Scandium Canada Ltd. (TSX-V: SCD) has announced the execution of a mutual non-disclosure agreement with the University of Waterloo's Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (MSAM), marking a step toward commercializing aluminum-scandium alloys in advanced manufacturing. The collaboration, which began with a visit by Luc Duchesne, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of Scandium Canada and Head of its Scandium+ division, aims to accelerate the development and adoption of these high-performance materials.
MSAM, recognized as one of Canada's leading additive manufacturing research centres, operates from Catalyst137 in Kitchener, Ontario, with over $25 million in state-of-the-art equipment. The lab has built a strong international reputation for work on metal 3D printing, process optimization, development of advanced materials, and qualification of specialized alloys for industrial applications. The collaboration will be led by Professor Mihaela Vlasea, Ph.D., Co-Director of MSAM and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Sustainable Additive Manufacturing, with research support from Mohsen K. Keshavarz, Ph.D., Research Associate. Work will be coordinated by Luc Duchesne.
“Our first target is to develop processes to reduce the cost of advanced manufacturing using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) to broaden the spectrum of market opportunities,” said Duchesne. The focus on cost reduction is critical as additive manufacturing, while offering design flexibility and material efficiency, has historically faced high production costs that limit its adoption across industries. By integrating scandium into aluminum alloys, the partners aim to improve strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance, potentially opening new applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, and consumer electronics.
“Collaborating with one of the most respected additive manufacturing laboratories in the world marks an important step forward for Scandium Canada and for our Scandium+ division,” said Guy Bourassa, Chief Executive Officer of Scandium Canada. “This initiative reflects our commitment to generating concrete commercial opportunities for aluminum-scandium alloys. Working alongside MSAM, a top-tier Canadian research and development organization with deep market expertise and a strong business network, represents a significant step toward achieving our objectives.”
The partnership comes at a time when supply chains for metal additive manufacturing are under pressure to deliver qualified materials consistently. “It is exciting to engage with the industry ecosystem to address pressing supply chain needs for metal additive manufacturing,” said Vlasea. The collaboration could help establish standards for aluminum-scandium powders and processes, making it easier for manufacturers to adopt the technology at scale.
For the additive manufacturing industry, the development of cost-effective aluminum-scandium alloys could lower barriers to entry for high-performance applications. The use of scandium, a rare earth element, has been limited by its high cost and limited supply. Scandium Canada is advancing its Crater Lake mining project in Quebec, which aims to become the world's leading primary source of scandium. By combining upstream supply with downstream application development, the company seeks to create an integrated value chain.
The announcement also highlights the growing role of Canadian research institutions in advanced manufacturing. MSAM's expertise in process optimization and alloy qualification positions it as a key partner for industrial adoption. The collaboration will involve trials using Laser Powder Bed Fusion, a common additive manufacturing technique that builds parts layer by layer from metal powder.
While the agreement marks the beginning of research activities, specific timelines and milestones have not been disclosed. The companies have emphasized that forward-looking statements regarding the outcomes of the collaboration are subject to risks and uncertainties, as detailed in Scandium Canada's filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
