PROJECT SCANDIUM

 

 

The SCANDIUM project, funded by NGen and conducted with Scandium Canada, FusiA Group, McGill University, and McMaster University, had one clear yet ambitious goal: to establish a fully integrated Canadian supply chain for the development and production of aluminum–scandium alloys tailored for metal 3D printing.​

The core objective: to deliver a high-performance, lightweight, and cost-competitive alternative to the alloys currently used in aerospace, automotive, and electrical technologies.

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Project Advances

Scandium Canada developed two new Al-Sc alloys — AA7075-Sc and A535-Sc — along with powder variants compatible with Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Work conducted with McMaster University resulted in a strong intellectual property foundation, now protected by a provisional patent filed in September 2024.

These new materials enable the production of lighter, stronger components capable of operating in demanding mechanical and thermal environments.

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Role of FusiA Group

FusiA ensured the transition from material development to industrial application. Key contributions included:

• powder qualification for additive manufacturing,

• evaluation of alloy behavior under Laser Powder Bed Fusion,

• prototype fabrication for mechanical and industrial testing,

• performance validation to meet aerospace and automotive requirements.

This expertise strengthens FusiA’s ability to support the industrialization of advanced materials for additive manufacturing.

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A Fully Operational Canadian Supply Chain

The project enabled the creation of a complete national value chain — from the Crater Lake scandium resource to additive-ready powders.

The launch of Scandium+ in 2025 continues this effort with three priorities:

• development of next-generation Al-Sc alloys,

• execution of pilot projects with industry partners,

• acceleration of pre-commercial activities in strategic sectors.

This localized integration reduces supply-chain risks and secures industrial-scale deployment.

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Short-Term Priorities

The program is now focused on:

• identifying applications with the best performance-to-cost ratio,

• prototyping aerospace, automotive, and energy components,

• developing solar-panel frame structures,

• optimizing thermal exchangers,

• producing Al-Sc welding wire,

• expanding academic collaborations in Canada and internationally.

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SCANDIUM confirms Canada’s ability to develop lightweight, high-performance materials suited for advanced manufacturing processes.
For FusiA, this project marks a key milestone in integrating next-generation alloys into metal additive manufacturing. The outcomes — alloys, prototypes, IP, and a fully local supply chain — lay the foundation for future large-scale industrialization of aluminum–scandium alloys.