Dear flyby,

Thank you for your question.

We are considering supplying powders to the auto industry, but our primary focus right now is on supplying Plasma Atomized powders; our specialty.

Let me explain:

Plasma Atomization typically produces powders that are in many respects superior in quality to typical gas or water atomized powders and, as such, are used in more exacting/demanding processes. 

The “giant presses” that you refer to (either Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP, Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP), or even possibly Metal Injection Molding) are not that demanding when it comes to certain powder characteristics. They do not need to be as spherical, for example, so a lesser quality powder can be used. These processes are ideal for high volume production of simple geometric parts.  Additive Manufacturing (AM) on the other hand usually focuses on parts that have more complex geometries.

Although the automotive industry has yet to widely adopt AM for high volume parts, we are beginning to see AM being used in the automotive industry for “high-value” parts.  An interesting example of this is Bugatti’s AM produced brake caliper where Ti64 is used. (https://www.bugatti.com/media/news/2018/world-premiere-brake-caliper-from-3-d-printer/). Interestingly enough, Ti64 is exactly the material we sell.

Thanks for your interest in PyroGenesis and posting your question here.

Hope that helps,

Peter

CEO PyroGenesis Canada Inc