Norsk Titanium (Norsk) and QuesTek Innovations LLC (QuesTek) announce a collaborative effort to test novel titanium alloys for applicability in additive manufacturing processes. As part of this collaboration, the companies are evaluating a QuesTek-designed titanium alloy using Norsk's Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process. Preliminary evaluation of the alloy is complete and Norsk has manufactured initial test specimens.

The test program will characterize the alloy microstructure, provide initial material properties, and will confirm QuesTek's Ti alloy performance using Norsk's proven production process. QuesTek's patented titanium alloy has previously demonstrated approximately 15% greater strength and improved ductility over traditional Ti-6Al-4V in both wire-based Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing and traditional casting processes.

"We are excited to be working closely with Norsk Titanium's business and technical team to evaluate our alloy in their proven process. Based on our interactions with the major aerospace component suppliers and aircraft OEMs in the U.S., Europe and Japan, we know there is a significant desire for reliable, higher performance Additive Manufactured titanium components that will enable light weighting and an increase in component life," said QuesTek's Manager of Business Development Jeff Grabowski.

When implemented, the new alloy is expected to provide material properties in excess of the standard Ti-6Al-4V already provided by Norsk. "Norsk is continually evaluating new applications of our process beyond the structural airframe components in production today. QuesTek's novel titanium alloy will allow RPD to grow into new applications and will allow designers to take further advantage of the benefits of additive processes," stated Norsk Vice President of Product Development Nicholas Mayer.