The collaboration creates a more resilient and agile supply chain for AMtrinsic® Nb-Hf-Ti (C-103) powder and AMtrinsic® Nb-Ta-W-Zr (FS-85) powder in the United States and North America. In addition, the agreement allows for the potential of further expansion into distribution of other AMtrinsic® powders, especially those involving Niobium (Nb) and Tantalum (Ta) based alloys.

Elmet Technologies and TANIOBIS GmbH agreed to collaborate, leveraging their respective experience and expertise in refractory metals, powder metallurgy processing, and additive manufacturing for the mutual benefit of both parties, and work collaboratively to develop and enhance the Western supply chain for niobium, tantalum, and related Nb and Ta based alloys for critical high-performance applications.

Both companies share a common heritage in H.C. Starck. Elmet Technologies acquired H.C. Starck Solutions Americas in 2023, while TANIOBIS, formerly H.C. Starck Tantalum and Niobium GmbH, was acquired by JX Metals and Mining Corporation in 2018 and rebranded as TANIOBIS in 2020.

“For TANIOBIS, with our leading position in niobium-based additive manufacturing powders — including C-103, FS-85, and Cb-752 — Elmet is the ideal partner to deliver comprehensive customer and application support to the U.S. aerospace and defense industries,” says Dr. Ole Brettschneider, Chief Commercial Officer at TANIOBIS. “Combining TANIOBIS’ deep expertise in niobium powder manufacturing and Elmet’s advanced capabilities in powder metallurgy and application development, our long-shared history provides a strong foundation for continuing this journey together.”

As experts in manufacturing molybdenum and tungsten, Elmet Technologies will leverage its existing manufacturing techniques, infrastructure, and powder metallurgy expertise to deliver an extensive portfolio of high-performance products and materials to now include C-103 and FS-85 powders, among other AMtrinsic® powders consisting of niobium and tantalum in pure and alloyed forms.

Elmet Technologies’ Executive Vice President of Strategy, Scott Knoll, commented: “We believe this strategic collaboration will garner strong support from end-users, and we intend to continue cultivating similar partnerships and alliances in line with our strategic objectives. In addition to unlocking a more comprehensive material, product, and service portfolio for our customers, this collaboration also enhances supply chain resilience and reliability across critical Western, European, and North American industries. Through our shared commitment to innovation and operational agility, this partnership is aligned on long-term growth, sustainability, and supply chain security.”

C-103 (Nb-10Hf-1Ti) alloy meets the requirements of space propulsion applications with its high-temperature strength, ductility, and high creep resistance. In addition to superior mechanical properties, the reduced weight of this alloy in comparison to other refractory alloys bring several advantages to aerospace applications, and at a lower cost when compared to platinum group metals.

FS-85 (Nb-28Ta-10W-1Zr) is a high-strength niobium (Nb) base alloy with superior creep performance, tensile strength, and fatigue resistance. Due to its high-temperature stability, FS-85 is considered a structural material for various aerospace applications.

Niobium (Nb) is the lightest refractory metal and exhibits unique properties such as high temperature stability, superconductivity, high ductility and biocompatibility. Niobium powders are widely used in aerospace, medical, nuclear, energy, and automotive industries. Tantalum (Ta) exhibits outstanding properties such as high strength, high ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility providing unique possibilities for application in aerospace, medical, nuclear, and chemical industries.