Scandium Canada is pursuing a strategy that combines alloy development through Scandium+ with the advancement of its Crater Lake mining project. The company aims to become a leading producer of scandium and support growing demand for lightweight, durable, and high-performance materials used in aerospace, transportation, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries.
KEY QUOTES:
“Collaborating with one of the most respected additive manufacturing laboratories in the world marks an important step forward for Scandium Canada and for our Scandium+ division. This initiative reflects our commitment to generating concrete commercial opportunities for aluminum-scandium alloys. Working alongside MSAM, a top-tier Canadian research and development organization with deep market expertise and a strong business network, represents a significant step toward achieving our objectives.”
Guy Bourassa, Chief Executive Officer, Scandium Canada
“Our first target is to develop processes to reduce the cost of advanced manufacturing using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) to broaden the spectrum of market opportunities.”
Luc Duchesne, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Scandium Canada And Head Of Scandium+
“It is exciting to engage with the industry ecosystem to address pressing supply chain needs for metal additive manufacturing.”
Mihaela Vlasea, Ph.D., Co-Director, Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, Associate Professor, And Canada Research Chair (Tier II) In Sustainable Additive Manufacturing, University Of Waterloo
