Scandium Canada partners with University of Waterloo MSAM Lab to advance additive manufacturing of aluminum-scandium alloys
Scandium Canada Ltd. signed a non-disclosure agreement with the University of Waterloo's Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory to research and commercialize aluminum-scandium alloys for 3D printing, aiming to reduce costs and expand market opportunities.
Scandium Canada Ltd. (TSX-V: SCD) announced the execution of a mutual non-disclosure agreement with the University of Waterloo's Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (MSAM) to explore additive manufacturing of aluminum-scandium alloys. The collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of these advanced materials, which could have significant implications for industries seeking lighter, stronger, and more durable components.
The partnership brings together Scandium Canada's expertise in scandium supply and alloy development with MSAM's world-class capabilities in metal 3D printing. MSAM, located at Catalyst137 in Kitchener, Ontario, is one of Canada's leading additive manufacturing research centres, equipped with over $25 million in state-of-the-art equipment. The lab has built a strong international reputation for process optimization, advanced materials development, and qualification of specialized alloys for industrial applications.
The research collaboration will be led by Professor Mihaela Vlasea, Ph.D., Co-Director of MSAM and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Sustainable Additive Manufacturing, with support from Research Associate Mohsen K. Keshavarz, Ph.D. Luc Duchesne, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of Scandium Canada and Head of Scandium+, will coordinate the work on the company's behalf. Earlier this month, Duchesne visited MSAM to initiate research trials.
“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,” said Duchesne. This focus on cost reduction is critical because scandium, while offering significant performance benefits, has historically been expensive and limited in supply. By improving manufacturing processes, the companies hope to make aluminum-scandium alloys more accessible for applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, and other high-performance sectors.
“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,” said Guy Bourassa, Chief Executive Officer of Scandium Canada. “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.”
The announcement underscores the growing interest in additive manufacturing as a means to produce complex parts with improved material properties. Aluminum-scandium alloys are known for their high strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance, making them attractive for lightweighting initiatives. However, widespread adoption has been hampered by supply chain constraints and processing challenges. By partnering with MSAM, Scandium Canada aims to address these barriers and unlock new markets.
Professor Vlasea expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “It is exciting to engage with the industry ecosystem to address pressing supply chain needs for metal additive manufacturing.” The University of Waterloo's MSAM lab is well-positioned to contribute, given its track record in developing and qualifying specialized alloys for industrial use.
The agreement follows Scandium Canada's broader strategy to leverage its Scandium+ division for research, development, and commercialization of innovative scandium uses. The company also continues to advance its Crater Lake mining project in Quebec, which it aims to develop into the world's leading primary source of scandium. This upstream integration, combined with downstream partnerships like the one with MSAM, positions the company to meet growing demand for high-performance materials.
For investors and industry observers, this partnership signals a tangible step toward bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial application. If successful, the collaboration could accelerate the adoption of aluminum-scandium alloys in additive manufacturing, potentially transforming supply chains for critical components.