Elmet Technologies signs with TANIOBIS to strengthen niobium powder supply

Elmet Technologies, the only fully integrated and U.S.-owned manufacturer of tungsten and molybdenum, has announced a new strategic partnership with TANIOBIS GmbH, a global leader in tantalum and niobium materials. This agreement aims to reinforce the Western supply chain for two critical niobium-based additive manufacturing powders: AMtrinsic Nb-Hf-Ti (C-103) and AMtrinsic Nb-Ta-W-Zr (FS-85), within the U.S. and North American markets.

Under the terms of this partnership, both companies will explore opportunities to expand distribution to include other AMtrinsic powders, particularly those derived from niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) alloys. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the production and delivery of high-performance materials for critical applications in aerospace, defense, medical, and energy sectors.

Elmet and TANIOBIS bring complementary expertise to the table. With extensive experience in refractory metals, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing, the companies will work together to develop a more agile and resilient supply network for Nb and Ta-based alloys. This alliance supports their joint mission to enhance material availability and reliability across strategic industries.

The collaboration is rooted in a common heritage. Elmet Technologies completed its acquisition of H.C. Starck Solutions Americas in November 2023. Meanwhile, TANIOBIS—formerly known as H.C. Starck Tantalum and Niobium GmbH—was rebranded after its acquisition by JX Metals and Mining Corporation in 2018. Although now separate entities, both companies retain the deep technical legacy and specialized capabilities of their predecessors.

Dr. Ole Brettschneider, Chief Commercial Officer at TANIOBIS, stated that the partnership is a natural fit. “TANIOBIS is a recognized leader in niobium-based AM powders such as C-103, FS-85, and Cb-752. Elmet’s extensive capabilities in powder metallurgy and customer support make them an ideal U.S. partner for delivering advanced solutions to the aerospace and defense industries. Our shared legacy strengthens the foundation for long-term collaboration.”

Elmet Technologies, renowned for its expertise in tungsten and molybdenum manufacturing, will apply its advanced infrastructure and powder metallurgy capabilities to expand its product offerings. This now includes C-103 and FS-85, among other AMtrinsic powders, ensuring high-performance solutions tailored to U.S. industry needs.

Scott Knoll, Executive Vice President of Strategy at Elmet Technologies, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to build stronger, more resilient supply chains. We aim to support our customers with a broader portfolio of materials and services while enhancing supply chain reliability and innovation across North America.”

The C-103 alloy, a niobium-based material composed of 10% hafnium and 1% titanium (Nb-10Hf-1Ti), is highly valued in space propulsion for its strength, ductility, and resistance to creep at high temperatures. It is also lighter and more cost-effective than many platinum group metals, making it a preferred choice for aerospace applications.

FS-85, another advanced alloy consisting of 28% tantalum, 10% tungsten, and 1% zirconium (Nb-28Ta-10W-1Zr), offers outstanding creep performance, fatigue resistance, and tensile strength. Its thermal stability makes it well-suited for high-stress aerospace structures.

Niobium is the lightest refractory metal and is notable for its high-temperature stability, superconductivity, ductility, and biocompatibility. These properties make it indispensable in sectors ranging from aerospace and energy to medicine and automotive. Tantalum, similarly, boasts exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, ductility, and biocompatibility, supporting its use in medical devices, nuclear energy, chemicals, and more.

As part of this initiative, Elmet Technologies has launched a dedicated website for C-103-related products and capabilities, accessible at www.elmetc103.com. This platform complements the recent debut of Elmet Additive, a new website focused on additive manufacturing and metal powders for 3D printing. Elmet Additive showcases the company’s advanced solutions for aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and energy sectors.

TANIOBIS, which rebranded in 2022, continues to build on six decades of expertise in producing tantalum and niobium materials. The company supplies high-performance powders tailored to customer needs in industries such as automotive, energy, aviation, electronics, chemicals, and medical technology. Its work in electric mobility further highlights the vital role of these materials in modern innovation.

This strategic partnership between Elmet Technologies and TANIOBIS GmbH marks a significant step toward ensuring a secure, high-quality supply of refractory metal powders for North American industries and beyond.