Metal-Powder
GE Aviation has entered a joint venture with Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI), a producer of advanced speciality materials, to develop a new meltless titanium alloy powder for use in additive manufacturing applications.
The new partners will get to work on the metal powder at a new research and development facility, which will be established especially for the purpose of this joint venture.
GE Aviation will contribute its engineering, development and technical prowess, while ATI’s technology and manufacturing capabilities will be utilised. The vast experience ATI has in the development of speciality metal powders, premium-quality titanium and nickel-based alloys for the most advanced applications will also prove crucial in the partnership.
“Developing new materials is an important part of our vision for our business,” said David Joyce, vice chairman of GE and president and CEO of GE Aviation. “ATI is a recognised leader in advanced speciality materials, and we are excited about the collaboration this new joint venture enables.”
Rich Harshman, ATI’s Chairman, President and CEO, added: “We are pleased to join with GE Aviation to create this innovative next-generation technology joint venture. The science of speciality metal powders is a transformative technology and we intend to maintain and enhance our industry-leading position.”
ATI is among the global leaders in the development of speciality materials and complex components, with its largest market being that of aerospace and defence. With such experience in this sector, and its previous work on a range of metal powders, it is no mystery as to why GE Aviation has sought to link up with the company. GE Aviation, a subsidiary of the multi-national conglomerate General Electric, is itself a leading provider of jet engines, components, and avionics among other things. The company has also long been committed to incorporating 3D technologies into its production processes, and with this latest joint venture, looks set to continue with those methods.
