Scandium Canada Files Patent for Aluminium-Scandium Alloys for 3D Printing

Scandium Canada has filed a provisional patent for its two aluminium-scandium alloys and their powders, designed specifically for additive manufacturing (3D printing) applications. The filing was made with the US Patent and Trademark Office under the title “Aluminium alloy powders for additive manufacturing. Methods of producing the same and uses thereof.”

The alloys, developed in collaboration with McMaster University in Ontario, are part of a broader intellectual property portfolio that Scandium Canada has built over the past three years. The company, which holds a market capitalization of C$6.8 million ($7.3 million), views this patent as a key step in advancing 3D printing technologies using aluminium-scandium alloys.

Chief Science Officer Luc Duchesne emphasized the potential of aluminium powders for 3D printing, noting that this patent opens new avenues for manufacturing lightweight, high-strength components for industries like aerospace, automotive, and maritime. He highlighted how 3D printing could transform metal component production, offering improved design flexibility and production efficiency.

In addition to its advancements in 3D printing materials, Scandium Canada continues to develop its flagship Crater Lake Scandium and Rare Earth Project in Québec. The project boasts an indicated resource of 7.3 million tonnes at 282 grams per tonne (g/t) and an inferred resource of 13.2 million tonnes at 264 g/t for the Northern Lobe of the TG Zone.

CEO Guy Bourassa reiterated the company's focus on becoming a leader in the scandium market, emphasizing both the Crater Lake project's potential and the growing applications for scandium. Over the coming months, the company plans to explore opportunities with commercial and research partners to monetise its intellectual property, potentially generating revenue streams separate from its mining activities.