Norsk Titanium AS (NTi), a global 3D-printing technology leader, announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with lightweight metals leader Alcoa to launch a Joint Technology and Industrial Cooperation program. Through the program, the companies will identify and explore cooperation projects to leverage each other's advanced manufacturing expertise and strong commercial capabilities focused on serving the fast-growing needs of aerospace, defense, energy, automotive and maritime customers.

“We're thrilled to deepen our relationship with Alcoa through this program, which is focused on advancing the global reach of our game-changing, 3D-printing Direct Metal Deposition technology,” said NTi President & Chief Executive Officer Warren M. Boley, Jr. “Through this cooperation program, we expect to build on our innovative technology capabilities by leveraging Alcoa's in-depth understanding of lightweight metal components, increase our offerings for aerospace and other end markets, and support our goal of delivering near-net-shape titanium components finished with minimal machining.”

“Through this joint cooperation program, we will bring together Alcoa's unmatched metallurgical know-how and deep aerospace industry relationships with Norsk Titanium's 3D-printing technologies, to ultimately accelerate the introduction of advanced manufactured aerospace solutions,” said Eric Roegner, President of Alcoa Titanium and Engineered Products. “This program will further support our efforts to push beyond the limits of today's additive manufacturing and meet fast-growing demand for 3D-printed aerospace parts.”

In July 2015, RTI International Metals, now Alcoa Titanium and Engineered Products, became a strategic investor in and minority owner of Norsk Titanium. The combination of NTi's innovative technology with Alcoa's vertically integrated titanium global supply has significant applications in the titanium closed-die forging market.

Today NTi is producing aerospace-grade titanium components with its fourth generation equipment. Based upon extensive material testing, Norsk Titanium expects to formally conclude the multi-year aviation certification process in the first quarter of 2016 and will begin producing titanium components for customer part qualification in 2016 and commercially producing titanium components for its customers by the second half of 2016.